Lake Texoma Winter Striped Bass Gill Netting Survey Results for 2008
Information from the February 2008 gill netting survey conducted by fisheries personnel with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department from 30 sampling locations from the upper Washita River Arm to the dam, to the upper Red River Arm on Lake Texoma was completed and analyzed. Two graphs are included that show long-term trends in striped bass population levels and also size structure of 596 fish collected during the survey.
Our data indicates that overall abundance of striped bass continues to be very good with total numbers slightly lower than levels observed in 2007, but still ranking 7th in the past 16 year trend (Figure 1). Abundance of 20 inch and larger stripers increased slightly compared to 2007 levels.
The 2007/2008 population size structure and abundance graph (Figure 2) indicates that good numbers of (11-13 inch) stripers from the 2006 year class were collected; In 2007 there were excellent numbers of 16 – 18 inch fish. These fish have now grown into the 19 – 21 inch class and should provide excellent angling for stripers greater than 20 inches.
What does this mean? We should have another good fishing season ahead of us in 2008 barring unforeseen problems such as the flood of 2007. We should have a good summer of fishing with high numbers of 11 – 15 inch fish available for catching, with 20 inch fish still representing (two out of every ten fish caught). There should be an increased number of 19 – 22 inch stripers for anglers to catch in 2008. Anglers should also have ample opportunity to catch numerous quality 4 – 10 lb. fish and some trophy fish as well to photograph and release or put on the wall of the den.
Again I would encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect this tremendous resource and return the fish in good condition where they can survive and fight again. Thanks again for the great support the “Six Old Geezers” family have provided our Department through the years. The new electrofishing boat you helped purchase will be rigged out this summer and be ready for survey work.
Good luck to everyone and let me know if you need anything.
David Routledge (ODWC Fisheries Technician)
