The Lake Report By: Blake Kellum, SJRA

January 24, 2012

Lake Livingston-back to full pool!

The recent winter rains have certainly blessed the Trinity River and its reservoirs since the New Year began. Over the last two weeks, Lake Livingston has continued to rebound from this past summer’s record drought and is now just 1/10 of a foot from being at full pool elevation. With another significant rainfall event in the forecast, for the last week of January, it undoubtedly will be full by the time you read this Lake Report. Aside from the recreational value to the users of the lake, this recovery will also greatly benefit the fishery; as flooded terrestrial vegetation will provide for enhanced protection of juvenile fish and a grand buffet for larger fish foraging on the multitude of insects and invertebrates found therein. Expect the fishing to really pick-up this spring and summer as a positive result of the drought.

Lake Conroe has not fared as well from the recent wet conditions regaining only ¾ of a foot, or so, from its historic low level. Hopefully the recovery will continue as more winter weather systems push through Southeast Texas.

On one positive note, a recent project to cut and leave in place a number of hazardous stumps has been completed on the Lake Conroe. This stump cutting project was a result of a cooperative effort between SJRA, TPWD, the Lake Conroe Association, Texas Black Bass Unlimited, and several other angling groups. The purpose of the project was to enhance navigational safety on the reservoir. The project was funded through the LCA and private donors. Anyone wishing to cut or remove stumps from Lake Conroe must get approval from SJRA and/or Texas Parks and Wildlife before doing the work.

Conditions as of January 24, 2012:

Lake Livingston is recording a level of 130.90msl (normal pool is 131.00msl), with a discharge of 1,000cfs at the Dam. Water temperatures are in the high fifties to low sixties with high turbidity due to heavy runoff from recent rains.

Lake Conroe is currently at 193.82msl, or roughly 7 ¼ feet below the normal pool elevation of 201.00msl. SJRA is currently making no downstream releases from the Dam.

For more information visit: www.trinityra.org or www.sjra.net.

See you on the water!