Comparison of Creel Statistics for River and Reservoir Components of a Texas White Bass Fishery

Abstract

A popular fishery for white bass Morone chrysops in Texas was monitored in the spring of two consecutive years to assess the distribution of fishing effort between a 9,312-ha reservoir and a 20-km reach of the upstream river. Fishing effort directed at white bass totaled 22,110 angler-hours the first year, with 49.1% of this effort occurring in the river. The second year, directed effort was substantially lower (8,227 angler-hours, 23.9% occurring in the river). The reduction in directed effort during the second year was attributed to low water levels followed by flooding that restricted access to the river during about one-third of the white bass fishing season. The results of creel surveys conducted in the river and in the reservoir proper differed as to the observed proportions of boat and bank anglers and the proportions of anglers seeking different species. Catch rates were similar among areas the first year but not the second. There was no difference among areas in the percentage of the white bass catch retained. When managing white bass fisheries in reservoirs, it is important to assess the extent of fishing effort and harvest that occurs outside the reservoir. In systems where white bass migrate out of the reservoir during spring, surveys should incorporate portions of the upstream river so that managers can accurately monitor the fishery and evaluate harvest regulations.