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Northwest Florida Water Management
District |
Choctawhatchee River WMA consists of over
57,000 acres along more than 30 miles of the river in Bay,
Holmes, Walton, and Washington counties. “Choctawhatchee” means
river of the Choctaw, from one of the original Indian groups in
the area. The river originates in Alabama and flows 170 miles to
Choctawhatchee Bay, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico at
Destin. The boundary of the area is highly variable so pay
particular attention to maps and brochures of the WMA (overview) when you
plan activities. Most of the area consists of floodplain forests
with access primarily by boat and there are numerous boat
landings along the river and along Holmes Creek. Vehicle access
is available at the Gritney and Warehouse Landings (Holmes
County), the Bunker area (Walton County), Tilley Landing/Lost
Lakes (Walton County), and at Gum Creek and Cotton Landing on
Holmes Creek (Washington County). Future vehicle access location
is currently being developed at Westville (Holmes County).
Please call the District at 850-539-5999 for further
information. Recreational opportunities include seasonal
hunting, primitive camping, bank and river fishing, paddling,
hiking, and wildlife viewing. Fishing is outstanding on Holmes
Creek, a major spring-fed tributary of the Choctawhatchee and it
is one of Florida’s state-designated canoe trails, flowing
through miles of wilderness. |
