Sweetwater Reservoir - 2018 Survey Report

Prepared by Natalie Goldstrohm and Michael Homer Jr.
Inland Fisheries Division - Abilene District

This is the authors' summary from a 14-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Sweetwater Reservoir were not surveyed in fall 2015 through spring 2019 because of drought conditions and golden alga fish kill events.

Reservoir Description

Sweetwater Reservoir is a 630-acre reservoir located in Sweetwater, Texas. The reservoir is in the Brazos River Basin on Bitter and Cottonwood creeks, tributaries of the Clear Fork. It is owned and operated by the City of Sweetwater and is used for municipal and recreational purposes. In July 2007, water level increased substantially and was nearly full. The water level dropped to 27.5 feet below conservation pool (CP) as of May 2015. In winter 2018, the reservoir filled to CP. A golden alga bloom caused major fish kill event in March 2003 and winter 2014. A mild fish kill event was caused by golden alga in winter 2015. Boat access consists of two public-use ramps, and bank access was limited to the boat ramp areas and the park.

Management History

Historically, important sport fish have included Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and White Crappie. A 14- to 18-inch slot limit on Largemouth Bass was implemented in September 2001 but reverted to statewide regulations in September 2018. After the reservoir filled in November 2018, sport and forage fishes were reintroduced beginning in 2019. Fathead Minnows, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Channel Catfish were stocked.

Fish Community

No data were collected because of drought and golden alga fish kill events.

Management Strategies

• The reservoir should continue to be managed with existing regulations. If waterbody conditions allow for continued survival of fishes, additional stockings of Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass will be requested as a part of the drought recovery plan. Survey of the fish populations will resume in 2019 and 2022 with exploratory, nighttime electrofishing and in 2022 with tandem-hoop nets and trap nets. Golden alga will be monitored annually during winter and early spring. Potential improvements to the public boat ramp will be discussed with the controlling authority. Discuss exotic salt cedar survey results with the controlling authority and work on developing potential strategies for control. Inform the public of the threats and impacts of golden alga and invasive species.

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