Anglers Build Artificial Fish Habitat On

Lake Conroe

Seven Coves Bass Club members, with assistance from Nacagdoches Bass Club member Ron Jones, guest B.A.S.S. Elite Series Tour Pro Brian Snowden, the San Jacinto River Authority, and Texas Parks & Wildlife, joined forces to build artificial habitats that will be placed in Lake Conroe. These habitats will create “reefs” that will help provide a suitable habitat that will not only attract the large bass that Lake Conroe is known for, but other fish species such as crappie, catfish, and sunfish.

These habitats, better known to anglers as “spider blocks”, are a permanent structure made from pvc piping, sprinkler tubing, and cinder blocks. “It works well because it is easy to put together”, said SCBC member and Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Assistant State Conservation Director Ron Gunter. “They are light enough to manuver but heavy enough to sink with little effort”.

Eventually the habitats will create algae growth, which will bring in baitfish and smaller fish providing them a food source and additional cover. When they are established the larger fish will come in for the bait fish and cover that is lacking in Lake Conroe due to the lack of vegetation. Additional brush and bamboo is added as a natural element to encourage quicker algae growth.

Seven Coves Bass Club was awarded $20,000 at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic last year for it’s conservation efforts on Lake Conroe establishing a native vegetation restoration program. SCBC is using part of those funds to construct the new reefs. Additionally, the locations will be made available to the public via GPS coordinates in the future.  For more pictures Click Here.  

Native Plant Restoration At Lake Conroe

The Seven Coves Bass Club was awarded $34K grant from B.A.S.S. for conservation.  Click here to read more.

This grant is intended to improve Lake Conroe's overall eco system and fishery providing the local communities and those who utilize the lake a clean and healthy Lake Conroe to enjoy for years to come. Our road to success begins with establishing and maintaining noninvasive aquatic plant nursery for implantation on the lake. SCBC will be the sponsor club, and we have the backing of the Texas Parks and Wildlife, San Jacinto River Authority, Bass Anglers Sportsmans Society, Texas Master Naturalists, The B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, and the Boy Scouts of America.

With the recent attempts at hydrilla eradication by local property owners groups, our hopes are that the introduction of noninvasive native aquatic plants will help keep Lake Conroe clean and beautiful for all to enjoy. As the host club for this endeavor, we have received offers from several other clubs within our 48 county region to help as well. The grant is sponsored by both the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Bass Anglers Sportsmans Society. Our hopes are to begin implementation of the project in the spring of 2007.

We are accepting volunteer services in all areas and phases of our grant project. You can contact our club if you would like to get involved.

Conroe Courier February 26, 2007 article