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Northwest Region Fishing Forecast

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October-December 2009

The following is a general description and quarterly forecast (*bold updates) for fishing conditions in major public water bodies in this region. For even more up-to-date information, we suggest you call or visit a local bait-and-tackle shop, fishing marina or guide service. We have provided information for some local contacts, who indicated they were willing to be listed herein. Clicking the clock/thermometer above will take you to a very detailed weather site, where you can get forecasts, historic weather information, moon phase, tide charts and sunrise/sunset times.

If you would like additional descriptions of these and other fishing sites listed by county, you can visit the Great Outdoors Recreation Page listing for Florida's Northwest Region. Please note, however, that their site is not routinely updated to reflect current fishing conditions.

A few sites have additional links to local web pages or to topographic maps and brochures. We will continue to expand these links as they become available to us.

Tallahassee, Leon County Fishing Area Map.

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.

*Striped bass and sunshine bass fishing in the lower Apalachicola River and the Intracoastal Waterway should improve during the fall. Approximately 14,000 phase II (8 to 12 inch) striped bass from the 2008 year class were released into the Apalachicola River during December and January. Many of these fish should have remained in the lower river through the summer and will provide excellent light-tackle or fly rod action through the fall. Larger fish that have been aestivating in cool water refuges in other parts of the system during summer months will begin foraging throughout the lower river as water temperatures decline in late October and early November. Best bets will be bottom fishing with shrimp, live or fresh, near the mouths of the Apalachicola, St. Marks, Little St. Marks, and East rivers, and along the Gulf County Canal and Intracoastal Waterway near Port St. Joe and White City. Larger striped bass may be more readily caught with bucktail jigs or crankbaits near bridge pilings and along deep channels and drop-offs. For best results, fish the outgoing tides at the river mouths or the slack tides near bridge pilings. The bag limit for stripers, hybrids, and white bass is 20 fish per day, aggregate, but only three may be striped bass and they must be a minimum of 18 inches total length. Fall is normally a time for good largemouth bass fishing in the lower river. Dipping live shrimp along the steeper, grass-lined banks of the St. Marks and East rivers and the smaller sloughs, such as Montgomery Slough and Saltwater Creek, is one of the more popular methods. Spinnerbaits fished along the banks and weedlines of the larger channels and in Lake Wimico are also productive. As water temperatures drop, speckled trout, redfish, and sheepshead will also move into the lower reaches of the Apalachicola and the distributaries. Bucktails, spoons, crankbaits, and live or dead shrimp should all be productive.

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).

*Water levels will likely remain lower than average through October and November. Striped bass and sunshine bass fishing in the tailrace of Jim Woodruff Dam and the upper Apalachicola River will improve as water temperatures decline around the end of October or beginning of November. During early morning and evening hours, stripers and hybrids will school near the surface and should be readily taken on topwater plugs and crankbaits. During the day, fishing on the bottom with live shad, shiners, or small eels will typically be more productive. The bag limit for stripers, hybrids, and white bass is 20 fish per day, aggregate, but only three may be striped bass and they must be 18 inches in length. There is no size limit for hybrids or white bass.

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.

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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.

* Largemouth bass anglers will become more active as water temperatures cool. 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. Fishing around brush fish attractors can also be very productive as these sites provide excellent cover. Bullet-shaped buoys mark brush fish attractor sites around the lake. Anglers should be observant of weather patterns during this time of year. Cold fronts late in the year will often push bass into deeper waters. Warm days following a cold front will often result in bass moving back into shallower habitats to feed, and fishermen will need to adjust their strategies accordingly. Shallow areas that are adjacent to deeper water drop-offs, where bass can seek refuge during cold periods, can be prime habitat this time of year. A key to success this time of year is to be observant of conditions and adjust your fishing strategies, lures, and presentations based on these observations. Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) can be caught using live baits such as red worms, wigglers, and crickets fished on light tackle. As with bass, these fish will be moving between shallow and deep-water areas based on changing weather patterns. Another productive method for catching bream is to take a small beetle spin (1/16 or 1/32 oz), detach the spinner and use only the little lead headed jig preferably with chartreuse colored grubs. Bait with a cricket and fish 3 to 4 feet below a float. Fishing near fish feeders that are set up in the lake can usually result in nice catches of bream. If you are catching a lot of small bream, larger bream can often be found by fishing just a little deeper in the same area. Using the appropriate size hook is also an important factor when fishing for bream. Bream have small mouths and most bait and tackle stores sell “bream hooks� that are perfect when you are targeting these fish. For fishermen without a boat, fishing off the fishing pier adjacent to the boat ramp can be productive for bream. Crappie and sunshine bass fishing tends to pick up as water temperatures drop to 70o and below. Catfish can be caught using earthworms and chicken livers.

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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 

*Good largemouth bass and bream (shellcracker and bluegill) fishing is anticipated for the Yellow River during the months of October through December. If you are fishing the tidal section of the river, try to catch a falling tide for best success. Effective baits to use for bass include plastic worms, and any spinner type plug. In addition to typical sunfish and bass species, the Yellow River harbors other sport fishes such as spotted bass, longear sunfish, warmouth, spotted sunfish, shadow bass, black crappie, seatrout, redfish, croaker, mullet, and occasionally, redbreast sunfish. (The state record warmouth was caught in the Yellow River.)

Fishing should be especially good in the lower, tidal reaches of the river this fall; however, fishing success in the upper river depends largely upon water levels. Although low-water conditions historically prevail during fall and early winter, unseasonal occurrences of high water may make this area difficult to fish, thus fishermen should check river levels before visiting the upper river. Current water levels throughout Florida may be found on the internet at www.usgs.gov.
There are numerous access points to the lower Yellow River system 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 Guest Lake Landing (South of Holt), Milligan (below Highway 90), Crestview (highways 85 and 90), Blackman (Highway 2), and the Highway 87 crossing southeast of Milton.

Fishing success in the upper river also depends largely upon water levels. High water levels make this area difficult to fish, and low water levels limit navigation, thus fishermen should check river levels before visiting this section of the river. Current water levels throughout Florida may be found on the internet at www.usgs.gov. Fish species commonly caught within this reach include; largemouth and spotted bass, longear sunfish, warmouth, spotted sunfish, and shadow bass. The upper reaches of the Yellow/Shoal Rivers also harbors an excellent spotted bass population.

Flathead catfish are also common in the upper reach of the river. It is anticipated that flathead fishing will be excellent during this period. Anglers targeting these “river giants� should use live bait. The optimal bait for the species is sunfish, but anglers are reminded to familiarize themselves with current regulations. Live sunfish can only be used for bait if collected and fished using hook and line. Sunfish cannot be used as bait on any other fishing gear (e.g., bush hooks or trot lines). Optimal fishing locations for this fish include deep flowing areas, downstream of a sharp bend in the river, and behind large snags. Fishing for these river giants can also be done from big sandbars with your baits fished in the outside bends of the river. Anglers are also reminded that the flathead catfish is an exotic species to Florida, and keeping all fish caught is highly encouraged.
The FWC reminds anglers that it is illegal to possess Alligator gar without a Scientific Collectors Permit. Alligator gar are an endemic top predator found only in the Panhandle Rivers and grow to more than 120 pounds. Due to limited numbers, harvest is restricted. Their gator like snout is distinctly different than spotted and longnose gar, the two other species of gar found in the panhandle.

Fishing should be especially good in the lower, tidal reaches of the river this summer; however, fishing success in the upper river depends largely upon water levels. High water levels make this area difficult to fish; thus fishermen should check river levels before visiting the upper river. Current water levels throughout Florida may be found on the internet at www.usgs.gov.

There are numerous access points to the lower Yellow River system 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), and the Highway 87 crossing southeast of Milton.

Fishing success in the upper river also depends largely upon water levels. High water levels make this area difficult to fish, and low water levels limit navigation, and fishermen should check levels before visiting this section of the river. Current water levels throughout Florida may be found on the internet at www.usgs.gov. Fish species commonly caught within this reach include largemouth and spotted bass, longear sunfish, warmouth, spotted sunfish and shadow bass. The upper reaches of the Yellow/Shoal Rivers also harbor an excellent spotted bass population.

Access to the upper river is limited to the boat ramp south of Highway 90 in Milligan, and at Highway 2 (Blackman). Anglers should consider shuttling between these two ramps if possible. The Yellow river between these two locations receives little pressure, and offers unique boating and fishing opportunities. Additional access to the upper section is available at the highway 90 ramp (on the Shoal River).

Flathead catfish are also common in the upper reach of the river. It is anticipated that flathead fishing will be excellent during this period. Anglers targeting these “river giants� should use live bait. The optimal bait for this species is sunfish, but anglers are reminded to familiarize themselves with current regulations. Live sunfish can only be used for bait if collected and fished using hook and line. Sunfish cannot be used as bait on any other fishing gear (e.g., bush hooks or trot lines). Optimal angling locations for this fish include deep flowing areas, downstream of a sharp bend in the river, and behind large snags. Anglers are also reminded that the flathead catfish is an exotic species to Florida, and keeping all fish caught is highly encouraged, since this species may negatively impact native sportfish populations (e.g., sunfish and catfish).

Information about current river conditions can be checked online at www.usgs.gov.

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

* Good largemouth bass and sunfish (shellcracker and bluegill) fishing is anticipated for the lower Blackwater River from October through December. If you are fishing in the tidal section of the river, try to catch a falling tide for best results. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish during the summer. Effective baits to use for bass include plastic worms and any spinner type plug. In addition to sunfish and bass, the lower river also harbors other sport fish such as warmouth, spotted sunfish, seatrout, redfish, croaker and mullet.

Striped bass fishing will pick up during the cooler days of fall and early winter. Good locales for striper fishing, from October through December include the tidal, lower section of the river, from the Navy Recreation Area down to the Interstate 10 bridge in Blackwater Bay. Dawn and dusk during a falling tide seems to be prime times for striper fishing. Some fishermen have discovered great success fishing after dark especially near artificial lights. In the tidal section of the river you should try to fish around points of land extending into the river. Live mullet or menhaden make good baits. Anglers should use plugs that resemble bait fishes, such as shad or mullet. During the cooler months, striped bass may often be found schooling at the surface and may be caught by casting into the schools with topwater plugs or stick baits. Live shrimp or Bucktail jigs are also appropriate. Striped bass are available in the Blackwater River as a result of long-term stocking by the FWC.

Access to the lower river include boat ramps in Milton, at Carpenters Park (north of downtown Milton, just off Highway 191), Russell Harbor Park (North of Hwy 90 in Milton), Navy Recreation Area (North of Hwy 90 in Milton), and in Bagdad (east of downtown Bagdad, off Highway 191).

Anglers who wish to also enjoy the aesthetic qualities of this river, as well as a challenging sport, may want to try fishing the upper reach of the Blackwater River. Principal sport fishes in this section of the river are longear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, shadow bass, the occasional hybrid striped bass, and spotted bass. Like the largemouth bass, spotted bass is one of four species of black bass that inhabit Florida. Spotted bass fishing can best be accomplished by wade-fishing, with a canoe, or a light jon boat. While live bait always works well for these species, spinners, such as Mepps or Snagless Sallys, are appropriate. Casts should be made around areas of instream cover, such as logs and snags, especially where undercut banks occur in the bends of the stream. Anglers should also be mindful of spooking fish, since the water visibility is often high during these months. Fly fishing this section of the Blackwater River also can be productive. Light tackle with floating flies will provide tons of entertainment, and plenty of sunfish for the angler interested in a lazy river float. Minnow mimics such as Clousers, are also good flies, if they can be maneuvered in and out of woody debris.

Fishing success here depends largely upon water levels. High water makes this area difficult to fish, thus fishermen should check river levels before visiting the upper river. Current water levels throughout Florida may be found on the internet at www.usgs.gov. Anglers not fortunate enough to own vessels for fishing are reminded that numerous canoe outfitters are present in this watershed, and provide shuttling services for launching and pick up.

Access to the upper river is provided by public boat ramps at Blackwater River State Park (off Deaton Bridge Road), three miles west of Holt (on Bryant Bridge Road), and a recently constructed county maintained ramp south of Hwy 4, in the Blackwater River State Forest. Other unimproved landings, suitable for canoes or light jon boats, are scattered along the remaining length of the upper river.

You can check current conditions online at www.usgs.gov before you go. 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).

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.

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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.

*Anglers should always 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 which falls under the same bag and size limit regulations as the largemouth bass. 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 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 oz beetle spins and/or worms. Fly fisherman should fish early morning or late afternoon for bass and bream (bluegill, spotted sunfish, and redear sunfish).

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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.

*Striped bass and sunshine bass fishing should be picking up with the falling river temperatures. As fall moves along, the stripers will be heading towards the lower river and bay area where there are plenty of prey fish. Best success can be had with live bait (finger mullet, menhaden, or shad). Watch for fish striking the surface and then cast into the schools of baitfish. Artificial lures are also good; use baits that mimic the size and color of the baitfish present. Baits such as 3-5 inch shad colored Shad Raps and Rat-L-Traps are good bets as well as a number 3 white Mepps spinner. Largemouth bass can be found around submerged trees, creek mouths, and submerged vegetation in slower moving water. Spinnerbaits and artificial worms are the best bet; however, live baits are just as good. Excellent size bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) can be caught in Holmes Creek and on the lower river fishing worms and crickets around brush and submerged vegetation along the shoreline. Crappie fishing should pick up as well. Fish small minnows around brush piles in 10 - 18 feet of water or use small crappie jigs (1/32 or 1/64 oz) and slowly jig around the brush piles.

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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

* Anglers should exercise caution while boating due to the many snags and stumps in the lake. Fall sampling indicated good numbers of large bluegill and redear sunfish (from 7 to 8 inches) throughout the lake. The largest bream (bluegill and redear sunfish) and the greatest numbers of bream were caught in West Arm Creek as well as along the weed lines of the eastern bank of Dead Lake. Bream anglers should fish an ultra-light rod with a number 10 gold hook using a wiggler or beetle spin around stumps and snags and along weedlines and in deep holes. Largemouth bass fishing will pick up in the fall as bass move out of the deep holes and feed in shallow waters. Anglers reported and fall sampling indicated large bass around submerged structure and stumps in West Arm Creek near the Highway 22 bridge. Try fishing early morning and late afternoon in 2 to 3 feet of water with topwater baits. During the day, fish artificial worm or lizards or live shiners.

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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.

*Anglers should be aware that a drawdown of Deer Point Lake is scheduled for January so access during the winter months may be limited. Bass fishing should pick up during October and November as water temperatures cool. 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. Fall sampling indicated large bass (greater than 12 inches) in Econfina Creek, Bear Creek, and at the confluence of Bayou George. Try fishing for redear sunfish along the weedlines of the old river channels and near structure with worms. Bluegill can also be found in these areas fishing with worms or crickets. Fall sampling indicated large redear sunfish (7 inches or larger) in the area of Williams Bayou. In the fall as fish become more active, try fishing deep holes in old river channels in Bayou George and Cedar Creek with live minnows on a jig head setting a few rods at different depths to locate fish. 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.

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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.)

*Excellent largemouth bass and bream (shellcracker and bluegill) fishing is expected during the months of July through September in the Escambia River. Fishing should be good for small-to-medium size largemouth bass within the delta marshes above Highway 90, between Pensacola and Pace. Bass fishing is best along the winding channels that cut through the marshes. Bass anglers should try to catch a falling tide and fish along the undercut banks of these delta channels.

Plastic worms and spinner lures are effective baits for bass. The delta marshes should also be very good for bream, such as bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker) and spotted sunfish (stumpknocker). The lower river is also a good place to fish for a mixed bag of saltwater fishes such as seatrout, sheepshead and redfish.

In addition to typical sunfish and bass species, the Escambia River also harbors other sport fishes such as spotted bass, longear sunfish, warmouth, spotted sunfish, shadow bass, and black crappie. While all these species can be caught from the mainstem river, large tributaries should not be neglected. Big Escambia Creek and Pine Barren Creek have excellent spotted bass populations that are rarely exploited. Fishing should be excellent throughout the summer in the lower, tidal reaches of the river; however, fishing success in the middle and upper river depends largely upon water levels. If above-normal rainfall occurs, resulting high water levels may make the upper river difficult to fish, thus fishermen should check river levels before visiting the middle and upper sections. Current water levels throughout Florida may be found on the internet at www.usgs.gov. If water levels remain at normal levels during the summer, bass and bream fishing should be excellent in the middle and upper reaches of the river.
The Escambia is also an excellent place to fish for large flathead catfish. Several state-record flatheads have been taken from this river. The optimal bait for the species is sunfish, but anglers are reminded to familiarize themselves with current regulations. Live sunfish can only be used for bait if collected and fished using hook and line. Sunfish cannot be used as bait on any other fishing gear (e.g., bush hooks or trot lines). Optimal fishing locations for this fish include deep flowing areas, downstream of a sharp bend in the river, and behind large snags. Fishing for these river giants can also be done from big sandbars with your baits fished in the outside bends of the river. Anglers are also reminded that the flathead catfish is an exotic species to Florida, and keeping all fish caught is highly encouraged.

Numerous access points are available along the Escambia River. Three fish camps are located along Highway 90 between Pensacola and Pace. From these, the lower river and delta marshes may be accessed directly. A boat ramp is also located just below the mouth of the river on the northeast shore of Escambia Bay, just south of Pace. In addition, a popular public fishing pier has been built along Highway 90 (Simpson River) just west of Pace. Quintette Landing, off Highway 184 north of Pace, is good point from which to reach choice fishing spots of both the upper and lower river, including backwater areas. Other boat landings along the upper river include Molino, Webb Lake, McDavid, Cotton Lake, Bluff Springs, Kyser Landing, Sandy Landing, Fisher landing (Century) and Oil Plant (North of Jay).

Anglers should be aware of potential obstacles, such as downed trees and other debris in the river as a result of recent hurricanes and exercise caution while navigating the Escambia River. Passages into some backwaters and sloughs that were formerly open may now be blocked. Downed trees and log jams created by the hurricanes can also provide prime habitat and shelter for largemouth bass and bream, and anglers may want to try their luck in areas where these occur. A recent log-jam diversion was discovered on the Escambia River, south of Sandy Landing. Anglers will likely not be able to navigate through this diversion at this time.

Striped bass fishing will pick up during the cooler days of fall and early winter. Good locales for striper fishing, from October through December include the tidal, lower section of the river, from the thermal canal of plant Crist down to the Spoil Islands near the mouth of the river. Dawn and dusk during a falling tide seems to be prime times for striper fishing. Some fishermen have discovered great success fishing after dark especially near artificial lights. In the lower tidal section of the river, you should try to fish around points of land extending into the river, live mullet or menhaden make good baits. Anglers should use plugs that resemble bait fishes, such as shad or mullet. During the cooler months, striped bass may often be found schooling at the surface and may be caught by casting into the schools with topwater plugs or stick baits. Live shrimp or Bucktail jigs are also appropriate. Striped bass are available in the Escambia River as a result of long-term stocking by the FWC.
The FWC reminds anglers that it is illegal to possess Alligator gar without a Scientific Collectors Permit. Alligator gar are an endemic top predator found only in the Panhandle Rivers and grow to more than 120 pounds. Due to limited numbers, harvest is restricted. Their gator like snout is distinctly different than spotted and longnose gar, the two other species of gar found it the panhandle.

Anglers should note that high water and flooding can sometimes make the upper stretches of the river difficult to fish, and should check the current water stage at internet at www.usgs.gov.

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.

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.  Ted Brown at Becks Lake Fish Camp, LLC (www.beckslakefishcamp.com)
850-982-1907

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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.

*Largemouth bass anglers will become more active as water temperatures cool. 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. Anglers should be observant of weather patterns during this time of year. Cold fronts will often push bass into deeper waters and jigs can be an effective lure when bass are holding in these areas. Warm days following a cold front will often result in bass moving back into shallower habitats to feed, and fishermen will need to adjust their strategies accordingly. Shallow areas that are adjacent to deeper water drop-offs where bass can seek refuge during cold periods can be prime habitat this time of year. A key to success this time of year is to be observant of conditions and adjust your fishing strategies, lures, and presentations based on these observations. Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) can be caught using live baits such as red worms, wigglers, and crickets fished on light tackle. As with bass, these fish will be moving between shallow and deep-water areas based on changing weather patterns. Another productive method for catching bream is to take a small beetle spin (1/16 or 1/32 oz), detach the spinner and use only the little lead headed jig preferably with chartreuse colored grubs. Bait with a cricket and fish 3 to 4 feet below a float. If you are catching a lot of small bream, often fishing a little deeper in the same area can catch larger bream that tend to stay a little deeper. Using the appropriate size hook is also an important factor when fishing for bream. Bream have small mouths and most bait and tackle stores sell “bream hooks� that are perfect when you are targeting these fish. 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 the south campgrounds. Catfish can be taken using chicken livers and earthworms.

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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 continues to retain water since the heavy rain from last year’s tropical storms and the recent rains this spring. Anglers should be able to launch from the landing at Highway 27, Millers Landing, and the ramp at Shucker’s Oyster Restaurant on Jackson Cove Road. Having a truck with 4WD probably wouldn’t hurt. Remember to be considerate of other anglers and avoid power-loading when taking your boat out of the water. Power loading will result in the deposit of sand at the landing and make launching a boat nearly impossible over time. Try backing your trailer in the water a little deeper than usual and driving your boat on your trailer at a slow/moderate speed. Fishing for bream and shellcrackers should be great this quarter with wigglers and crickets. Fly fishing for bass and other sunfish should also be decent through the fall.

Also tune into WTWC NBC-40 on Saturday mornings (5:30-6:30) to see the "Around the Bend" show for up to the moment tips and happenings.

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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.

*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. Anglers should be observant of weather patterns during this time of year. Cold fronts late in the year will often push bass into deeper waters. Warm days following a cold front will often result in bass moving back into shallower habitats to feed, and fishermen will need to adjust their strategies accordingly. Shallow areas that are adjacent to deeper water drop-offs where bass can seek refuge during cold periods can be prime habitat this time of year. Larger bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) can be caught using live baits such as red worms, wigglers, and crickets fished on light tackle. If you are catching a lot of small bream, larger bream can often be found by fishing just a little deeper in the same area. Using the appropriate size hook is also an important factor when fishing for bream. Bream have small mouths and most bait and tackle stores sell “bream hooks� that are perfect when you are targeting these fish. Similarly to bass, the changing weather patterns will result in bream moving between shallow and deep-water areas. For anglers without a boat a public fishing pier is located in the north campgrounds and plentiful bank fishing areas are available along both the north and south shorelines.

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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

*Bluegill, redear (shellcracker) and spotted sunfish (stumpknocker) fishing should be good. Recent FWC surveys suggest an excellent population of stumpknockers throughout the mill pond. Take a stealthy approach in the clear water. Fish crickets or worms around the eel grass beds for the best success. As for shellcracker, remember the minimum length limit is 10 inches with the bag limit of 10 shellcracker per person in the mill pond.

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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.

*Be careful navigating in the pond due to the many exposed stumps and snags. In the past this pond produced some very large bluegill and fishing for these giants should be fair throughout the fall and winter. Try fishing around stumps and snags in 3 to 5 feet or deep holes in the main section of the lake. Best baits include grass shrimp, crickets, wigglers, or various colors of 1/16 to 1/8 oz beetle spins. Redear sunfish (shellcracker) can also be found in these areas using worms. Largemouth bass fishing should also be fair throughout the fall. Try fishing early morning and late afternoon along weedlines and cypress trees. Best baits include spinnerbaits, crankbaits, dark plastic worms, or live shiners.

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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.

*Fishing for redbreast sunfish and bluegill should be excellent this fall. Your best bet is with a cane pole using live wigglers or crickets. Fish around fallen trees or brush piles for the best results.

For additional information, you may contact Ed and Bernice's Fish Camp at 850-379-8146.

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.

*Fishing for redbreast sunfish and bluegill should be excellent this fall. Your best bet is with a cane pole using live wigglers or crickets. Fish around fallen trees or brush piles for the best results.

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Lake Seminole (Jackson and Gadsden counties):

Lake Seminole is a 37,500-acre reservoir located at the juncture of the Florida, Georgia, and Alabama state lines. It was formed by closure of Jim Woodruff Dam at the confluence of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers near the town of Chattahoochee, FL. The lake and its facilities are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is used for navigation, hydroelectric production, and recreation. Much of the reservoir is flooded timber, and since the early 1990's hydrilla has expanded to nearly 70% coverage of the lake area. Approximately 80% of Lake Seminole is located in Georgia, although by agreement licensed Florida anglers can fish south and west of an imaginary line from Chattahoochee Park, on the east bank, through Navigation Mile Marker 3.0 on the Flint River, south of Lake Seminole WMA, to Navigation Mile Marker 6.4 on the Chattahoochee River. East of Hwy. 271 (River Road), size and bag limits on Lake Seminole follow those established by Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and include: 10 black bass (12-inch minimum size); an aggregate of 15 striped bass, white bass, and sunshine bass (only two over 22 inches); 30 black and/or white crappie; 50 panfish (not including crappie); and a possession limit of 50 fish total, regardless of species. Lake Seminole is annually stocked with striped bass and sunshine bass (striped bass x white bass hybrids) by Florida, Georgia, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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.

*Cooler water temperatures tend to stimulate all species of gamefish, which makes fall one of the best times to fish Lake Seminole. On the Chattahoochee River arm, largemouth bass are often concentrated in the channels that run between the small islands. On the Florida side, the best stretch of river is usually between the Apalachee WMA and Parramore Landing. Fish the channels between the islands, particularly if there is current. Early in the morning, largemouth bass are likely to be on the flats, such as the Cornfield or the area west of the man-made island. Fish topwater early, then switch to artificial lizards, worms, or crankbaits later in the morning through mid-day, and move to deeper water towards afternoon. Striped bass and sunshine bass (hybrids) anglers should look for schooling fish in the lower part of the lake near the Indian Mounds and along the old river channels down to the dam. Stripers and larger hybrids will be coming out of the summer refuges by the end of October and will be feeding insatiably. Although sunshine bass have not been stocked into Lake Seminole since 2003, many hybrids were discharged from upstream reservoirs during the spring. Bream fishing should be good on any of the deeper flats when using live worms. Consult Georgia’s regulations for bag and size limits on Lake Seminole, except in the areas west of Highway 271, where Florida’s statewide regulations apply.

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/).  Also tune into WTWC NBC-40 on Saturday mornings (5:30-6:30) to see the "Around the Bend" show for up to the moment tips and happenings.

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Lake Stone (Escambia County):

Lake Stone in a 130-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1967, opened to fishing in 1969 and designated as a Fish Management Area. It has an average depth of 6 feet and a maximum depth of 22 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, and channel catfish. Lake Stone is located in northern Escambia County near Century, FL. Entrance to the lake is located on Lake Stone Rd off SR 4 approximately 1.5 miles west of US 29 in Century. There is one concrete boat ramp with ample parking available on the northwest end of the lake with an additional boat launching site constructed with crushed rock on the northeast side of the lake near the dam. Several earthen fishing fingers have been constructed on the lake to provide fishing opportunities for bank anglers. Bait and fishing supplies are available in nearby Century. Escambia County maintains the Lake Stone Recreation Area located on the northwest end of the lake. This area provides fee-type camping with or without electric/water hookups. Lake Stone 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 Lake Stone; however, use of electric trolling motors is allowed.

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

See also our Fish Management Area Brochure (PDF) and Map (PDF) for Lake Stone.

* Largemouth bass will become more active as water temperatures cool. 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. Anglers should be observant of weather patterns during this time of year. Cold fronts late in the year will often push bass into deeper waters. Warm days following a cold front will often result in bass moving back into shallower habitats to feed, and fishermen will need to adjust their strategies accordingly. Shallow areas that are adjacent to deeper water drop-offs, where bass can seek refuge during cold periods, can be prime habitat this time of year. A key to success this time of year is to be observant of conditions and adjust your fishing strategies, lures, and presentations based on these observations. Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) can be caught using live baits such as red worms, wigglers, and crickets fished on light tackle. As with bass, these fish will be moving between shallow and deep-water areas based on changing weather patterns. Another productive method for catching bream is to take a small beetle spin (1/16 or 1/32 oz), detach the spinner and use only the little lead headed jig preferably with chartreuse colored grubs. Bait with a cricket and fish 3 to 4 feet below a float. For fishermen without a boat, fishing off the numerous fishing fingers can be productive for bream. If you are catching a lot of small bream, larger bream can often be found by fishing just a little deeper in the same area. Using the appropriate size hook is also an important factor when fishing for bream. Bream have small mouths and most bait and tackle stores sell “bream hooks� that are perfect when you are targeting these fish. Plentiful bank fishing areas are available for fishermen who don’t have access to a boat. Catfish can be caught using chicken livers and earthworms.

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Lake Talquin Gadsden and Leon counties:

Located just west of Tallahassee, this 8,800 acre reservoir is nationally known for its high quality black crappie (speckled perch) fishery. The best crappie fishing occurs in winter months (January through April) during the prespawn and spawning period. There is very little vegetation, but lots of tree stumps and logs. At certain times of year largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, white bass, and striped bass fishing are excellent. Lake Talquin, for a Florida lake, is deep with an average depth of 15 feet and a maximum depth of 40 feet. There are 7 public boat ramps and 5 public fishing piers on the Leon County side of the lake (Hwy 20). On the Gadsden County side, there are 3 public boat ramps and 2 public fishing piers. Six fish camps surround the lake. For additional information you may contact Whipporwill Sportman's Lodge at 850-875-2605. All black bass that are less than 18 inches in total length and crappie that are less than 10 inches in total length must be released immediately.

*The bream should still be biting through fall. Remember to respect the harvest regulations (50 per person, per day). Wigglers or crickets should do the trick. Largemouth bass fishing is best in deeper water until the water cools later this fall. Crankbaits or plastic worms should work well adjacent to drop-offs or ledges.

Also tune into WTWC NBC-40 on Saturday mornings (5:30-6:30) to see the "Around the Bend" show for up to the moment tips and happenings.

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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. Lake Victor RV Park LLC, 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 will become more active as water temperatures cool. 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 the edges of decaying standing vegetation remaining from the lake drawdown during 2002. Lake Victor has an excellent population of bass ranging between 2 and 8 pounds, and larger bass exist in the lake. Anglers should be observant of weather patterns during this time of year. Cold fronts will often push bass into deeper waters and jigs can be an effective lure when bass are holding in these areas. Warm days following a cold front will often result in bass moving back into shallower habitats to feed, and fishermen will need to adjust their strategies accordingly. Shallow areas that are adjacent to deeper water drop-offs, where bass can seek refuge during cold periods, can be prime habitat this time of year. A key to success this time of year is to be observant of conditions and adjust your fishing strategies, lures, and presentations based on these observations. Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) can be caught using live baits such as red worms, wigglers, and crickets fished on light tackle. If you are catching a lot of small bream, larger bream can often be found by fishing just a little deeper in the same area. Using the appropriate size hook is also an important factor when fishing for bream. Bream have small mouths and most bait and tackle stores sell “bream hooks� that are perfect when you are targeting these fish. As with bass, these fish will be moving between shallow and deep-water areas based on changing weather patterns. Catfish can be caught using chicken livers and earthworms.

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

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