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. Many of the young hybrids and stripers discharged from Lake Seminole during late-summer flooding have made it downstream to the lower river and should provide excellent light-tackle or fly rod action through the fall. Larger fish that have been aestivating (passing the summer) in cool water refuges in other parts of the system 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 freshly dead, 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 must be a minimum of 18 inches total length. Fall is normally a good time for 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 and redfish 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).

Expect water levels to remain low through October and November unless additional late-season tropical storms make their way through northwest Florida and southwest Georgia. Late-summer flooding should have discharged young sunshine bass and striped bass as well as sunfish into the tailrace of Jim Woodruff Dam, and fishing should be improved. Striped bass and sunshine bass fishing in the tailrace and the upper Apalachicola River will continue to improve as water temperatures decline in late October or early 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 likely 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.

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.

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. 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 deep-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 3-4 feet below a float. Fishing near fish feeders that are set up in the lake will 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 70 and below. Catfish can be caught using earthworms and chicken livers.

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 - Bass angling should exhibit an inverse relationship to water temperature this quarter—in layman’s terms, that means that the bigmouth and spotted bass fishin’ will pick up once the temperature begins to drop! Fishermen should experience a longer period of good fishing during the day, with the early morning/late evening phases no longer being the only good times to fish. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics will all perform well, particularly later in the quarter. For bait anglers, shiners remain the top choice. Bream fishing will be fair as the last of any remaining spawning activity quickly wraps up and bluegill and redear sunfish become harder to locate; live worms and small jigs or beetle spins should provide hookups for anglers taking the time to find them. Striped bass fishing will also improve with falling temperatures, and anglers after these big fish should try live menhaden and mullet for the best chance. For those using lures, large crankbaits and minnow imitations or light-colored bucktail jigs are what they should be throwing. Striper fishing for both bait and lure anglers should improve steadily as the quarter progresses. The lower Yellow River offers spotted seatrout and redfish angling as well, and this is when fishing for those species begins to improve. Live shrimp in particular will tempt both species, but jigs and live mullet are also a good choice.

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

High water levels resulting from tropical storm rains can make the river more challenging to fish, so check the current conditions online at www.usgs.gov before you go.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 - Bass fishing should begin to improve steadily as water temperatures in the Blackwater drop and the fish become more active. Most lures—spinnerbaits, soft plastics, crankbaits, and minnow imitations—will all produce fish, and with more comfortable temperatures most anglers will also be able to put in more hours than they may have over the summer. Of course, live shiners remain the bait of choice no matter the time of year. Panfishing will slow as bluegill and redear sunfish move off the beds and disperse, making them harder to find. However, if you can locate a school you’ll get quick action using red wigglers, crickets, beetle spins or small jigs. The striper bite will pick up as temperatures drop, and best bets will be live mullet or menhaden, but large live shrimp will also produce fish. Anglers should target the deeper runs early in the quarter, although this will become less critical as the water cools and the fish begin to move around. Good lures for stripers include large shad- or minnow-imitating plugs and white or yellow bucktails. Anglers should keep a close eye on rapid water level fluctuations brought about by tropical storm related rainfall, and also be mindful of possible debris and obstructions in the water that might also results from such storms if one passes through.

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

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

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

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

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

River water levels remain high due to seasonal rains, but will most likely recede over fall. 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. 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 fishermen should fish early morning or late afternoon for bass and bream (bluegill, spotted sunfish and redear sunfish).

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

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

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

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

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

Striped bass and sunshine bass fishing should be picking up with the falling water 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: either 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 live 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. Fall sampling by FWC biologists indicated large numbers of flathead catfish (up to 30 pounds) concentrated in the river north of Highway 90. October may be the last chance anglers have this year to fish for these catfish before water temperatures become too cold.

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

Currently, water levels are high from continuing seasonal rains, but will most likely recede over fall. Anglers should still take caution while boating due to the many snags and stumps in the lake. Anglers reported excellent catches of bream (redear, bluegill, and stumpknocker) during the summer months. The fall should be as good if not better. Bream anglers should fish an ultra-light rod with a number 10 gold hook and wiggler or beetle spin around stumps and snags and along weed lines and in deep holes. Largemouth bass fishing will pick up in the fall as bass move out of the deep holes to feed in shallow waters. 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.

DEERPOINT LAKE (Bay County):

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

Largemouth bass anglers have reported good catches of bass during the summer. 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. Spring sampling on the lake indicated a good number of bream between 8-10 inches. 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. Some of the local anglers had fair catches of crappie during the summer months. 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.

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.)

Angling on the Escambia should begin to pick up and then improve steadily as the mercury falls to provide some relief from the summer heat. Bass anglers will see improved catch rates as largemouths become more active and more accessible. Crankbaits, minnow imitations, spinnerbaits and plastic worms should all prove good choices, with live shiners being the perennial top choice for bait. Bream angling will lull a bit as bluegill and redear sunfish have finished spawning and will be found deeper and more widely dispersed. However, probing likely areas near brush or vegetation with live worms or crickets will quickly tell if you have located a school; good choices in lures include beetle spins and jigs. Striped bass, stocked by FWC in the Escambia in 2002, are also available and fishing for these fish will improve as the water begins to cool down. Live baits such as menhaden and mullet are the most likely ro provide results, but larger minnow-imitating plugs and bucktail jigs should also work well. Spotted seatrout and redfish inhabit the lower Escambia, and this is a good time to begin targeting these species as the cooler water leads to an improved bite. Live shrimp and small live mullet will draw the attention of both fish, as will flat- or curly-tailed Cotee-style jigs. High water levels can make the upper river hard to fish, and anglers should also be mindful of rapid changes that might result from any tropical storm that blows through, particularly in regard to navigation safety. Check current conditions online at www.usgs.gov before making a trip.

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

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

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

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

HURRICANE LAKE (Okaloosa County):

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

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

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

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

Largemouth bass 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 deep-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 3-4 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 bit 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.

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, though it has risen a few feet since the heavy rain from recent tropical storms. Access is still somewhat limited, but anglers should be able to launch from the landing at Highway 27 and Millers Landing. 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 cause the depositing of sand at the landing and make launching a boat nearly impossible over time. Try backing your trailer into the water a little deeper than usual and driving your boat on your trailer at a slow/moderate speed. Fishing for bream and shellcracker should be decent this quarter with wigglers and crickets. Fly fishing for bass and other sunfish should also be decent through October. Try areas with deeper underwater vegetation for best results for bream and black crappie..

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

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

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

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

Largemouth bass anglers will be more successful during the early morning and the early evening hours. Dark colored plastic worms, Rat-L-Traps, and floater-diver type lures are all productive artificial baits. Bass can often be found holding under floating mats of torpedo grass growing near the shoreline in numerous parts of the lake. 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 deep-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. Similar 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.

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 and spotted sunfish fishing should be good.  Fish crickets or live worms around the eel grass beds for the best success.  Remember that the redear sunfish minimum length limit is now 10 inches with a bag limit of 10 fish in the Mill Pond.  Largemouth bass fishing should increase with the falling water temperatures.  Try plastic worms and crankbaits around the eel grass 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.

Water levels in the pond have risen from continuing seasonal rains. Be careful navigating in the pond due to the many exposed stumps and snags. Fish populations in the pond are most likely spread out due to rising lake levels. Spring sampling on the pond indicated excellent bream spawns. 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 3-5 feet of water or deep holes in the main section of the lake. Best baits include grass shrimp, crickets, wigglers or various colors of 1/16-1/8 oz beetle spins. Redear sunfish (shellcracker) can also be found in these areas using live 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.

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.

The river level has been very low all summer, but has risen considerably as a result of rains from recent tropical storms. Fishing for redbreast sunfish and bluegill should be the best bet, with live wigglers or crickets being the baits of choice. Black crappie fishing should be decent, especially in the lower river using minnows or jigs.

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.

The river level has been very low all summer, but has risen considerably as a result of rains from recent tropical storms. Fishing for redbreast sunfish and bluegill should be the best bet, with live wigglers or crickets being the baits of choice. Black crappie fishing should be decent, especially in the lower river using minnows or jigs.

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 game fish, 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 Wildlife Management Area and Parramore Landing. Fish the channels between the islands, particularly if there is current. Early in the morning, largemouth bass are likely to move onto 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 (hybrid) 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 their summer refuges by the end of October and will be feeding voraciously. Although sunshine bass have not been stocked into Lake Seminole since 2003, many hybrids have been discharged from upstream reservoirs. 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.

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 should pick up through this quarter due to lower water temperatures and pre-spawn conditions later in the year. Try fishing live minnows or jigs in 12-17 feet of water at the mouths of the creeks and deeper water as the quarter progresses. Largemouth bass fishing should improve as the quarter progresses due to cooler water conditions. Crankbaits or plastic worms should work well adjacent to drop-offs or ledges. Striped bass fishing should improve in the deeper waters of the reservoir, especially close to the dam. Try crankbaits and anything that resembles a shad throughout the main lake from the Ocklawaha Creek area to the dam.

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 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 2-8 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 deep-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 on our Fisheries Publications page.

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