Halbert Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report

Prepared by Richard A. Ott, Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division - Tyler South District

This is the authors' summary from a 22-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Halbert were surveyed in 2018 using electrofishing and trap netting and in 2019 using gill netting. Vegetation and angler access surveys were conducted in August 2018. This report summarizes results of these surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake Halbert is a 531-acre reservoir on Elm Creek, a tributary of the Trinity River, constructed by the City of Corsicana in 1921 to provide water for municipal and industrial purposes. Boat access is adequate, and a fishing pier is available. In addition, shoreline access is available in the park along the west bank. A prolonged drought in 2005-2006 reduced reservoir capacity to approximately 28% volume and the reservoir was closed to recreation; water level has stabilized since the last survey.

Management History

Important sport fish include White Crappie and catfishes. City of Corsicana personnel have maintained Zebra Mussel inspections at the boat ramp. Local news media outlets have been contacted regarding the Blue Catfish and White Crappie fisheries potential. The City of Corsicana proposed control of aquatic vegetation but was advised that it was unnecessary.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Electrofishing catch of Gizzard Shad was excellent, and most were available as prey to sport fish. Bluegill and Longear Sunfish further contributed to the forage base.
• Catfishes: Blue Catfish relative abundance has declined since the last survey and Channel Catfish abundance increased and have become the predominant catfish species. No Blue Catfish reproduction or recruitment was documented.
• White Bass: White Bass continued to exhibit inconsistent recruitment and low abundance, likely due to limited spawning habitat. Body condition from the 2019 survey was above average and all specimens collected were legal length.
• Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass were present in low numbers and few legal-size fish were available to anglers. Body condition was average. Largemouth Bass have historically persisted at low densities in Lake Halbert.
• Crappie: Black Crappie were present, but at low abundance. Trap net catch rate of White Crappie was good in the 2018 survey. Both size distribution and relative weights of White Crappie were also good. Reproduction and recruitment of White Crappie has been consistent.

Management Strategies

• Continue promoting the crappie fishery and consult with City of Corsicana personnel regarding placement of fish attractors near shoreline angler access points.
• Continue contact with City of Corsicana regarding monitoring for Zebra Mussels.

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