Lake Winnsboro 2022 Survey Report
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Lake Winnsboro - 2022 Survey Report
Prepared by Jacob Norman, Quintin Dean and David Smith
Inland Fisheries Division - Tyler North District
This is the authors' summary from a 20-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.
Fish populations in Lake Winnsboro were surveyed in 2022 using electrofishing and in 2023 using gill netting. Historical data are presented with the 2022-2023 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
Lake Winnsboro is an 875-acre impoundment located on Big Sandy Creek in the Sabine River Basin approximately 6 miles southwest of Winnsboro, Texas. Primary water uses included flood control and recreation. Habitat features consisted of natural shoreline and limited native emergent vegetation.
Management History
Important sport fish include Largemouth Bass, crappie and Channel Catfish. Florida Largemouth Bass have been periodically stocked in the reservoir since 1974; most recently in 2015-2017. Water willow was planted in 2010 to improve littoral habitat.
Fish Community
- Prey species: Threadfin Shad were abundant in the reservoir. Electrofishing catch rate of Gizzard Shad was high and 98% were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was moderate with the majority of the fish < 5 inches.
- Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish were abundant in the reservoir and provided good angling opportunities. Gill net catch rates have increased over the last three surveys and 12 to 16-inch fish were abundant.
- Largemouth Bass: Largemouth Bass size structure continued to suggest a balanced population however relative abundance has decreased over the past several surveys. Relative weights remained good for most size classes and fish reached legal length (14 inches) in 2.2 years on average.
- Crappie: Both Black and White Crappie have historically provided a popular fishery.
Management Strategies
- Introduce native aquatic vegetation for fish habitat.
- When aquatic vegetation is at a level that will provide adequate habitat, request Florida Largemouth Bass stockings to enhance the quality and trophy potential of the fishery.
- Continue to manage all sport fish under statewide harvest regulations.
- Inform the public about the negative impacts of aquatic 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