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.

If high water continues through April, water level and clarity may be less than ideal for freshwater fishing in the lower river this spring. However it will be beneficial for stripers and sunshine bass, which should still be available in the lower reaches of the Apalachicola River and its tributaries. Best bets for catching hybrids and stripers in the lower river is 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 and hybrids may be more readily caught with bucktail jigs or crankbaits near bridge pilings and along deep channels and drop-offs. Fish the outgoing tides for best results. The bag limit for stripers, hybrids, and white bass is 20 fish per day, aggregate, but only three may be striped bass and must be 18-inches total length. There are no size limits for sunshine or white bass. Higher water will result in stronger outgoing tides, which will be beneficial for fresh and saltwater angling near the mouths of the rivers. Largemouth bass should be on the beds in Lake Wimico and in the creeks and backwaters during early April. Spinnerbaits and plastic worms fished along the flats in about six feet of water or less should be productive. Bag and size limits for largemouth bass are five fish per day and a minimum size of 12 inches. Bream and shellcracker will also be moving onto the beds around the full moon in April. Higher water levels in the creeks and backwaters will also be beneficial for production of strong year classes of largemouth bass and panfish.

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).

Floodgates at Jim Woodruff Dam were open during February and March, which usually means striped bass, sunshine bass, panfish and baitfish were discharged from Lake Seminole into the Apalachicola River tailrace. Stripers and hybrids will also be into their spawning migrations by early April and will be congregated in the tailrace. Although there are some weak year classes of striped bass recruiting into the fishery, strong year classes of striped bass stocked into Lake Seminole in 2002 and 2003 should provide plenty of fish up to 30 pounds. Although sunshine bass have not been stocked into Lake Seminole since 2003, in order to aid native striped bass restoration Georgia DNR continued to stock hybrids into lakes Blackshear and Walter F. George. High water events during February and March discharged fish downstream, and hybrids should be plentiful. The bag and size limits for striped bass, hybrids, and white bass in the Apalachicola River is 20 fish per day, only three of which may be striped bass, and stripers must be a minimum of 18 inches total length. There is no size limit for sunshine or white bass. FWC will be conducting spring creel surveys in the upper river through June. As always, cooperation and assistance with angling and harvest data collection is greatly appreciated. Remember—good fishery management decisions rely on accurate creel data!

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.

Crappie fishing should continue to be productive until water temperatures rise into the 70s and above and the fish move back into deeper water. Night fishing can be productive during the warmer months. Many successful anglers will hang a light over the boat to attract baitfish to the area, which in turn will attract crappie. Small feather or curly-tailed jigs or small crappie minnows are usually the most productive baits.

Largemouth bass fishermen should continue to be successful throughout the quarter. Bass will move from shallower habitat used during the spawn into waters six feet and deeper as temperatures rise later in the quarter. Brush piles located throughout the lake and marked by buoys often hold bass and can be productive. Rising water temperatures may alter normal bass patterns, especially rapid rises following heavy rainfall. As water temperatures move into the upper 70s and higher, anglers fishing during dawn and dusk can often catch fish moving into shallow water to feed. Plastic worms and lizards rigged Carolina or Texas style, along with Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits can all be effective. Topwater lures can be effective if anglers locate bass actively feeding along the surface. The largemouth bass population consists of a large number of quality-sized fish (two pounds and above).

Hybrid striped bass should continue to bite well until water temperatures heat up towards the end of the quarter. Hybrids can often be found feeding in the shallows at dawn and dusk. Baits resembling shad are often the most productive. Hybrids are usually found in deeper open-water areas. As water temperatures move into the upper 70’s and above hybrid feeding activity is usually limited to the early morning and evening hours.

Redear sunfish (shellcracker) spawning will be at its peak as water temperatures reach 68 to 72 degrees. During most years anglers can expect this to occur in late-March or April. Shellcracker tend to nest in “communities”, meaning there will often be numerous nests built in the same area. Peak bluegill spawning activity occurs when water temperatures reach 75 to 80 degrees, which is during May of most years. Bluegill will often use the same nesting areas previously used by shellcracker and also tend to nest in “communities”. Spawning activity will continue to a lesser degree through September. Light tackle with earthworms, wigglers, or crickets is usually the most productive. Oyster shell and gravel bed areas located in several areas around the lake are popular spawning sites for both bluegill and shellcracker. Brush piles and areas surrounding the several fish feeders located throughout the lake can often be productive areas to fish.

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 - Largemouth bass angling will remain productive as the spawn continues into April, then slacken. As the weather warms, fishing deep with plastic worms, crankbaits and spinnerbaits should continue to produce fish. Early morning and evening will provide the most action as the weather moves from warm to hot. Conversely, bream (bluegill and redear sunfish) fishing will pick up as these fish begin their spawn and congregate in shallower water. Prime baits will include live worms, crickets and grass shrimp. Use the smallest bobber that will do the job to keep nibblers from dropping the bait. Nearly any small wet fly or nymph, as well as small jigs and beetle spins, can be big producers during this time. Redfish and seatrout can still be caught on live mullet, jigs or shrimp, but catch rates will be slower than those winter provided.

Striper fishing will decline with the rising heat. However, striped bass will still be available and can be taken on larger live baits (mullet or menhaden) or bigger minnow imitations. Fishing deeper with live shrimp or with jigs will also continue to produce fish during this warmer part of the year. Focus on morning or evening periods to increase your odds.

Access to the lower river is available via both Brown’s and Lindsey’s fish camps near the mouth of the river, and at the Highway 87 crossing southeast of Milton. 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 - Fishing for largemouth bass should be close to its peak early in the quarter with the continuing spawn, then will become more challenging as the bass transition into post-spawn. Earlier on, probe the shallows with plastic worms, floater-diver minnows and topwaters. As the fish leave their beds and move into deeper water, however, follow them with deeper-running lures such as crankbaits (lipped and lipless) and slow-rolled spinnerbaits as well as deep-fished artificial worms. Probing even deeper, and with a slower retrieve, will become important as the hotter weather comes into play, and later in the quarter anglers may wish to target the morning or evening periods for the most action. Bream fishing will definitely pick up as bluegill and redear sunfish begin to spawn, with standbys such as live worms and crickets accounting for hefty stringers of panfish. Lure-tossers should try beetle spins and small jigs in the shallows, experimenting with color to find the best bite. While fishing for saltwater species such as redfish and seatrout will slow, both can still be had in the lower river and especially around the mouth.

Striped bass angling will slow with the passing of our cooler weather. Stripers will still be available to persistent anglers, but they should target the early morning/late evening periods. Live finger mullet or menhaden, or large minnow-imitating plugs, will still work; anglers should also try live shrimp or jigs fished in the deeper stretches.

Boat ramps are available within Carpenters Park north of downtown Milton (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.

Heavy winter rains and high water levels have made it difficult to access the river. Over the next few months, as the flooding river recedes, anglers should have no problem gaining access to the river, but should still be mindful of the rocky shoals and snags in the river. Bream fishing (redear, bluegill, redbreast and spotted sunfish) should be good throughout the spring as fish begin to spawn. Try fishing shallow backwater areas for bluegill and redear and around snags and stumps in the river for spotted and redbreast sunfish. Recommended baits for bream are beetle spins, worms and crickets. Largemouth bass fishing will pick up as bass continue to spawn through April. Try fishing shallow areas in the river with spinnerbaits, artificial lizards and artificial crayfish. Shoal bass can be caught above Highway 20 in shoal areas in pools just above and below the shoals using crankbaits that mimic shiners or crayfish. A few crappie (speckled perch) can be caught in deep holes around snags during the spring with crappie minnows. Try to plan your fishing trips for early morning or late afternoon.

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.

Water levels continue to remain high, so angler access may be limited. Spring largemouth bass fishing is expected to pick up as water temperatures increase and bass prepare to spawn,. Recommended baits are live shad/shiners or loud crankbaits. The Choctawhatchee River has an excellent population of large bream. Bream fishermen should search the shorelines by “spot fishing” to locate fish, if accessible. Spawning activity for bream will peak during the full moon in April and May. Use wigglers or earthworms on a #6 or #8 hook with a split shot sinker 8-12 inches up on six pound test line. Bream will aggregate around spawning areas, so if you begin to catch fish, fish the area for a while—more are sure to be around. Crappie fishing will be at its peak as they move in to spawn. Many crappie are caught below the Highway 20 bridge west of Ebro. Try fishing the backwater lake areas around woody debris with small crappie minnows.

During the spring, striped bass and sunshine bass anglers should fish the river delta in the early morning or evening on an outgoing tide. Look for stripers feeding on schools of shad and cast into the activity with a lure mimicking the stripers’ prey. Large striped bass will be moving upstream on their spawning run as water temperatures approach 65-68 degrees. When fishing upstream, look for areas were the current is swift, and check your depth finder for deep holes adjacent to sandbars and points. The mouth of East River, and the junction of Pine Log Creek and East River, are good places to start fishing. Live shad and shiners should be free-lined off the back of the boat. Electrofishing surveys indicate that many stripers 15-30 pounds and hybrid striped bass 4-8 pounds are available in the river.

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

Due to the heavy winter rains, water levels are high. Anglers should still take caution while boating due to the many snags and stumps in the lake. Bream (redear, bluegill and stumpknocker) fishing should be excellent through the spring as fish aggregate to spawn when water temperatures reach 70 degrees. FWC fall sampling indicated good numbers of hand paint bream (bluegill) in the lake. These fish will be found by fishing near stumps and snags. With continuing high water levels, try fishing away from the river channel in the cypress knees in two to four feet of water. Shellcracker (redear) and bluegill anglers should fish an ultra-light rod with a number 10 gold hook on the bottom with a wiggler. Stumpknockers (spotted sunfish) and redbreast sunfish can also be caught near stumps and snags with worms or beetle spins. Fishing for largemouth bass will also pick up in mid-March through April as bass begin to spawn. Try fishing backwater areas in three to five feet of water for spawning bass. 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.

Boaters are likely to encounter large amounts of vegetation accumulating around boat ramps, so use caution when launching and landing boats. Largemouth bass have already commenced their spring spawning. Spring bass fishermen should fish the shallow weedy areas of the lake and along stumps and snags with artificial worms and lizards. Try fishing the northern flats of the lake, in backwater canals and along the eastern shoreline. Anglers should also try the old river channels in Bayou George, Bear and Cedar Creek. Best baits are artificial dark colored lizards and worms and live shiners. Redear sunfish (shellcracker) are expected to begin spawning in April depending on water temperatures. These sunfish are notorious for having large spawning aggregates with numerous fish. Spawning areas are typically on sandy bottoms in two to four feet of water. Try fishing for redear sunfish with wigglers. Crappie will move into shallow weedy areas to spawn. After the spring spawn, crappie will move to the deeper holes in Bayou George, Cedar and Bear Creek. Fish these holes with crappie minnows at various depths where structure can be found. Good numbers of bullhead catfish (butter cats) and channel catfish can be found in the deep waters by the dam, deep holes and weedy areas. Best baits include chicken livers, worms and processed baits.

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.)

Panfishing for bluegill and redear sunfish should pick up as the weather continues to warm and these species move into their spawning season. Live worms and crickets will be solid producers, as will smaller lures such as beetle spins, jigs and tinier spinners. Bass angling will be good initially but slow quickly as the largemouths move into their post-spawn period and leave the shallows for deeper water. Fishing spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms deep with a slow retrieve will produce fish as the weather turns hot. Morning and evening periods will be best. Seatrout and redfish angling will slow, but both can still be caught on live finger mullet or shrimp. Note that high water and flooding can make the upper stretches of the river difficult to fish; check the current stage online at www.usgs.gov.

Three fish camps, located along Highway 90 between Pensacola and Pace, provide access to the lower river and the delta marshes. A ramp can also be found south of Pace below the mouth of the river on the northeast shore of Escambia Bay. A public fishing pier is available 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. More 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 fishermen should continue to be successful throughout the quarter. Bass will move from shallower habitat used during the spawn into waters six feet and deeper as temperatures rise later in the quarter. As water temperatures move into the upper 70s and higher, anglers fishing during dawn and dusk can often catch fish moving into shallow water to feed. Plastic worms and lizards rigged Carolina or Texas style, along with Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits, can all be effective. Topwater lures can be effective if anglers locate bass actively feeding along the surface. Bass can often be located holding around clumps of maidencane grass located throughout the lake.

Redear sunfish (shellcracker) spawning will be at its peak as water temperatures reach 68 to 72 degrees. During most years anglers can expect this to occur in late March or April. Shellcracker tend to nest in “communities,” meaning there will often be numerous nests built in the same area. Peak bluegill spawning activity occurs when water temperatures reach 75 to 80 degrees, which is during May of most years. Bluegill will often use the same nesting areas previously used by shellcracker and also tend to nest in communities. Spawning activity will continue to a lesser degree through September. Light tackle with earthworms, wigglers or crickets is usually the most productive. Oyster shell and gravel bed areas located in several areas around the lake are popular spawning sites for both bluegill and shellcracker.

Anglers who enjoy fishing for channel catfish usually find the fish are 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.

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 be naturally drawn down due to drought. Access is extremely limited, but getting better. For those that can, fishing should remain good due to low water levels. Black crappie, largemouth bass and bluegill can be caught with minnows, worms or small artificial baits. Hopefully, continued rain will 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 fishermen should continue to be successful throughout the quarter. Bass will move from shallower habitat used during the spawn into waters six feet and deeper as temperatures rise later in the quarter. As water temperatures move into the upper 70s and higher anglers fishing during dawn and dusk can often catch fish moving into shallow water to feed. Plastic worms and lizards rigged Carolina or Texas style, along with Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits can all be effective. Topwater lures can be effective if anglers locate bass actively feeding along the surface.

Redear sunfish (shellcracker) spawning will be at its peak as water temperatures reach 68 to 72 degrees. During most years anglers can expect this to occur in late-March or April. Shellcracker tend to nest in “communities,” meaning there will often be numerous nests built in the same area. Peak bluegill spawning activity occurs when water temperatures reach 75 to 80 degrees, which is during May of most years. Spawning activity will continue to a lesser degree through September. Bluegill will often use the same nesting areas previously used by shellcracker and also tend to nest in communities. Light tackle with earthworms, wigglers, or crickets is usually the most productive. Oyster shell and gravel bed areas located in several areas around the lake are popular spawning sites for both bluegill and shellcracker.

Anglers who enjoy fishing for channel catfish usually find the fish are 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.

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 buzz baits or plastic worms around the edges of the eelgrass beds. Redear sunfish and bluegill fishing should also be good. Try red worms or crickets around the eelgrass beds.

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.

Fall sportfish population surveys indicate that populations in the pond are healthy and continuing to grow. In the past, this pond has produced some very large bluegill. Try fishing around stumps and snags in three to five 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 by using worms. Largemouth bass fishing will pick up during the spring as bass prepare to spawn. Try fishing early morning and late afternoon along weedlines and cypress trees. 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 black crappie are the best bet. Return of more normal spring water levels should produce good fishing. Fish with worms or crickets for sunfish, and with minnows and jigs for crappie.

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 black crappie are the best bet. Return of more normal spring water levels should produce good fishing. Fish with worms or crickets for sunfish, and with minnows and jigs for crappie.

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.

The reservoirs along the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers are at or above full pool, so the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) should be able to supplement flows at least through the spring if drought conditions in the lower basin return. If the weather fronts continue through April, the reservoirs should remain full and cool, and bedding activity will be prolonged. Crappie fishing on Lake Seminole was good through March and should continue into April. Largemouth bass began moving into the shallows early, but cool weather in March slowed their spawning. Fish the creek mouths and flats in about six to ten feet of water for staging fish that are moving to the beds, but move to the backs of the creeks as spawning picks up. Later in the spring, move to deeper water along the Flint River and larger tributaries and fish vertically with jigs and spoons along the channels, weed lines and the standing timber, or off the points. On the Chattahoochee side, fish the cuts between the islands where there is current. The limits for largemouth and other black bass are 10 fish per day all of which must be a minimum of 12 inches total length. Bluegill and shellcracker will also be on the beds in April and May, and fishing should be good around the full moon. Adult stripers began migrating up the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers to spawn in late March and will continue through mid to late April. Many stripers will move back into the reservoir if water temperatures don’t warm too quickly. Immature fish will remain in the reservoir through the spring. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released 42,000 phase II (8 to 12 inch) striped bass into Lake Seminole during December and January. Fish the old river channels on both the Chattahoochee and Flint River sides of the lake. High water during February and March resulted in the discharge of sunshine bass from Lake George and Lake Blackshear, and hybrid fishing in Lake Seminole and in the rivers should be good through the spring. 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/).

Black crappie fishing has been good and should continue into and through the end of April. Try fishing live minnows or jigs in shallow water and move to deeper water structure as the quarter progresses. Striped bass fishing should be decent in the area by the dam, but this species will begin moving to the backs of the cool water creeks as water temperatures increase and the quarter progresses. Try spoons, live shad or jigs. Largemouth bass fishing should be good throughout the quarter. Crankbaits or plastic worms should work well in shallow water early in the quarter. As the quarter progresses, try deep ledges off the old river channel with similar baits.

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 should continue to be successful throughout the quarter. Bass will move from shallower habitat used during the spawn into waters six feet and deeper as temperatures rise later in the quarter. As water temperatures move into the upper 70s and higher anglers fishing during dawn and dusk can often catch fish moving into shallow water to feed. Plastic worms and lizards rigged Carolina or Texas style, along with Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits can all be effective. Topwater lures can be effective if anglers locate bass actively feeding along the surface. The bass population consists of a large number of quality-sized bass in excess of two pounds.

Redear sunfish (shellcracker) spawning will be at its peak as water temperatures reach 68 to 72 degrees. During most years anglers can expect this to occur in late March or April. Shellcracker tend to nest in “communities,” meaning there will often be numerous nests built in the same area. Peak bluegill spawning activity occurs when water temperatures reach 75 to 80 degrees, which is during May of most years. Spawning activity will continue to a lesser degree through September. Bluegill will often use the same nesting areas previously used by shellcracker and also tend to nest in communities. Light tackle with earthworms, wigglers or crickets is usually the most productive. Oyster shell and gravel bed areas located in several areas around the lake are popular spawning sites for both bluegill and shellcracker.

Anglers who enjoy fishing for channel catfish usually find the fish are 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.

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

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