Recreation (updated
yearly)
In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the
area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following
recreation activities are allowed.
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Wild Turkey
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Hunting on Fisheating Creek is by permit only and is limited to small,
high-quality hunts. Permits are issued through the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission quota hunt process. Except for special-opportunity
spring turkey hunts, hunting is only permitted west of U.S. 27. On Fisheating
Creek deer hunting is good; turkey hunting, excellent; hog hunting,
excellent; migratory bird hunting, poor; and small game hunting, fair.
Hunting conditions and access by boat are dependent on water levels,
which can change drastically within a week. The best conditions for
deer are when water levels are down in the creek but not so low as to
make travel by boat impossible. These conditions also provide more browse
vegetation for deer.
Fisheating Creek was the source for reintroduction of the Osceola turkey to
other parts of Florida in the 1960s and 1970s. The special opportunity
turkey hunts are an excellent chance for hunters to harvest a highly
prized Osceola turkey. The third Outstanding Gobbler of all time came
from Fisheating Creek during the 2002 season.
Permitted anywhere on the creek. You can fish from canoe, kayak, boat
or along the bank. Reference the
map
of Fisheating Creek WMA (pdf file) to locate boat ramp(s). Fishing
license information.
Fisheating Creek WMA is an excellent place to view wildlife year-round.
Wading birds of all types - ibis, herons, egrets, wood storks, roseate
spoonbills - as well as hawks, osprey, and owls are common. This area
is part of the Great
Florida Birding Trail. You may also
request a copy or download or print the
Fisheating
Creek Bird List -
pdf file. Visit the
Wildlife page for more information
about the area's wildlife.
During high to average summer water levels, the best place to hike
is off SR 78 south of Lakeport. From this point, you can hike
to Fort Center. Archeologist William Sears's book Fort Center
provides a wealth of information about the area. In the winter, go west
of Fort Center on the same access path to Cowbone Marsh, where you can
observe wintering wading birds. It is best to hike through the cypress
swamps, small hardwood hammocks, and open prairies west of US 27 January
through May.
There are some opportunities for biking on the area. During the winter
dry season, you can bike the easy 3-4 mile trail from SR 78
to Cowbone Marsh. On most of the area, soils dry out and become sandy.
Roads are disked for firebreaks, making the area tough on even the toughest
bikes.
Grant Steelman
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Fisheating Creek rises in Highlands County and flows approximately
50 miles to Lake Okeechobee. The tea-colored water passes through banks
lined with cypress and oaks. Paddlers will see numerous alligators and
a wide variety of bird species around every bend. A canoe/kayak rental
and livery service is available at the campground off US 27 in Palmdale.
There is also an improved ramp available for launching your own boat.
Water levels in the creek vary widely with rainfall so it is best to
check current conditions at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/uv?02256500
before planning your paddling trip.
Alligators are abundant and are most visible when water levels are
low.
Florida Photo Archives
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Primitive camping is permitted year-round throughout the area. Both full
hook up RV sites and primitive campsites are available at the concession-operated
Palmdale campground. View the campground
fee schedule (pdf file). During established
hunting seasons, individuals are encouraged
to camp at the Palmdale campground or at designated sites along Fisheating
Creek. Campsites are shown on the
area
map - pdf file.
