Northern Florida is a treasure trove of fresh water fishing. With hundreds of springs and lakes and a plethora of rivers and streams, fresh water fishing is found nearly everywhere in the North Florida Region. Whether it be state parks are small tributaries, there is a locale to fit your fishing needs. Having information on North Florida freshwater fishing will help you find the right locale for your excursion.
In order to fish in Florida, you must have a valid fishing license. Children under the age of 16 are exempt from this rule. There are various permit types. A basic fishing license allows you to use any non-private freshwater body of water to fish. If you are visiting a private lake or pond, a license is not required, just permission from the body of water's owner.
North Florida has a large variety of fish species that are acceptable for catching and keeping. Largemouth and spotted bass, Florida gar, bullhead catfish and over ten species of suckerfish are commonly found in the freshwater fisheries of Northern Florida. Suwannee bass, key blenny, Atlantic sturgeon, blackmouth shiner, crystal darter and the shoal bass are threatened fish species are illegal to catch and contain.
The Suwannee River is one of the key fisheries in North Florida. The Suwannee River State Park is owned and operated by the Florida Park Service and is situated at the merging point of the Withlacoochee River and the Suwannee River as it flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing is one of the most popular activities in the park as catfish, bass and gar are flourishing under the water. Less than an hour from the Georgia, the Suwannee River is North Florida's largest river.
Suwannee River
20815 County Road 132
Live Oak, FL 32060
386-362-2746
floridastateparks.org/suwanneeriver/default.cfm
Troy Spring State Park is one of the most unique parks in the Northern Florida area, mixing fishing with history. At the bottom of the spring rests the Civil War steamboat, the Madison. It was scuttled in 1863. The boat has become a habitat for fish, making the park ideal for freshwater fishing. The fishing area has recently been outfitted with an entrance road, restrooms, handicapped access and a dock. The spring connects to the Suwannee River.
Troy Springs
674 Troy Springs Road
Branford, FL 32008
386 935 4835
floridastateparks.org/troyspring/default.cfm
Named after the famous explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, Ponce de Leon Springs is a state park located on the Florida panhandle. The springs maintain a yearlong temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, attracting fish such as catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel and pinfish. Created by two convergent water flows, the spring produces 14 million gallons of freshwater each day.
Ponce De Leon Springs
2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Road
Ponce de Leon, FL 32455
850-836-4281
floridastateparks.org/poncedeleonsprings/default.cfm
