The Impacts of Drought on White Bass Fisheries in Central Texas

White Bass (Morone chrysops) provide excellent fishing for Texas anglers in rivers above reservoirs during their springtime spawning run.  A prolonged severe drought in Texas from 2011 through 2015 left many reservoirs disconnected from the rivers above them.  The Colorado River above Lake Buchanan has one of the most popular White Bass run fisheries in Texas.  The reservoir was severely impacted by the drought and river-reservoir connectivity was lost for four consecutive years.  Economic impact from fishing associated with the spawning run was assessed in spring 2011 before connectivity was lost.  Total economic impact from non-local anglers visiting the area to specifically fish for White Bass during the spawning run exceeded $2,000,000 US.  While loss of river reservoir connectivity likely had economic consequences for the local area a year class strength evaluation revealed the White Bass population in the reservoir was resilient.  During drought years spawning occurred on wind-blown rocky shorelines in the main reservoir and year classes were produced.  It appears where these spawning habitat conditions are met White Bass populations can sustain themselves during extended droughts even with a loss of river-reservoir connectivity.