Champion Creek Reservoir 2018 Survey Report (PDF 488.1 KB)
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Champion Creek Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report
Prepared by Lynn D. Wright
Inland Fisheries Division - San Angelo District
This is the author's summary from an 21-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Champion Creek Reservoir were surveyed in 2018 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2019 using tandem hoop netting. Historical data are presented with the 2018-2019 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
Champion Creek Reservoir is a 1,560-acre impoundment at conservation pool (2083 feet above MSL) located 7 miles south of Colorado City in Mitchell County, Texas, in the Colorado River drainage basin. The reservoir is primarily used for recreation. Historically, Champion Creek has experienced long periods of extreme low water conditions. From 1999 to 2014 the reservoir ranged from 30 to 55 feet below conservation pool, with its lowest level recorded on June 1, 2003 (2027.98 feet elevation, 176 surface acres). The reservoir filled to over 70% capacity in December 2018, the highest water level since the 1980’s. Habitat features consisted of rocks, natural shoreline, and flooded saltcedar. Reservoir level was approximately 2071 feet elevation and 1107 surface acres during 2018 fall sampling.
Management History
Important sport fish historically included Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, catfishes, and White Bass. The management of this reservoir has been impacted by chronic low-water levels and toxic golden alga blooms in winter 2014-2015. Fisher Park was renovated in 2016 which improved reservoir boating and bank access. Fish attractors were paced in the reservoir in 2017 with conservation license plate funds and donations from local partners.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was high, but few Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Bluegill were moderate in abundance and provide additional forage for predators.
- Channel Catfish: Total hoop net catch rates was 4.6/net series in spring 2019. Fish up to 19 inches were observed.
- Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass abundance was low as the population recovers from past golden alga fish kills. Largemouth Bass had fast growth (age at 14 inches long was 2.0 years) and condition was adequate. Florida Largemouth Bass alleles comprised 45% of the population genetics in 2018.
- White Crappie: White Crappie were in low abundance as the population recovers from past golden alga fish kills. Crappie up to 10 inches were collected.
Management Strategies
- Stock Florida strain Largemouth Bass at 1000/km shoreline in 2020.
- Conduct additional electrofishing, trap net, and baited hoop net surveys in 2020-2021, and general monitoring surveys with trap nets, baited hoop nets, and electrofishing surveys in 2022-2023.
- Access and vegetation surveys will be conducted in 2022.
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