Article in the BassMaster Classic preview page 23 mentions fisheries biologist Dan Bennett talking about Ray Roberts. Texas biologist also have made several efforts to restore aquatic vegetation in the lake. Last year, the lake saw milfoil growing very shallow, and a lot of pondweed as well. "We don't spray; we want as much vegetation as we can get," adds Bennett.

My question is are any of you aware of TPWD planting aquatic grasses at Ray Roberts or any other Texas lakes? If they planted grass or something that would promote grass growth, than that is great and hats off to them, but if there only effort to restore aquatic vegetation in particular to RR was not to spray, then that's not much of an effort. We are so lucky to have the bass fishing we have here in Texas, but it just seems with a couple of little tweaks it could be even better. I just found that statement a little odd.

They placed a few cages full of eel grass in a couple of coves marked with buoys. I've never seen any evidence that any spread out of the cages. Turtles probably enjoyed the free meal.

They should have done several in each cove / pocket. I know where there's grass in Roberts, but it's sparse, and really needs a push.

TPWD help aquatic vegetation? Ha that's laughable.

TPWD and Lake LBJ volunteers planted aquatic vegetation in Lake LBJ. It was a variety of plants. It was initially behind cages to protect it until it got started. The cages were then removed once it was established. It has taken off in a couple of areas and a bust in others. There are still a few areas where cages are up.

Here is one site from 2008 with the cage material. There is a lot more vegetation there now and the cages are gone. It was hard to find waterfront home owners that wanted vegetation in front of their house, and most of the lake is developed, so most of the planting was done in places without homes.

Here is that site in 2002 I think one year after it was planted. That water willow in the line along the shoreline was all transplanted from other areas of the lake. That plant doesn't need protection although I have seen deer eating it when it gets really dry. Most other plants need to be planted behind cages or turtles will eat it.

There were a lot of other lakes where TPWD tried aquatic vegetation plantings. Many with little or no success. LBJ is a constant level lake. That likely helped, although as I noted there were some sites where it never took off.

LBJ has had everything from a lot to very little aquatic vegetation since this project was initiated. Mainly milfoil but also hydrilla. Impossible to say if there is a correlation, but the lake was pretty much devoid of any aquatic vegetation before the project.

I've been on several calls/meetings with biologists from TPWD and area stakeholders for Canyon Lake. TPWD has been vocal about their support of keeping hydrilla in the lake, since it is not negatively impacting navigation. This has been in the face of criticism from a few very vocal home owners. Seems like a positive change from years past and the whole lake austin debacle.

They'll spot treat if it overgrows swimming areas or ramps (sadly not a problem since all are out of the water), but that has not really been a problem.

I don't think you'll see them plan "invasives" like hydrilla or milfoil, but they also aren't going out of their way to kill it all.

Yes, milfoil and hydrilla were not planted at LBJ. It was all native plants.

No kidding

They planted a bunch in small partitioned areas of Lake Alan Henry. Not much happened for a few years, but now it has really spread. I can't tell that the fish hold in it, but it can be found all over the lake.

Cypress Springs, Chambers are two that come to mind quickly that they have tried to introduce grass into. There have been multiple others.
i haven't seen one where it worked to a point that we would like.

Could it be that TPWD has realized that killing all vegetaion from lakes has longterm negative affects and is trying to change course? I hope so

JMO - TPWD will always take someone's money to "control" vegetation.

Anytime I’m at a lake with really good think hydrilla, I load up livewells and my big cooler and “replace” it in a few places here that like it

That's good to hear. They have had a lot of anglers expressing their frustration with the ruining of lakes for a long time. Hopefully they are starting to listen.