Lake Quitman - 2017 Survey Report

Prepared by Evan Cartabiano and Kevin Storey
Inland Fisheries Division - Tyler North District

This is the authors' summary from a 29-page report. For a copy of the complete report, use the download link in the sidebar.

Fish populations in Lake Quitman were surveyed in 2017 using baited hoop netting, electrofishing, and trap netting. Anglers were surveyed from March through May 2018 with a creel survey. Historical data are presented with the 2017-2018 data for comparison. This report summarizes the results of the surveys and contains a management plan for the reservoir based on those findings.

Reservoir Description

Lake Quitman is an 814-acre impoundment located in Wood County, Texas, on an unnamed tributary of the Sabine River. It was constructed by Wood County for recreation and flood control. Habitat consists primarily of natural shoreline, boat docks, and emergent aquatic vegetation including the exotic species alligatorweed. Water hyacinth is also present and presents an ongoing threat to the ecosystem.

Management History

Important sport fish included Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and Channel Catfish. Florida Largemouth Bass were initially introduced in 1980 and the most recent stockings were in 2008 and 2009. Efforts to mitigate the loss of fish habitat due to reservoir shoreline development included planting water willow in 2013 and 2014. Treatment efforts for water hyacinth have included physical removal as well as aquatic herbicide applications.

Fish Community

• Prey species: Threadfin Shad and Gizzard Shad were equally abundant and most Gizzard Shad were available as prey to most sport fish. Electrofishing catch of Bluegill was high, and most fish were less than 5-inches long.
• Catfishes: The Channel Catfish fishery provided a good resource with desirable numbers of fish available for harvest. Flathead Catfish are present in the reservoir.
• Black basses: Largemouth Bass were abundant but few legal-size fish were available to anglers. Spotted Bass were present but much less abundant than Largemouth Bass. Anglers seeking black basses accounted for 14% of total directed effort.
• Crappie: Black and White Crappie were both present but White Crappie were the dominant species. Crappie anglers accounted for 54% of total directed angler effort. White Crappie reached legal length in under two years.

Management Strategies

• Stock Florida Largemouth Bass in spring 2019 and 2020 to influence Largemouth Bass genetics in the system and increase the growth and trophy potential.
• Continue to research opportunities to improve aquatic habitat through the introduction of native aquatic plants and natural and artificial fish attractors and seek local constituents interested in assisting with aquatic habitat enhancement.
• Inform the public about invasive species and coordinate treatment of water hyacinth.

Performance Report as required by Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act Texas Federal Aid Project F-221-M-3 Inland Fisheries Division Monitoring and Management Program