Ashe takes over post as TPWD fisheries manager in southeast Texas
Texas Parks and Wildlife inland fisheries biologist Dan Ashe of Brookeland was recently named Jasper District Management Biologist over the agency’s Jasper District. Ashe has been working as interim supervisor over the district since the 2024 retirement of Todd Driscoll.
Ashe, a 20 year TPWD veteran, was chosen from 13 applicants who applied for the position since the vacancy was posted last November. TPWD Region 3 Director Marcos De Jesus says De Jesus says Ashe brings a wealth of experience to a position that will put him in charge of some of the state’s premier freshwater fisheries.
“Dan has been an integral part of our Inland Fisheries team for 20 years,” he said. “He has proven himself to be an excellent biologist, which is proven by the immense success in the district premiere fisheries for many years. It takes a devoted team to make that happen. The local management experience and institutional knowledge Dan brings will ensure we keep the legacy going. His performance as interim district lead this past year gives me no doubt he will perform well in his new role. Dan is very proud of his district fisheries and is eager to continue the great efforts behind that success.
Ashe, 54, says he looks forward to continuing the great work that the Jasper District is known for.
“My approach will be very similar to the way things have been done in the past,” Ashe said. Todd and I shared a similar view to aquatic vegetation as a vital component for robust fisheries. Jasper is known for being on the forefront of conducting research and I plan to continue that tradition.”
Ashe is currently overseeing an important habitat research project involving the use of artificial habitat structures on Toledo Bend as well as establishing a hybrid striped bass fishery on Lake Livingston.
“We are stocking both hybrid striped bass fry and fingerlings and will be evaluating our stocking success with each to maximize our efforts in the future,” he said. “I hope to also maintain all the great partnerships we have developed over the years with fishing organizations, our Friends of Reservoirs Chapters, other agencies and biologists, and most of all with the overall angling community.”
Ashe will oversee nearly a dozen freshwater fisheries across the region. Among them are lakes Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Timpson, B.A. Steinhagen, Houston County, Kurth, Livingston, Nacogdoches and Pinkston.
Ashe encourages public interaction as part of his management objectives. To contact him, call 409-698-9114 ext. 229 or e-mail, [email protected].
Matt Williams is a freelance writer based in Nacogdoches. He can be reached by email, [email protected].
