Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Call Me Crazy...Can You Stock a River?

Ok hear me out on this one because the situation is a bit unique.

Our Ranch in North Texas is the first property below the spillway of Lake Bridgeport. We essentially have private access shared with one neighbor across the West Fork of Trinity River for almost the first mile below the dam. With the current drought situation in that area the lake is 26ft low (37% capacity). The River basically has no water shed at that point so the flow is 100% dam release and with the current water conservation policy the flow has been almost a trickle for the last two years. For that time the only river water is standing water in deep spots with no flow. My neighbor has done some dozer work to clear roads along the river including two earthen "dam" river road crossings <0.5miles from dam on our stretch during the low water time. Now with a little recent rain they have finally discharged some water (<10cft/sec) which has built up behind the temporary dams and created a beautiful water feature. The River has always had a few fish including carp, various catfish, gar and no bluegill to speak of. We have fished with limited success over the years

So my question is am I crazy to try and stock this temporary paradise this spring with forage and game fish hoping for this situation to continue for long enough to have some fun? I know the first big rain event I risk it getting blown out and back to normal. Regardless would the stocking have any staying power at some level? I would love to hear your thoughts or any lessons from similar experience.

Thanks in advance
John

"Can you stock a river?" - most people do on accident when there dam breaks. Hehe.


Check with the local game and fish or dnr. Lots of Texas folk on here so I am sure you will get the answer or contact you need.

First big rain? When do you expect that? Good luck!

I see nothing wrong with your idea as long as the TPWD doesn't. Is the occasionally wet part of the river area itself considered under the control of TPWD? I don't know that. But I understand that I can't dump fish into a public lake or any waters. The new Zebra Mussels laws might also stop you.

What I'm also not sure about is who can legally fish it.

I doubt that the fish would stay where you want them to after an infusion of water.

A couple of questions I just thought of. Where does your property end and the guv's begin? What are your liabilities?

Dave,
thx for your response,
I assume the area is under control of TPWD. I will research the rules about adding fish to a public river. I would only plan on adding native species. Our property begins about 1/4 mile from actual dam discharge which is on guv land. What do you mean by liabilities?

thx John

Ok, lets say that someone is walking down the dry river or gets out on the bank or? Lets say that they get injured. Where does your responsibilities start?

Maybe I need to ask where your land and responsibilities end as regards the Trinity River.

I would check and see if TWPD has a high water mark law. This would tell who, what , and where is responsible. Landowner responsibilities in some states ends and begins at the high water mark.

I hope this helps, but i ewest might have something to input.

I have a floating dock on an irrigation reservoir. Its water levels fluctuate drastically. A dock mounted feeder keeps the catfish, carp, koi, and a few bass in the area no matter what the water level.

DD1,
Our set up is a bit unique in that there is no public access to the guv area below the dam and no one has access rights to the river on our or my neihbor's property