White River Reservoir - 2022 Survey Report

Prepared by John Clayton and Caleb Huber
Inland Fisheries Division - Amarillo District

This is the authors' summary from a 35-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in White River Reservoir were surveyed in 2020 and 2022 using electrofishing, in 2021 and 2023 using gill netting, and in 2021 using trap netting. Historical data are presented with the 2019-2023 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

At conservation pool (2,372.2 feet MSL), White River Reservoir is a 2,020-acre impoundment constructed in 1963 on the White River, a tributary of the Salt Fork of the Brazos River. The reservoir is located in Crosby County approximately 55 miles east of Lubbock, Texas. From 1992 to 2014, White River Reservoir experienced a declining trend in lake levels. A record low was set in May 2014 when the reservoir dropped to an elevation of 2336.7 feet MSL and a surface area of 239 acres. During sampling, the reservoir maintained an elevation near 2,350 feet MSL and 689 acres. Habitat features consisted of natural non-descript shoreline, rocks, and standing timber. White River Reservoir is owned and operated by the White River Municipal Water District as a municipal water supply and for recreational purposes. The reservoir has three boat ramps; during extremely low water levels there is a permanent low water launch site.

Management History

Sport fish in the reservoir included Walleye, White Bass, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and catfishes. Past surveys have shown that White Crappie were overabundant in the reservoir and exhibited poor growth. Walleye stockings have been utilized in part to mitigate overabundance of White Crappie; Walleye were last stocked in May 2023. Florida Largemouth Bass were stocked in 1982, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2019 in order to maintain a trophy Largemouth Bass fishery.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Gizzard Shad and Bluegill served as the primary prey species in the reservoir. The 2022 electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad declined slightly, but still showed a high number available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill increased, and all Bluegill were small enough to be consumed by predators.
• Catfishes: Gill net catch rate for Channel Catfish has decreased since 2019, but the majority of fish sampled were greater than 12 inches. The 2023 Blue Catfish catch is similar to 2019, and the majority of fish sampled ranged between 12 and 28 inches. Flathead Catfish were also present in the reservoir.
• Largemouth Bass: Electrofishing catch rate for Largemouth Bass has declined since 2018. Sampled fish ranged between 7 and 19 inches.
• White Crappie: White Crappie were moderately abundant with legal-size fish available to anglers.
• Walleye: Gill net catch rates of Walleye have decreased, but all Walleye sampled were 18 to 26 inches with most measuring 23 inches and larger.

Management Strategies

• Continue stocking Walleye and Florida Largemouth Bass.
• Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species.
• Conduct additional electrofishing survey in 2024, additional gill net survey in 2025, and general monitoring surveys with gill nets, trap nets, and electrofishing surveys in 2026-2027.
• Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2026.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-5 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program