Canyon Lake Conservation Project
Lake Dunlap Conservation Project
Conservation Agencies, Bass Clubs, and Local Youth Increase Fish Habitat in Coleto Creek Reservoir
Dec. 9, 2021
Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030
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VICTORIA – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Corpus Christi Inland Fisheries team partnered with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), Texas B.A.S.S. Nation, Coleto BassMasters Friends of Reservoirs (FOR) chapter, and several youths from St. Joseph’s High School to complete Phase 2 (native aquatic vegetation planting) of a greater habitat initiative to restore and enhance fisheries habitats in the reservoir.
The overarching goal of the project is to improve habitat conditions resulting in positive impacts on recreationally important sport fish populations like Largemouth Bass, crappies, and catfishes.
Phase 1, completed in early 2020, deployed 92 fish habitat structures across 11 locations that can be viewed with an online map. The website also includes the coordinates of each structure and anglers can enter these coordinates into their GPS or download the coordinates for use in GPS devices.
Phase 2 followed with the planting of various desirable native vegetation species at numerous pre-determined locations with hopes to reestablish and increase the abundance of native plants throughout the reservoir.
“We are grateful for the collaborative efforts with GBRA, local anglers, Luminant, and St. Joseph’s High School to work collectively on this very important project,” said Greg Binion, TPWD Inland Fisheries Division Corpus Christi District Supervisor. “This is a great community initiative and the partnerships that have developed provide an exciting opportunity for collective natural resource stewardship to restore and enhance this great resource, expand fishing opportunities, and better the quality of fisheries for Texans.”
The Coleto Creek Bassmasters participated in both phases of the project and provided some of the volunteer labor necessary to complete this project.
“We want to do what we can to make fishing better for all anglers at Coleto Creek Reservoir,” said Larry Nors, South Region Director of the Texas B.A.S.S. Nation. “Many people might not realize that the Texas B.A.S.S. Nation has a strong conservation program. Our affiliated bass clubs, from across the state, are eager to join forces with like-minded partners, and assist on projects that benefit freshwater fishing.”
The Coleto Creek Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Project is being supported by TPWD’s Conservation License Plate (CLP) Program as well as both cash and in-kind contributions from various project partners, including TPWD and GBRA. The CLP, mainly from the sales of the Largemouth Bass conservation license plate, supports projects to restore and enhance fish habitat in Texas’ public inland waters.
For more information on the CLP program or anyone interested in purchasing a plate to support fish habitat or other conservation projects, please visit the Conservation License Plate website.
For additional information on the Coleto Creek Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Project, please contact:
Greg Binion
TPWD Inland Fisheries Division
Corpus Christi District
PO Box 116
Mathis, TX 78368
361.547.9712
greg.binion@tpwd.texas.gov
Frostbite & Mostly Small Bites at Rayburn
The Southeast Texas B.A.S.S. Nation held its 2022 first & second events at Sam Rayburn January 22nd & 23rd, where Cassels-Boykin Boat Ramp & Pavilion was the host facility. A meeting was held Friday evening where Assistant Director Matt Russell went over new expectations for 2022, which includes more financial transparency, new and deeper payouts, as well as a modified weigh bag procedure.
Day 1 – After a major cold front on Thursday, Saturday morning freezing temperatures played havoc on some anglers’ equipment. Frozen steering & throttle cables, and cold starting outboards made launch difficult. Nonetheless, the 118 angler field were ready to go by 7:00 AM after the National Anthem.
At the end of the day, only 10 anglers weighed in weighed in limits with 40% of the field with no keepers. However, while the top angler Chris Glass only had 3 keepers to weigh, he managed a 16.81 pound bag anchored by an 8.37 lunker and tournament Big Bass! Chris used Lowrance SI to locate laydowns in 15-25 foot of water near creeks channels, drains, & flats near creek channel bends by using Drop shot & Ned rig. The fish were caught with Lew’s Crush spinning reel and Old 18 Hollow Point series 7’1″ spinning rod. Line was 10lb Diawa 8X braid and a fluorocarbon leader, Gene Larew plastics. 2nd Place went to Jason Gunter with a 5-fish limit for 14.89, followed by Wesley Baxley with 4-fish for 13.52, anchored by 2nd Big Bass of 7.28 pounds.
Day 2 – Sunday morning was slightly colder as the previous day, but with very light to no wind. Fortunately the anglers were able to defrost as the limits (14) and bag weights improved over Saturday. Ed Caskey earned First Place with his limit of 16.35 anchored by a nice 5.64, which was 2nd Big Bass. Ed stated day 1: cold conditions, went to a no name bank near Cassels Boykin and caught a 3lb bass quickly. The spot seemed promising. Then caught a limit, all on a Bill Lewis Rat-L trap crawfish color. He decided to leave after getting 5 fish in the boat, hoping the spot would still have potential for day 2. Day 2: Similar conditions on day 2. Went back to the same area and things were slow early in the morning. I stayed persistent and things started to turn on about mid morning. The bite did not last long, but it was just long enough for me to get another limit on the same type of lure. Wesley Baxley had another good day with a limit of 15.67, followed by Tim Jahn with 5 for 14.61. Using a “small lipless crankbait”, Chris Brewsaugh landed a 6.14 earning Big Bass for the tournament.
Thank you to the Nacogdoches Bass Club, Houston Bass Bandits, Vidor Bass Anglers, and Beaumont Bass Anglers for assisting with set-up & weigh-in duties.
February 19th will be our 3rd event. It will be at Toledo Bend out of San Miguel Park
Special thanks to Swagger Tungsten for being a sponsor this year. Be sure and see your club president for a special discount code for purchase.
Ed Dillow
SE Region Director
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