NORTHEAST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS

NORTHEAST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS

 

Northeast Florida offers a diverse and exciting freshwater fishing experience throughout the year. Spanning across the counties of Baker, Nassau, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler, and Putnam, anglers can expect a variety of fish including Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish, and Catfish. Each season brings its own charm, from the peaceful, brisk mornings of winter to the vibrant, active waters of spring and summer, culminating in the picturesque and bountiful fall. Special events like the Bass spawning season and Free Fishing Weekend add to the allure, making Northeast Florida a premier destination for both novice and experienced fishermen. With the availability of boat rentals and fishing guides, along with a strong emphasis on conservation practices, this region promises a rich and responsible fishing adventure all year round.

 

Please keep in mind the migratory patterns of fish along with near shore and offshore currents. Search nearby locations for a full picture on forecasts for the area you're looking to fish.

MONTH-BY-MONTH FORECASTS

JANUARY - MARCH

Location: Baker, Nassau, and Duval Counties

Catch: Largemouth Bass, Crappie

Experience: Brisk mornings with fewer crowds. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful fishing experience. Largemouth bass tend to be more sluggish but can be caught with slow-moving lures.

 

FEBRUARY

Location: Baker, Nassau, and Duval Counties

Catch: Largemouth Bass, Crappie

Experience: Brisk mornings with fewer crowds. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful fishing experience. Largemouth bass tend to be more sluggish but can be caught with slow-moving lures.

 

MARCH

Location: Baker, Nassau, and Duval Counties

Catch: Largemouth Bass, Crappie

Experience: Brisk mornings with fewer crowds. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful fishing experience. Largemouth bass tend to be more sluggish but can be caught with slow-moving lures.

 

APRIL

Location: Clay and St. Johns Counties

Catch: Bluegill, Sunfish, Catfish

Experience: Spring brings warmer waters and active fish. Enjoy the scenic blooming landscapes while targeting bluegill and sunfish, which are particularly active during this season.

 

MAY

Location: Clay and St. Johns Counties

Catch: Bluegill, Sunfish, Catfish

Experience: Spring brings warmer waters and active fish. Enjoy the scenic blooming landscapes while targeting bluegill and sunfish, which are particularly active during this season.

 

JUNE NORTHEAST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECAST

June in Northeast Florida is a premier time for freshwater fishing, offering anglers the chance to reel in a variety of species in some of the region’s most productive waters. Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the top targets this month, benefiting from the warming waters and longer daylight hours. The St. Johns River, stretching across multiple counties, remains a hotspot for trophy-sized largemouth bass. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times for bass fishing, with slow-moving lures proving effective as the fish are more active and feeding vigorously.

Other prime locations include Rodman Reservoir and Kingsley Lake, both renowned for their abundant bass populations. Anglers can expect lively action and fewer crowds during the brisk June mornings, creating an optimal setting for a peaceful yet fruitful fishing experience. Bluegill and sunfish are also highly active, making for a well-rounded fishing trip. Whether casting a line from the shore or venturing out on a boat, the serene waters and scenic surroundings enhance the overall experience, making June an exceptional month for freshwater fishing in Northeast Florida.

 

JULY NORTHEAST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECAST

July is an excellent month for freshwater fishing in Northeast Florida, offering anglers the chance to reel in a variety of species in some of the region’s most productive waters.

 

Target Species Listing

Largemouth Bass

Crappie

Bluegill

Sunfish

Catfish

 

Best Locations

St. Johns River: The St. Johns River, Florida's longest river, is a prime spot for trophy-sized largemouth bass. The river's abundant vegetation and woody cover provide excellent habitat for bass, making it a top destination for anglers.

Rodman Reservoir: Located along the Ocklawaha River, Rodman Reservoir is known for producing large bass. The reservoir offers a plethora of shallow flats that are perfect for bass fishing.

Kingsley Lake: This natural, circular lake in Clay County is a consistent producer of big bass. It's considered one of Florida's oldest lakes, offering excellent fishing opportunities.

Lake George: As a part of the St. Johns River system, Lake George provides a great habitat for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Palatka: Nestled along the St. Johns River, Palatka offers a bountiful catch amidst a backdrop of Florida's natural beauty.

 

AUGUST NORTHEAST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECAST

Welcome to the freshwater fishing forecast for Northeast Florida for the month of August. This region, known for its vibrant and diverse aquatic habitats, offers anglers a range of fishing opportunities. From the serene lakes to the winding rivers, Northeast Florida is home to various species that promise an exciting fishing experience. Here’s a closer look at what to expect in specific towns this month.

Jacksonville

St. Johns River

The St. Johns River is teeming with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Crappie this August. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to fish, with topwater lures and live bait yielding the best results. The summer heat means fish are likely to be found in deeper, cooler waters.

St. Augustine

Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent is a hotspot for Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. Anglers should focus on fishing near the lake’s vegetation and structure. Spinnerbaits and plastic worms are particularly effective during this time of year. The Bluegill bite is strong, especially around the lake’s docks and piers.

Palatka

Rodman Reservoir

Rodman Reservoir continues to be a top destination for trophy Largemouth Bass. August is prime time for night fishing, which can be very productive. Use jigs and crankbaits to attract bass lurking around submerged structures. Catfish are also biting well, especially on cut bait and nightcrawlers.

Green Cove Springs

Black Creek

Black Creek is offering excellent opportunities for catching Largemouth Bass and Panfish. Focus on shaded areas and deeper pools during the heat of the day. Soft plastics and live worms are highly effective in these conditions.

Lake City

Lake Alligator

Lake Alligator is brimming with Crappie and Bluegill this August. Early morning and late evening are the best times for fishing. Minnows and small jigs work well for Crappie, while Bluegill are readily biting on crickets and small worms near the shoreline.

Gainesville

Newnans Lake

Newnans Lake is seeing a lot of activity with Largemouth Bass and Catfish. Focus on fishing the drop-offs and submerged structures for the best results. Bass are hitting on topwater lures and jerkbaits, while Catfish are being caught using chicken liver and cut bait.

 

SEPTEMBER NORTHEAST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECAST

Welcome to your September freshwater fishing forecast for Northeast Florida! As the weather begins to transition, the rivers and lakes in this region, from the scenic St. Johns River to the serene Rodman Reservoir, offer prime fishing conditions. Anglers can expect to find a variety of species such as Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill across popular locations like Green Cove Springs, Palatka, and St. Augustine. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a newcomer looking for new adventures, Northeast Florida is ready to deliver an unforgettable fishing experience.

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OCTOBER

Location: Baker, Nassau, and Duval Counties

Catch: Speckled Perch (Crappie), Catfish

Experience: As temperatures cool down, crappie fishing heats up, especially in the shallow waters. The fall season also offers beautiful foliage and comfortable fishing conditions.

 

NOVEMBER

As the chill of fall continues to settle in across much of the country, Northeast Florida remains a fishing paradise. The moderate temperatures and sunny days make November an ideal month for freshwater fishing. Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking for a fun adventure, Florida's freshwater bodies are teeming with opportunities this month. Come to Florida and experience the thrill of fishing in our scenic rivers, lakes, and streams—and discover why there's nothing quite like a Great Florida Fishing experience.

 

TOP FRESHWATER DESTINATIONS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

 

ST. JOHNS RIVER - BASS HAVEN

The St. Johns River is a hotspot for bass anglers, especially as November sets in. Largemouth Bass are active, preparing for the upcoming spawning season. The cooling water encourages these fish to feed voraciously, making this the perfect time for both topwater lures and swimbaits. Focus your efforts near areas with vegetation and submerged structures. In addition to Largemouth Bass, Crappie (Speck) fishing is starting to heat up, and anglers can also find plenty of Bream in shallow backwaters.

 

LOFTON CREEK - A SCENIC AND PRODUCTIVE FISHERY

Lofton Creek is one of those hidden gems that is perfect for a laid-back fishing day. With crystal-clear waters surrounded by moss-draped cypress, Lofton Creek delivers both beautiful scenery and exciting catches. Largemouth Bass and Bluegill are common targets here. For Largemouth, using soft plastics near downed timber is highly effective, while Bluegill respond well to worms or crickets. This creek provides a tranquil experience, ideal for those looking to combine nature with the thrill of freshwater fishing.

 

LAKE SANTA FE - TROPHY BASS OPPORTUNITY

Lake Santa Fe, located west of Starke, is known for its clear waters and healthy fish population. November presents an excellent time to target the lake's trophy Largemouth Bass. They are often found along the drop-offs near the deeper parts of the lake, where swimbaits and deep-diving crankbaits can prove irresistible. Keep an eye out for schools of baitfish—Bass are on the hunt, and fishing near bait balls can yield rewarding results.

 

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL NOVEMBER FRESHWATER FISHING TRIP

As temperatures fluctuate, the key to a successful November trip in Northeast Florida is timing. Early mornings and late afternoons, when fish are most active, can produce excellent results. Keep an eye on the weather—days before a cold front often trigger increased feeding activity. The Great Florida Fishing website also offers helpful information on where to stay and provides top recommendations for local charters and guides, making your fishing trip as seamless as possible.

 

SPECIES HIGHLIGHTS:

 

LARGEMOUTH BASS - GET THEM WHILE THEY'RE HUNGRY

Largemouth Bass are incredibly active this time of year, and Northeast Florida is a prime destination to land some trophy catches. Target vegetation-heavy areas and drop-offs, particularly in lakes like Santa Fe and in the St. Johns River. Topwater lures in the early morning hours can deliver explosive strikes, while swimbaits work well later in the day.

 

CRAPPIE (SPECK) - A FALL FAVORITE

As water temperatures drop, Crappie start to move into shallower areas, particularly around brush piles and underwater structures. The St. Johns River is especially productive for Crappie in November, and anglers using live minnows or small jigs can expect to catch good numbers of these tasty fish.

 

BLUEGILL - FAMILY FRIENDLY FISHING FUN

Bluegill are another great target species for anglers of all experience levels. Lofton Creek and the St. Johns River are perfect spots for catching Bluegill throughout November. Small hooks with crickets or worms are highly effective, making this a great opportunity for families to enjoy some time on the water together.

 

PLAN YOUR NOVEMBER FISHING GETAWAY

November is an amazing time to visit Northeast Florida for some freshwater fishing action. The beautiful weather, diverse freshwater opportunities, and abundance of fish create the perfect environment for an unforgettable adventure. Let Great Florida Fishing guide you with resources on where to fish, where to stay, and who to fish with—your gateway to epic fishing in the Sunshine State!

 

DECEMBER

Location: Baker, Nassau, and Duval Counties

Catch: Speckled Perch (Crappie), Catfish

Experience: As temperatures cool down, crappie fishing heats up, especially in the shallow waters. The fall season also offers beautiful foliage and comfortable fishing conditions.

 

TOP NORTHEAST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING LOCATIONS.

While many famous bass lakes in Florida are located in the southern half, Northern Florida, particularly the Jacksonville area, should not be disregarded as it has some excellent bass lakes. The region provides year-round opportunities for outstanding fishing, and the waters listed below offer some of the best chances to catch big largemouth bass in the area. Although the Jacksonville area doesn't have as many well-known bass lakes as other parts of the state, there are plenty of unnamed and frequently neglected ponds and small lakes that harbor huge bass.

Rodman Reservoir is a vast artificial lake located along the Ocklawaha River about 90 minutes south of Jacksonville, provides some of the most consistently excellent bass fishing in Northern Florida. It yields more 8- to 10-pound bass annually than almost any other lake in the area. The lake, also known as Lake Ocklawaha, boasts a plethora of shallow flats that offer ample cover for bass.

The St. Johns River, which flows for 310 miles through 12 counties, is Florida's longest river and an excellent location to catch trophy bass in moving water. It is particularly known for producing sizeable catches. The river's unique blend of salt and freshwater culminates in its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville. Largemouth bass thrive in the river, particularly in the middle and upper basins. The slow-moving current can be challenging to detect, but the river's abundant vegetation and woody cover, such as fallen timber and brush, provide excellent habitat for bass. Patience is advised when fishing for trophy bass in the St. Johns River, as they have a wealth of food sources to choose from and are typically well-fed.

Kingsley Lake, situated in Clay County, is a natural lake spanning 1,600 acres and is almost perfectly round. It is considered one of Florida's oldest lakes, formed when a significant sinkhole near present-day Starke flooded. The lake is also known for being one of the most consistent big bass producers in Northern Florida. Over the last decade, anglers have caught numerous largemouth bass weighing over 10 pounds, and a 15-pound behemoth caught in 2015 put this often-overlooked lake on the map. According to experts at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC), the lake's depth of up to 90 feet provides bass with the opportunity to stay cool during the hot summer months, enabling them to grow larger while expending fewer calories. During the summer, the majority of the big bass in Kingsley Lake can be found at depths of 15 to 20 feet, where the water temperature is often 25 degrees cooler than the 90-degree surface waters.