APALACHICOLA RIVER (Jackson, Gadsden, Calhoun, Gulf, Liberty, and Franklin counties): The Apalachicola River runs from Lake Seminole, on the Florida-Georgia border at Chattahoochee, 106 miles south through the Panhandle to the Gulf of Mexico, at the town of Apalachicola. In terms of volume of water discharged, it is Florida's largest river. While there are many areas of good fishing along the Apalachicola River, the best areas are the upper river, which is influenced by discharge from Lake Seminole, and the lower river, which is influenced by Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Bag and size limits follow those for Northwest Florida, which include a 12-inch minimum size limit for largemouth bass (bag limit of five) and an 18-inch minimum size limit for striped bass (bag limit of three).

The lower Apalachicola River consists of the main river channel and the distributaries which form the delta: the St. Marks River, Little St. Marks River, and East River. Shoreline access is available only from the public docks on the waterfront in Apalachicola and at the City Dock (Ten-foot Hole) under the Hwy. 98 Bridge. Public boating access include the City Dock, Gardner Landing on East River, Cash Creek off of Hwy. 65, and Magnolia Bluff on the east end of the Hwy 98 Bridge in East Point. Private launching facilities can be found at several marinas in Apalachicola, in East Point, and Howard's Creek off the Brother's River, and on Searcy Creek (Intracoastal Waterway) in White City. FWC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annually stock striped bass and sunshine bass in the lower river.

Stripers and sunshine bass continued to school in the lower river through June, as far upstream as the Pinhook.  Look for schooling to continue in this area, although numbers will decline through the summer as larger fish move out of the lower river in search of cooler water.  If the watershed receives normal rainfall through the summertime, historical hotspots in the East, St. Marks, and Little St. Marks rivers will be productive.  Fish areas where there is a good mix of fresh and salt water.  Fish the outgoing tides for best results.  If water levels continue to be low, fishing for trout and redfish near the mouths of the rivers should be good.

The upper Apalachicola River has good shore access from Jim Woodruff Dam to Race Shoal (0.9 miles) on the east bank, and from the dam to Hwy. 90 (0.6 miles) on the west bank. Access above Hwy 90 is on Corps of Engineers (COE) property and includes a fishing catwalk adjacent to the powerhouse at the dam. Boat landings are also located at Chattahoochee, Sneads, Aspalaga (Navigation Mile 98.9), and Ocheesee (NM93.9).

Striped bass and sunshine bass fishing will taper off as larger fish seek cool water refuge during the heat of the summer. While springs and creeks are not closed to fishing, the small undernourished fish you catch during the summer will not be as available as the large, aggressive fish in the fall. If drought continues, expect the summertime heat to be particularly hard on the stripers and hybrids. Smaller hybrids and stripers will continue to school in the river throughout the summer, particularly along submerged sandbars in the early morning. Largemouth bass and panfish will move to deeper channels as the water temperature continues to increase. Fish the deeper water for the best success.

For more information contact Riverview Bait & Tackle (850-663-2462) in Chattahoochee, Bay City Marina (850-653-9294) or Scipio Creek Marina (850-653-8030) in Apalachicola, and Fisherman’s Choice (850-670-8808) in Eastpoint.

BEAR LAKE (Santa Rosa County)  Bear Lake is a 107-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1959, opened to fishing in 1961, and designated as a Fish Management Area. The lake has an average depth of 8 feet with a maximum depth of 23 feet. Deepest areas are located near the dam and along the old streambed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. This lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), black crappie, hybrid striped bass, and channel catfish. Bear Lake is located in northeast Santa Rosa County with in the Blackwater State Forest, approximately 2 miles east of Munson, FL on SR 4. A dual-launch concrete boat ramp is located within the Bear Lake Campground. Ample parking, a handicapped accessible fishing pier, and an informational kiosk are located near this ramp. The Florida Division of Forestry maintains the campground, which includes bath/restroom facilities, along with camping and picnic areas. The Division of Forestry (DOF) charges a $2.00/car fee to all persons entering the Bear Lake Campground area. Two primitive dirt boat landings are accessible from Hurricane Lake Rd. and are not currently subject to this fee. A limited number of small jon-boats and canoes are available to rent from DOF for use on the lake. Information regarding these rentals can be obtained by calling 850-957-6140. Bear Lake is subject to the rules and regulations currently in effect for Fish Management Areas. Please refer to a current copy of Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. Gasoline boat motors are prohibited from use on Bear Lake; however, use of electric trolling motors is allowed.

For additional information regarding fishing opportunities at Bear Lake contact Blackwater Fisheries Center in Holt, Fl. Phone (850) 957-6175

See also our Fish Management Area Brochure (PDF) and Map (PDF) for Bear Lake on our Fisheries Publications page.

Numerous brush piles located around the lake typically hold schools of bream and/or largemouth bass and are good locations to target. Locations of these brush piles are marked with bullet-shaped buoys located throughout the lake. These brush piles attract fish by creating habitat that provides shelter. Largemouth bass anglers will be more successful during the early morning and the early evening hours. Dark colored plastic worms and floater-diver type lures should be two of the more productive artificial baits when used along the shoreline or within the flooded timber. Rat-L-Traps are also effective according to numerous bass anglers. Larger bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) will be congregating on beds throughout the lake. Live baits such as red worms, wigglers, and crickets fished on light tackle in 2-5 feet of water are the best bet. As with bass, the most productive fishing seems to be early morning and late afternoon/early evening. Another productive method for catching bream is to take a small beetle spin (1/16 or 1/32 ounce), detach the spinner and use only the little lead-headed jig, preferably with chartreuse colored grubs. Bait with a cricket and fish 3-4 feet below a float. Fishing near fish feeders that are set up in the lake will usually result in nice catches of bream. For fishermen without a boat, fishing off the fishing pier adjacent to the boat ramp can be productive for bream. Catfish can be taken using chicken livers and earthworms primarily in the evening. Night fishing for bass, bream, and catfish can also be productive during the heat of the summer. Crappie and sunshine bass fishing tends to be very slow during the hot summer months as these fish become less active as lake waters heat up. Anglers may want to try fishing at night if they are after either of these two species.

Catfish are normally most active at dawn and in the evening, with chicken livers and earthworms both being effective baits. As water temperatures warm considerably during May and June catfish tend to feed more actively.

BLACKWATER AND YELLOW RIVERS: Striped bass in these rivers were stocked by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in an effort to create a trophy fishery, and to reestablish this species in an area from which they had virtually disappeared.

Yellow River - Fishing will slow as temperatures rise. Largemouth bass anglers should set their alarm clocks earlier to catch the morning cool, or make it an evening trip to improve their chances. Live shiners will produce the most fish (one of the few things that doesn’t change much throughout the year); lure tossers should stick with staples such as plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and deep-running crankbaits. Targeting the deepest stretches or any areas protected by shade will help, particularly for anglers braving the daytime sun. Bring plenty of water and sunblock! Bream fishing also slows, unless anglers are able to locate some late-spawning bluegill or redears sunfish (shellcracker). Small jigs or beetle spins or fly rod poppers and nymphs should be the artificials of choice; live worms and crickets will be the best baits. The lower Yellow offers redfish and seatrout angling, although fishing for these species will not be as good as during winter. Live baits (finger mullet or shrimp) will produce fish, but lure anglers can also score on both species, with curly-tail jigs in white or yellow being popular choices.

Warm weather always signals a slow-down for striper fishing—but the fish are still present and they still need to eat! Morning and evening fishing trips will be the most likely to provide action, and anglers should try live mullet or menhaden. Larger minnow imitations and various bucktail or plastic jigs will also work. Both bait and lure should be worked in the deepest available areas if you hope to find the fish.

Angler access to the lower river is provided by two fish camps near the mouth of the river (Brown’s and Lindsey’s) and the Highway 87 crossing southeast of Milton. Various landings available along the upper river include Holt (Guest Lake Landing), Milligan (below Highway 90), Crestview (highways 85 and 90), and Blackman (Highway 2).

Good access to the Yellow River system is provided by two fish camps near the mouth of the river (Brown’s and Lindsey’s), south of Milton, and numerous landings along the river, including Holt (Guest Lake Landing), Milligan (below Highway 90), Crestview (highways 85 and 90), Blackman (Highway 2), and the Highway 87 crossing southeast of Milton.

Blackwater River - Largemouth bass fishing will slow with the onset of our hottest annual weather. Anglers should target the early morning and evening periods for the likeliest action (and most comfortable fishing). The usual fare—live shiners, plastic worms, and spinnerbaits in particular—should continue to produce results. During the rest of the day, the die-hard should bring plenty of water and sunscreen and target the deepest runs with the same baits, but using a slower retrieve. Bream fishing will remain good, especially for anglers who can locate still-spawning bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker). For both bass and bream, catching a falling tide in areas affected by tidal action should increase your chances. Seatrout and redfish angling will not be as good as it was during the cooler months, but both species are still readily available. Best baits will be finger mullet and live shrimp (the latter fished under a popping cork if targeting seatrout), while curlytail grubs such as Cotee’s offerings in white or yellow provide a good catch-all lure choice.

Striped bass fishing slows dramatically during this warmer time of year. For the dedicated, however, some catches can be had by targeting the deepest stretches of the lower river, preferably during the cooler morning or evening hours. Live baits such as menhaden or mullet will be your best bet, followed by larger fish-imitating lures or bucktail or curly-tail jigs in white or yellow.

Access to the lower river is provided by boat ramps within Carpenters Park north of downtown Milton (just off Highway 191), Russell Harbour Park (just north of Highway 90, on the east side of the river opposite downtown Milton), and in Bagdad (improved landing east of downtown Bagdad, off Highway 191).

Good access to the lower river is provided by boat ramps in Milton (Carpenters Park, north of downtown Milton, just off Highway 191, and also a new ramp just north of Highway 90, on the east side of the river opposite downtown Milton) and in Bagdad (improved landing east of downtown Bagdad, off Highway 191).

Note: Anglers fishing in the Blackwater River should use caution and be aware of submerged objects and downed trees which resulted from Hurricane Ivan last September. Such underwater obstacles may occur in places that were unobstructed last summer.

CHIPOLA RIVER: (Calhoun County) - This river is home of the rare shoal bass. The Chipola is accessible in Marianna off CR 280, SR 20 at Clarksville, and SR 274 west of Altha on Hamilton Spring Rd. This very scenic spring-fed, cold water river stretches about 95 miles starting just north of Marianna and running south through the Dead Lakes and into the Apalachicola River. The Chipola River has fast water shoals provides excellent sunfish (redbreast, redear, and bluegill) fishing in the spring depending on the water level. Boat operators beware of these shallow shoals while running your boat in this river during low water.

Local information on these rivers and their fishes may be obtained from the Commission's Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center, 8384 Fish Hatchery Rd., Holt, FL 32564. (850) 957-6177; FAX (850) 957-6176.

River water levels remain low due to a lack of rain, which should help concentrate the fish and make fishing a bit easier. Anglers should still be mindful of the rocky shoals and snags in the river. For those anglers targeting shoal bass try fishing in, above, and below shoal areas between Magnolia Bridge and Johnny Boy landing. Best baits for shoal bass include broken-back minnow lures or artificial baits that mimic crayfish. Catch-and-release is recommended for this unique fish species. Largemouth bass can also be found in these areas, but are more concentrated below Highway 20. Largemouth can be caught using the same baits as for shoal bass including live shiners. There are plenty of big redear in the river around shallow-water snags and stumps. Try fishing with an unweighted worm. Redbreast sunfish and stumpknockers (spotted sunfish) can also be found in these areas and can be caught using 1/16 ounce beetle spins and/or worms. Fly fishermen should fish early morning or late afternoon for bass and bream (bluegill, spotted sunfish, and redear sunfish).

CHOCTAWHATCHEE RIVER: The Choctawhatchee River is Floridas' third largest river system in terms of water volume discharged. Originating in the southern portion of Alabama, the river flows approximately 96 miles from the Alabama state line into Choctawhatchee Bay.

In general, anglers will enjoy the greatest success fishing when water levels are low and the river is within its banks. Nice stringers of bluegill and redear (shellcracker) are caught off the spawning beds in the spring and along river banks lined with dead falls and snags the rest of the year. Crickets and wigglers are good baits for panfishing. Many local anglers swear by the catalpa worm, which can be frozen in clear corn syrup and used throughout the year. Try fishing the mid to upper reaches of the river system for your bigger bream. Largemouth bass are commonly caught on crank baits, spinner baits and artificial worms throughout the river system. Big bass can usually be found around treetops and snags in the mid and upper reaches of the river and along the saw grass flats down by the mouth. Sunshine bass (hybrid striped bass) and striped bass fishing is excellent in the spring and fall throughout the lower end of the river. These fish are stocked annually by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Preferred baits include finger mullet, live shad and shad-like lures. The best fishing is on the out-going tide at dusk or dawn. Areas to target include sandbars and points in the river. It should be noted that harvest and size regulations are different for the sunshine and the striped bass (see current regulations handbook).

Popular boating access points along the Choctawhatchee River include Hwy. 90 (Caryville), Hwy. 20 (Ebro) and along River Road off Hwy. 20 (east of Bruce) there are several boat landings and a bait shop. For access to the lower river take Hwy 331 south of Freeport and go left on S.R. 394 about a mile and look for the signs.

Holmes Creek, a major spring-fed tributary of the Choctawhatchee, offers some excellent fishing. Several bream species can be found in abundance including longear sunfish, spotted sunfish (stumpknockers), redbreast sunfish and warmouth. Big shellcrackers can be caught along the channel side of water lily beds. The spotted bass, a close relative of the largemouth bass, is also native and is an exciting fish to catch. There are several boating access point along Hwy. 279 (Vernon) and Hwy. 79.

Local information on these rivers and their fishes may be obtained from the Commission's Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center, 8384 Fish Hatchery Rd., Holt, FL 32564. (850) 957-6177; FAX (850) 957-6176.

Largemouth bass fishing should be fair throughout the summer. Water levels have been lower than normal due to a dry spring and continuing drought. Best baits for largemouth include live shiners or shad, Rat-L-Traps, or artificial worms or lizards. Spotted bass (a relative of the largemouth bass) can be caught in Holmes Creek and the upper river above Hwy. 20 using similar baits. Bream (bluegill and redear) fishing should be good throughout the summer. Sport fish transects conducted in the past by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission indicated good numbers of bream (bluegill, redear, redbreast, and spotted sunfish) throughout Holmes Creek. Try fishing along water lilies on sandbars, and around snags and stumps in the creek for bream. Best baits for redear are worms; use worms, crickets or 1/16 ounce beetle spins for the other bream species. Crappie fishing should be fair during the summer. Try fishing deep areas in the river were structure (stumps or snags) is found. Set a few rods at various depths with Missouri minnows to locate schooling fish. Catfish fishing can be excellent during the summer months. Most catfish anglers use wigglers, chicken livers, or prepared catfish baits and fish in the evening or early morning hours for these tasty fish.

DEAD LAKE (Calhoun and Gulf counties):

This strangely beautiful 6,700-acre lake with dark tannic waters is located on the Chipola River near the town of Wewahitchka. The lake is accessible off SR 71 just north of Wewahitchka on State Park Rd. and south off Land Road. There are fish camps located around the lake. Care should be taken when operating a motor boat in this lake because it is filled with cypress snags and stumps. This lake enjoys a wide reputation for its bluegill (bream) and redear (shellcracker) fishing in the spring.

Contacts:
Gate's Fish Camp (6 miles north of Wewahitchka on State Road 71); Route 3, Box 279, Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2768.
Lakeside Lodge (1 mile north of Wewahitchka); P.O. Box 1483, Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-2681.
Dead Lakes Sportsman Lodge (east of Wewahitchka at site of old Dead Lakes Dam); 2001 Lake Grove Rd., Wewahitchka, FL 32465 (850) 639-5051.
Dead Lakes State Park and Recreation Area, Highway 71, 1.5 miles north of Wewahitchka (850) 639-2702
Magnolia Lodge, 345 S. Bass Dr., Wewahitchka, FL 32465  (850) 639-6760; Contact Laura Bush

Bream (redear, bluegill, and stumpknocker) fishing should be excellent throughout this quarter. When water levels begin to rise again, try fishing away from the river channel in the cypress knees in 2-4 feet of water and at the edge of overhanging limbs and bank vegetation. Shellcracker (redear) and bluegill anglers should fish an ultralight rod with a number 10 gold hook with a wiggler on the bottom. Stumpknockers (spotted sunfish) and redbreast sunfish can also be caught near stumps and snags with worms or beetle spins. Try fishing for largemouth bass in backwater areas in 3-5 feet of water. Recommended baits for bass include artificial worms, lizards, spinnerbaits or live shiners.

DEERPOINT LAKE (Bay County):

A 5,000-acre impoundment located 7 miles north of Panama City off US 231 and SR 77 at Southport. Deer Point Lake is fed by natural freshwater streams and supplies more than 760 million gallons of fresh water daily to Panama City and the surrounding areas. The lake can be accessed by taking US 231 north from Panama City (6 miles) to C2321 west (1.5 miles) and turn right on C2311 for (3.5 miles); the ramp is on the left. There are two fish camps located on the Lake, Cherokee Landing (on County Road 2301 at bridge crossing); 10035 County Road 2301, Youngstown, FL 32466 (850) 722-4902, and Tharp's Camp (off Resota Beach Road) 4405 Huckleberry Lane, Panama City, FL 32409 (850) 265-2330. This lake is best known for its shellcracker (redear sunfish) fishing during the spring (April through June) using earthworms as live bait. Fly fishing for shellcracker during the spring can also be productive when fishing early morning, late afternoon, and evening. Bream (bluegill) fishing is also good in the spring using crickets and earthworms. Largemouth bass fishing is best in the spring to early summer and again in the fall using plastic worms and crankbaits. Broken-back-minnow lures are also effective for bass when fished near the shoreline.

Largemouth bass fishing will probably slow down during the heat of the summer. Try fishing in early morning or late afternoon along the weedlines of the old creek channels in Bear, Econfina, and Cedar creeks and along the south side of Bayou George. Try fishing for bass with dark colored artificial worms, live shiners and weedless lures. Fish deep-water holes with deep diving crankbaits during the heat of the day. Redear sunfish (shellcracker) will stop their spawning run in July and will spread out to deep holes in the lake. Try fishing for redear near the bottom of these holes near structure with worms. Bluegill will continue to spawn throughout the summer and can be found on the bed in shallow areas around the lake. Try fishing with worms or crickets when targeting bluegill. Catfish and butter cats (bullhead) can be found in the deep waters by the dam and the main body of the lake. Best baits include chicken livers and worms.

ESCAMBIA RIVER: This river flows out of south Alabama into the Escambia Bay and ranks as the fourth largest river in Florida. The river has access points at Century, Molino, and U.S. Hwy. 90 crossing, including McDavid ramp located south of Century off US29 on Mystic Spring Road. The Escambia River harbors the richest assemblage of native North American freshwater fish of any Florida river with 85 native freshwater species recorded from the river system. Popular sport fish include shadow bass, warmouth, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear sunfish (shellcracker), spotted sunfish (stumpknocker), spotted bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, chain pickerel, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and sunshine bass (striped bass X white bass hybrid).

Angler's who would like to land a record-sized fish should consider blue catfish and flathead catfish. These large catfishes are not native to our state, although both are native North American fish. In recent years both have found their way into northwestern Florida. Precisely when, or how, they invaded the Escambia River is not known; however, both are now apparently permanent residents. Currently, the state record for blue catfish is 61.5 pounds, from Little Escambia Creek, near Century. The Florida record flathead catfish weighed 43.5 pounds and was caught in the Escambia River. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission annually stocks the river with sunshine bass. Sunshine bass are fast-growing and readily caught and are typically most abundant in the lower reaches of the river.

The river is easily reached by anglers. A set of maps is available from Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center, 8384 Fish hatchery Rd., Holt, FL, 32564; (850)-957-6175. The major landings are listed below:

• Jim's Fish Camp - U. S. Highway 90, Pace, FL 32571; (850) 994-7500. Located just off Highway 90, at the mouth of the river in the tidal delta. (Commercial fish camp, with facilities.) Swamp House Marina and Landing - 10421 N. Davis Highway, Pensacola, FL 32514; (850) 478-9906. Located just off Highway 90, at the mouth of the river on the main channel in the tidal delta. (Commercial fish camp with facilities.)
• Floridatown landing - Located on the eastern shore of Escambia Bay, near the mouth of the river in Pace, Florida. (Public landing, no facilities. Condition: Good.)
• Quintette landing - Located on east side of the river, south of Highway 184, Santa Rosa County. (Public landing, no facilities. Condition: Good.) Molino landing - Located on the west side of the river, near Molino, in Escambia County. (Public landing, no facilities. Condition: Good.)
• Cotton Lake landing - Located on west side of the river, at end of Cotton Lake Road, off U. S. Highway 29, Escambia County. (Public landing, no facilities. Condition: Good.)
• McDavid Boat Ramp (Mystic Springs Landing) - Located on west side of river, near McDavid, Florida, off U. S. Highway 29, Escambia County, Florida. (Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission boat ramp, no facilities. Condition: Good.)
• Bluff Springs Landing - Located on west side of river, near Bluff Springs, Florida, off U. S. Highway 29, Escambia County, Florida. (Department of Environmental Protection boat ramp, no facilities. Condition: Poor.)
• Lake Stone - Located 1.5 miles west of Century, Escambia County, Florida, off Highway 4. (Lake managed by FFWCC; camping and picnic areas managed by Escambia County. Condition: Good.)

Fishing for bass and sunfish (bream) will slacken as the temperatures rise. Target the deepest stretches of the river or areas under shade, and stick to the basics—live shiners, plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and deep-diving crankbaits. A deeper and slower retrieve for all these offerings will produce the most results, especially for those fishing the hotter parts of the day (bring water and sunblock). The channels will probably produce better results than the shallower delta marshes until things begin to cool down. Bream fishing can still be good for anglers fortunate (or savvy) enough to locate some late-bedding bluegill or redear sunfish; fish the beds with live worms or flyrod poppers. Best chances for seatrout or redfish anglers will be had using finger mullet or live shrimp.

A number of access sites are available along the Escambia River. Three fish camps readily accessing the lower river and the delta marshes are located along Highway 90 between Pensacola and Pace. A ramp is also provided south of Pace, just below the mouth of the river on the northeast shore of Escambia Bay. A public fishing pier is also present along Highway 90 (Simpson River) just west of Pace. Quintette Landing, north of Pace off Hwy. 184, provides access to both the upper and lower stretches of the river. Other boat ramps along the upper river include Molino, Webb Lake, McDavid, Cotton Lake, Bluff Springs, Kyser Landing, Sandy Landing, Century and Jay.

Current water levels of streams throughout Florida may be found on the internet at www.usgs.gov. Some newspapers also publish river stages.

Numerous access points are available to fishermen along Escambia River. Three landings are located along Highway 90 between Pensacola and Pace. From these, the lower river and delta marshes may be easily reached. A boat ramp is also located just below the mouth of the river, on the northeast shore of Escambia Bay in Floridatown, just south of Pace. In addition, a popular fishing pier has been installed along Highway 90 just west of Pace. Quintette Landing, off Highway184, north of Pace, is also a good point from which to reach choice fishing spots of both the upper and lower river, including backwater and swamp areas. Other landings scattered along the upper river include Molino, Webb Lake, McDavid, Cotton Lake, Bluff Springs, Kyser Landing, Sandy Landing, Century (Fischer Landing) and Jay.

Anglers needing advice regarding fishing spots in the northwestern panhandle or information on river conditions are encouraged to call Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center, near Holt, Florida. (850) 957-6175.

HURRICANE LAKE (Okaloosa County):

Hurricane Lake is a 318-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1971, opened to fishing in 1973, and is designated as a Fish Management Area. The lake has an average depth of 7 feet and a maximum depth of 25 feet with the deepest areas located near the dam and along the old streambed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. The lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), and channel catfish. Hurricane Lake is located in northwest Okaloosa County within the Blackwater State Forest approximately 12 miles northwest of Baker, FL. Concrete boat ramps with courtesy docks are located in both the north and south campgrounds. The south campground is accessible from Kennedy Bridge Road off Beaver Creek Road north of SR 4. This campground contains primitive (no electric or water hookups) camping sites maintained by the Division of Forestry (DOF). Restroom and picnic facilities are available. Several earthen fishing fingers are located in this area for use by bank fishermen. Construction of a fishing pier in the south campground is planned for the near future. An informational kiosk is located adjacent to the boat ramp. The north campground is accessible from Hurricane Lake North Campground Road off Beaver Creek Road north of Kennedy Bridge Road. A handicapped accessible fishing pier and an informational kiosk are located adjacent to the boat ramp. This campground has campsites with electrical and water hookups which are maintained by DOF. Bait, supplies, and other conveniences are available in nearby Baker, Blackmon, and Munson. Hurricane Lake is subject to the rules and regulations currently in effect for Fish Management Areas. Please refer to a current copy of Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. Gasoline boat motors are prohibited from use on Hurricane Lake; however, use of electric trolling motors is allowed.

SPECIAL REGULATION:  All black bass less than 18 inches in total length must be released immediately.

For additional information regarding fishing opportunities at Hurricane Lake contact Blackwater Fisheries Center in Holt, Fl.  Phone: (850) 957-6175. 

See also our Fish Management Area Brochure (PDF) and Map (PDF) for Hurricane Lake on our Fisheries Publications page.

Largemouth bass anglers will be more successful during the early morning and the early evening hours than during the heat of midday. Dark colored plastic worms and floater-diver type lures should be two of the more productive artificial baits when used along the shoreline or within the flooded timber. Rat-L-Traps are also effective according to numerous bass anglers. Bass can often be found hanging out around clumps of maidencane grass found in shallower areas around the lake. Larger bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) will be congregating on the oyster-shell spawning area and limerock piles located within the lake. As with largemouth bass, the early morning and late afternoon/evening hours will be most productive. Overcast days also tend to be more productive than bright sunny days, especially when the water is very clear. Live baits such as red worms, wigglers, and crickets fished on light tackle are the best bet. Another productive method for catching bream is to take a small beetle spin (1/16 or 1/32 ounce), detach the spinner and use only the little lead-headed jig preferably with chartreuse colored grubs. Bait with a cricket and fish 3-4 feet below a float. For fishermen without a boat, good catches of bluegill can be had by fishing off the fishing pier adjacent to the boat ramp in the north campgrounds or off the fishing fingers located in both the north and south campgrounds. Catfish can be taken using chicken livers and earthworms primarily in the evening. Night fishing for bass, bream, and catfish can also be productive during the hot summer months.

LAKE JACKSON (Leon County):

Located just north of Tallahassee, this 4,000-acre lake has been nationally known for its largemouth bass fishery. The best bass fishing time of year is the spring through early summer (February through May). This lake has a high diversity of aquatic vegetation, but hydrilla, eelgrass, and maidencane are the best habitats to fish for bass in this lake. This lake is shallow with an average depth of about 7 feet and a maximum depth of 30 feet. After May, fishing at night becomes the norm to get away from the hot weather conditions. It is a natural sink-hole lake that periodically goes dry (about every 25 years). For an excellent article about the history of the lake and restoration efforts click here (this is an offsite link, so you may want to bookmark this page first).  There are 5 public boat ramps around the lake and one fish camp. For additional information you may contact Red and Sam's Fish Camp at 850-562-3083.

SPECIAL REGULATION: All black bass less than 18 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Lake Jackson has gone mostly dry again due to low rainfall. Access is extremely limited, but for those that can, fishing should remain good due to low water levels. Largemouth bass and bluegill can be caught with minnows, worms, or small artificial baits. A few bass up to 11 pounds have been caught recently. Hopefully, continued rain will stop the dewatering and continue to refill the lake.

KARICK LAKE (Okaloosa County)  Karick Lake is a 65-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1965, opened to fishing in 1966, and is designated as a Fish Management Area. The lake has an average depth of 7 feet with a maximum depth of 18 feet, with the deepest areas located near the dam and along the old streambed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. The lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), and channel catfish. Karick Lake is located in northwestern Okaloosa County off County Road 189 approximately 8 miles north of Baker, FL. Concrete boat ramps with courtesy docks are located in both the north and south campgrounds. A handicapped accessible fishing pier is located adjacent to the boat ramp in the north campground. Both campgrounds are accessible from CR 189. Informational kiosks are located adjacent to each boat ramp. The south campground contains primitive campsites (no electrical or water hookups) and picnic areas. The north campground has picnic grounds and campsites are available with both electric and water hookups. Both campgrounds have restroom/bath facilities and are maintained by the Division of Forestry. Bait, supplies, and other conveniences are available in nearby Baker and Blackmon, FL. Karick Lake is subject to the rules and regulations currently in effect for Fish Management Areas. Please refer to a current copy of Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. Gasoline boat motors are prohibited from use on Karick Lake; however, use of electric trolling motors is allowed.

SPECIAL REGULATION: Effective July 1, 2006 a 12-inch minimum size limit harvest regulation for largemouth bass will replace the current catch-and-release regulation. The daily bag limit under the 12-inch minimum size limit will be 5 bass per angler per day, only one of which may be 22-inches in total length or larger. All bass less than 12-inches in total length must be released immediately.

For additional information regarding fishing opportunities at Karick Lake contact Blackwater Fisheries Center in Holt, Fl. Phone (850) 957-6175

See also our Fish Management Area Brochure (PDF) and Map (PDF) for Karick Lake on our Fisheries Publications page.

Largemouth bass anglers will be more successful during the early morning and the early evening hours. Dark colored plastic worms, Rat-L-Traps, and floater-diver type lures are all productive artificial baits. Bass can often be found holding under floating mats of torpedo grass growing near the shoreline in numerous parts of the lake. Larger bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) will be congregating on the oyster-shell spawning area and limerock piles located within the lake. Live baits such as red worms, wigglers, and crickets fished on light tackle in 2-5 feet of water are normally productive. As with bass, the most productive fishing seems to be early morning and late afternoon/early evening. Night fishing for bass and bream can also be productive this time of year.

MERRITT'S MILL POND: This is a unique 202-acre spring-fed impoundment with crystal clear waters near the city limits of Marianna. The lake is accessible off US 90 in Marianna by taking SR 71 north 1.1 miles to SR 164 for 1.8 miles and then south on Hunter Fish Camp Rd. to the ramp. Merritt's Mill Pond is renowned for its trophy redear (shellcracker) fishing. The pond currently holds the State record for redear at 4.86 pounds and until recently held the world record fish. Fishing far from your boat, on cloudy or rainy days or when there is a ripple on the water may produce the best results when fishing in this clear water pond. Due to an extended drawdown in 1994-1996 for dam repairs, bluegill and redear populations suffered, however, largemouth bass populations capitalized on the abundance of food in the pond.

SPECIAL REGULATION:  Redear sunfish (shellcracker) daily bag limit: 10.
Redear sunfish less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.

Contact - Arrowhead Campground; 4820 U.S. Highway 90 East, Marianna, FL 32446 (850) 482-5583

Largemouth bass fishing should be good this quarter. Try topwater, spinner- and buzzbaits or plastic worms around the edges of the eelgrass and coontail beds. Redear sunfish and bluegill fishing should also be good. Try red worms around the same eelgrass or coontail beds you would target for bass.

OCHEESEE POND: This 2,225-acre lake is located south of U.S. Hwy. 90 at Grand Ridge and Sneads. Ocheesee has dark tannic water with approximately 90% of its surface area covered by cypress trees. There is access to the lake by taking SR 69 south of Grand Ridge for 1.0 mile then left on CR 69A for 5.9 miles and travel left on Shady Grove Rd. to the ramp.

Local information contact the Panama City, Fisheries Biologist at 850/265-3677.

Water levels in the pond are low until more rain comes to the area. Be careful navigating in the pond due to the many exposed stumps and snags. In the past, this pond has produced some very large bluegill. Try fishing around stumps and snags in deep holes. Best baits include grass shrimp, crickets, wigglers, or various colors of 1/- 1/8 ounce beetle spins. Redear sunfish (shellcracker) can also be found in these areas using worms. Largemouth bass fishing will be fair throughout the summer months. Try fishing early morning and late afternoon along weedlines or in deep holes in the lake. Best baits include spinnerbaits, crankbaits, dark plastic worms, or live shiners.

OCHLOCKONEE RIVER:

Lower Ochlockonee River - Located just west and southwest of Tallahassee, this river is shallow, narrow and scenic over most of its stretch to the gulf coast. It is noted for its redbreast sunfish and black crappie fisheries. The best fishing times occur in spring and summer when water levels are low. It is a good river to canoe and fish with abundant snags, deep water holes and sand bars. There are approximately 6 public boat ramps and numerous primitive camping sites on its stretch.

Sunfish and catfish will be your best bet during the warm weather this quarter. Fish with worms or crickets for both.

For additional information, you may contact Ed and Bernice's Fish Camp at 850-379-8122.

Upper Ochlockonee River - Located west and north of Tallahassee, the Florida portion of this river is noted for its redbreast sunfish fishery in periods of low water and catfish during high water events. It is a good river to canoe and fish with abundant snags and deep water holes. There are 3 public boat ramps on the Florida portion of this river.

Sunfish and catfish will be your best bet during the warm weather this quarter. Fish with worms or crickets for both.

As water temperatures continue to climb, good fishing opportunities will begin to decline.  Larger striped bass and sunshine bass (hybrid striped bass) will seek refuge in springs (which are closed to fishing May 1 to November 1) and cool water creeks to survive the hot summer.  Smaller hybrids and stripers will school in the lower lake, especially near the dam where there is some water flow.  Watch for birds working schools of shad and cast spoons or diving plugs to game fish feeding beneath the baitfish, or work poppers and surface plugs near the bait.  If you are on the water early or late, fish the flats for largemouth bass.  The Cornfield and the Man-Made-Island may be good areas to try on the Chattahoochee side, or try the flats near Fishpond Drain and Spring Creek on the Flint side.  Many largemouth bass will be moving to deeper water during the summer, so fish vertically along the channels with spoons, jigs, or worms.  Work the lure up and down along the edge, especially where there is a wall of hydrilla right up to the channel.  Bream (bluegill) and shellcracker will continue to bed sporadically through the summer, particularly around the full moon each month.  However, look for panfish to also move toward deeper water as the summer progresses.  Beat the summertime heat by fly-fishing for bream along deep banks after dark using glow bugs.  The best action will be around the new moon or on overcast nights.

As water temperatures continue to climb, good fishing opportunities will begin to decline. Larger striped bass and sunshine bass will seek refuge in springs—which are closed to fishing May 1 to November 1—and cool water creeks to survive the hot summer. Smaller hybrids and stripers will school in the lower lake, especially near the dam where there is some water flow. Watch for birds working schools of shad and cast spoons or diving plugs to game fish feeding beneath the baitfish, or work poppers and surface plugs near the bait. If you are on the water early or late, fish the flats for largemouth bass. The Cornfield and the Man-Made-Island may be good areas to try on the Chattahoochee side, or try the flats near Fishpond Drain and Spring Creek on the Flint side. Many largemouth bass will be moving to deeper water during the summer, so fish vertically along the channels with spoons, jigs, or worms. Work the lure up and down along the edge, especially where there is a wall of hydrilla right up to the channel. Bream and shellcracker will continue to bed sporadically through the summer, particularly around the full moon each month. However, look for panfish to also move toward deeper water as the summer progresses. Beat the summertime heat by fly fishing for bream along deep banks after dark. The best action will be around the new moon or on overcast nights.

Length and bag limits for stripers, hybrids, and white bass in Lake Seminole follow those established by Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR): an aggregate of 15 fish, of which no more than two may be 22 inches or longer.

For more information contact Seminole Lodge (850-593-6886) or Wingate’s Lunker Lodge (229-246-0658), or log on to Georgia DNR (www.gofishgeorgia.com) or Georgia Outdoor News (www.gon.com/).

Largemouth bass fishing should be good throughout the quarter. Try deep ledges off the old river channel with crankbaits or plastic worms. Bluegill and shellcracker fishing should also be good. Try worms or crickets in less than 10 feet of water. Striped bass fishing will be good in the cool water creeks such as Ocklawaha. Try crankbaits where the creek comes into the lake in the old creek channel. No plans for another drawdown are imminent within the next 3-5 years.

LAKE VICTOR (Holmes County):

Lake Victor is a 130-acre artificial impoundment constructed in 1966 and opened to fishing in 1968. It has an average depth of 8 feet and a maximum depth of 23 feet. Deepest areas are near the dam and along the old stream bed. A considerable amount of timber remains, providing fish habitat and cover. The lake has been previously stocked with sport fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcrackers), and channel catfish. The lake also supports a fairly good population of black crappie which appear to peak every 5 to 7-years. The lake is located in north Holmes County, south of S.R. 2, approximately one mile west of the New Hope community. It is within easy commuting distance from Chipley, Bonifay, DeFuniak Springs, and south Alabama. There is a concrete boat ramp with ample parking located near the dam on the northeast side of the lake. Riddle Bait and Tackle are situated next to this ramp and handles fishing supplies and other conveniences.

For current fishing conditions they may be contacted at (850) 956-2444 or e-mail: riddlebait@digitalexp.com. There are no public upland recreational facilities or boat rentals available. Dancy Landing, a privately operated camping area with an unimproved (oyster shell) boat ramp is located on the southeast side of the lake. For available camp sites or fishing conditions they may be reached at (850) 956-4526.

Largemouth bass fishermen will be more successful fishing during the early morning and early evening hours when fish are actively feeding. Dark colored plastic worms, Rat-L-Traps, and diving lures are some of the more productive artificial baits. Bluegill are currently congregating on spawning beds throughout the lake. Red worms, wigglers, and crickets fished on light tackle in 2-5 feet of water are the most productive baits. As with bass fishing, the early morning and late afternoon/early evening hours are normally most productive during the hot summer months. Catfish can be taken using chicken livers and earthworms, primarily in the early morning and evening. Night fishing for bass, bream, and catfish can also be productive during this time of year.

See also our Fish Management Area Brochure (PDF) and Map (PDF) for Lake Victor on our Fisheries Publications page.

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