Lake Quitman is located five miles north of Quitman, in Wood County. The lake is 814 surface acres, with an average maximum depth of 25 feet. Aquatic vegetation in the lake is limited. Flooded timber, boat houses and brush piles provide limited cover. Aquatic vegetation is sparse. Alligatorweed and water hyacinth are present and are problematic in some areas.
Largemouth bass is a popular sportfish in this lake. The quality of the crappie fishery is sporadic. Bluegill and redear sunfish provide an additional fishery. Channel catfish have been stocked and have increased in abundance in recent years. Largemouth bass anglers are most successful on this reservoir during the spring, fall, and winter months. Topwater baits are popular in the early morning and evening hours. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits fished along main-lake points and in flooded timber are also productive. Popular soft plastic baits include worms, tubes, grubs, and soft-jerkbaits. Crappie anglers often concentrate on standing timber, brush piles, and flooded roadbeds. Using sonar to locate the old river channel and schools of shad will often lead you to crappie and catfish. For channel catfish, prepared baits such as blood or stink-baits work well. The timber surrounding the large island in the northern portion of the lake will hold catfish during most times of the year. All species are currently managed by statewide regulations.
Public Ramps
East Dam
- Located on the east side of the dam on CR 1416, off CR 2966 north of Quitman
- One-lane concrete ramp, parking capacity 30.
- No launch fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by Wood County (903) 878-2238, with additional services provided by Hank’s Smokehouse and Wife’s Marina (903) 878-7226
West Dam
- Located on the west side of the dam, off CR 2966 north of Quitman
- One-lane concrete ramp, parking capacity 5
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by Wood County (903) 878-2238
North Access
- Located on the north end of the lake on CR 1460, off CR 2966 north of Quitman
- One-lane concrete ramp, parking capacity 3
- No fee required
- Open all year
- Operated by Wood County (903) 878-2238