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.
|
|
Fishing is the premiere recreational activity on Tenoroc. Since 1983,
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission biologists have evaluated and
managed the fisheries at Tenoroc. The most sought after sportfish on
Tenoroc is the Florida largemouth bass,
but black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and yellow
and brown bullhead are common catches. All visitors, including anglers,
must check in and out at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area headquarters.
Anglers must deposit their valid fishing license with the
custodian unless otherwise instructed. Quotas have been established for
each lake, and fishing is permitted in designated lakes only. Unless
otherwise specified, largemouth bass must be released immediately. Tenoroc offers both boat and bank fishing opportunities. In addition,
facilities at Derby Lake and the Pasture Lakes are fully ADA accessible.
The Saddle Creek and Bridgewater tracts offer eight additional fishing
lakes.
Tenoroc is a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail. It was
selected for the distinction based on its excellent bird watching
opportunities. The numerous lakes attract good numbers of wading birds,
waterfowl, raptors such as osprey and eagles. Songbirds pause here during
spring and fall migrations. Nesting ospreys are common in the spring and
one of the state’s largest wading bird colonies boasts snowy egrets,
white ibises, and anhingas. You may request
a copy or download or print the
Tenoroc Bird List -
pdf file.
 |
The main unit of Tenoroc features 5.4 miles of trails in two loops.
The trails pass over both reclaimed and unreclaimed mining property and
the graded crest road of an earthen dam. Western segments of the trail
are mostly flat, open, and dry. The eastern loop of the Orange Trail is
shaded with oaks. Trails on Rattlesnake Ridge on the southern portion of
the Blue Loop Trail are steep and narrow but offer pleasant vistas of
lakes and forests. In the spring, a large wading bird colony with white
ibises, snowy egrets, and anhingas may be seen from the south end Blue
Loop Trail. These trails link with two loop trails on the Saddle Creek
Tract of Tenoroc, south of the main unit. Access the trailhead and
parking area for the Saddle Creek trails from Saddle Creek Park.
Someday, this trail system may continue north to connect with the Gen.
James A. Van Fleet Trail that crosses the Green Swamp.
Trail Guide for the
Saddle Creek Track - pdf
file
Two loop trails in Tenoroc’s main unit are available for horseback
riding. The 3.5-mile North Trail and the 4.4-mile South Trail are
accessible from the Tenoroc Office and parking area. Water and space for
trailer parking are available here. (Hikers may use the horseback trails,
but dogs are not permitted.) The Saddle Creek Trails are not open for
horseback riding.
Visitors may use canoes or kayaks on any lake where boats are
allowed, but quotas on the number of boats per lake are enforced and
paddlers will be competing with anglers for a slot.
The FWC has constructed a major regional shooting sports facility at
Tenoroc. The facility, managed by a private vendor, includes rifle,
pistol, and air gun ranges, trap/skeet and sporting clay stations, and
ground level, elevated, and 3-D archery ranges.
