NORTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS
Northwest Florida is a hidden gem for freshwater anglers, offering serene lakes, rivers, and creeks perfect for catching Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. The Escambia River stands out for its healthy bass population, while the Yellow River is a top destination for trophy Flathead Catfish. Lake Talquin, known for its Black Crappie and Striped Bass, provides exciting opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. Whether you're fishing in tranquil creeks or expansive lakes, Northwest Florida promises a diverse and rewarding freshwater fishing experience year-round.
NORTHWEST FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS - BY MONTH
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 NORTHWEST FLORIDA FORECASTS
JUNE NORTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST
June in Northwest Florida promises to be an exceptional month for freshwater fishing, with prime opportunities for catching a variety of species. Largemouth bass continue to be the star attraction, with excellent fishing conditions across the region. The Escambia River is a top destination, known for its abundant bass population and the rich diversity of native fish species. Anglers can expect high catch rates of harvestable-size largemouth bass, alongside other species like hybrid striped bass and bluegill, particularly in the river's lower stretches and delta marshes.
Holmes Creek offers another fantastic fishing spot, particularly for those targeting bream and the unique Choctaw bass. This scenic waterway, with its numerous springs, provides a diverse habitat supporting a rich variety of fish. The Yellow River, renowned for its monster flathead catfish, also presents excellent opportunities for catching trophy-sized catfish, bass, and panfish. The river's upper stretches are particularly productive, making it a must-visit for dedicated anglers.
In addition to these prime locations, the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin offer exceptional fishing experiences. Known for sizable striped bass, black crappie, and quality-sized largemouth bass, these waters are a haven for anglers seeking both quantity and trophy catches. The Lake Talquin reservoir, in particular, is celebrated for its black crappie fishing, making it a popular choice for anglers throughout the region.
Overall, Northwest Florida's freshwater fishing scene in June is set to deliver thrilling experiences for anglers of all levels, with diverse and abundant fishing opportunities in its rivers, creeks, and lakes.
JULY NORTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST
July in Northwest Florida is an excellent time for freshwater fishing, offering a variety of species and top locations to enhance your angling experience. With over 8,000 lakes and numerous rivers, ponds, and reservoirs, this region provides endless opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers.
Target Species Listing
Largemouth Bass: The most popular freshwater game fish in Florida, found in nearly every body of freshwater.
Striped Bass: Known for their size and fight, particularly in the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin.
Crappie: Abundant in Lake Talquin, offering great fishing experiences.
Catfish: Both Channel and Flathead Catfish are prominent, especially in the Yellow River.
Suwannee Bass: A unique species found in specific rivers like the Wacissa River.
Best Locations
Escambia River Marsh (Santa Rosa and Escambia counties): Known for its high catch rates of Largemouth Bass and Striped Bass, this location offers abundant fishing opportunities in a diverse ecosystem.
Holmes Creek (Tributary to Choctawhatchee River): A pristine waterway perfect for panfish and the unique Choctaw Bass. This creek also supports Gulf Sturgeon and Gulf Striped Bass.
Yellow River (Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties): Famous for trophy Flathead Catfish and a variety of panfish species. The river flows into Blackwater Bay, offering a mix of freshwater and saltwater fishing experiences.
Ochlockonee River / Lake Talquin (Leon, Gadsden, and Liberty counties): A top spot for Striped Bass, Black Bass, and Crappie fishing. The lake and river system provide a rich habitat for a variety of fish species.
Wacissa River (Jefferson County): Home to the unique Suwannee Bass and a prime location for catching trophy Largemouth Bass. The clear, spring-fed waters offer a serene and productive fishing environment.
AUGUST NORTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST
Discover the freshwater fishing opportunities in Northwest Florida this August. This region, known for its diverse waterways, offers excellent fishing experiences in various towns and cities. Below is a forecast for key areas, highlighting specific species you can expect to catch.
PENSACOLA
Escambia River
The Escambia River is teeming with largemouth bass and bream this August. Anglers can expect good catches, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.
Crestview
Blackwater River
In Crestview, the Blackwater River is a hotspot for bluegill and catfish. Try fishing near the deeper holes and bends of the river for the best results.
Milton
Yellow River
The Yellow River near Milton offers excellent opportunities for catching crappie and largemouth bass. Focus on areas with submerged structures and vegetation.
Fort Walton Beach
Lake Jackson
Lake Jackson is known for its healthy population of largemouth bass and bluegill. Early morning topwater baits are particularly effective this time of year.
DeFuniak Springs
Lake DeFuniak
Lake DeFuniak provides a great fishing experience for those targeting bream and catfish. Evening fishing sessions are proving to be the most productive.
Panama City
Deer Point Lake
Deer Point Lake near Panama City is abundant with largemouth bass and sunfish. Fishing around the lake's grassy areas and structures can yield impressive catches.
SEPTEMBER NORTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER 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.
ST. JOHNS RIVER - A BASS ANGLER'S PARADISE
The St. Johns River continues to be a hotspot for Largemouth Bass this September. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to fish, with topwater lures and live bait yielding excellent results. Focus on deeper, cooler waters to find active fish. The river's abundant vegetation and woody cover make it an ideal habitat for trophy-sized bass.
RODMAN RESERVOIR - HOME TO TROPHY BASS
Rodman Reservoir, located near Palatka, is renowned for its large Largemouth Bass. September is a prime time for night fishing here, with jigs and crankbaits being highly effective around submerged structures. Catfish are also abundant, especially around the reservoir's deeper channels. For those looking to avoid the crowds, weekdays offer a quieter fishing experience.
LAKE CRESCENT - HOTSPOT FOR MULTIPLE SPECIES
Lake Crescent near St. Augustine offers a diverse fishing experience with strong populations of Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. Spinnerbaits and plastic worms work well near the lake’s vegetation and structure. Anglers targeting Bluegill should focus around the docks and piers, where the bite remains strong throughout September.
BLACK CREEK - HIDDEN GEM IN GREEN COVE SPRINGS
For those in Green Cove Springs, Black Creek provides excellent opportunities for catching Largemouth Bass and Panfish. Look for shaded areas and deeper pools during the heat of the day. Soft plastics and live worms are particularly effective in these conditions.
KINGSLEY LAKE - IDEAL FOR A FAMILY FISHING TRIP
Kingsley Lake in Clay County is perfect for anglers seeking a relaxed fishing experience. The lake is known for its clear waters and good visibility, which makes it easier to spot fish. September is a great month to target Largemouth Bass using soft plastics and crankbaits near drop-offs and submerged vegetation.
PLAN YOUR NEXT FISHING ADVENTURE
Visit our specific species pursuit pages or the Northeast Florida regional pages for detailed information on accommodations, side excursions, and local guides ready to help you land the catch of a lifetime!
OCTOBER NORTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST
October is an exciting month for freshwater fishing in Northwest Florida, as cooler temperatures bring about increased activity among various species. Whether you’re fishing the region’s scenic rivers, lakes, or reservoirs, anglers are in for a productive month, with both largemouth bass and panfish biting more aggressively as they prepare for the upcoming cooler seasons.
Largemouth Bass: The Main Attraction
Largemouth bass are the highlight of October in Northwest Florida. With water temperatures beginning to drop, bass move out of deeper summer haunts and into the shallows, making them easier to target. The cooling weather triggers their feeding instincts, causing them to strike at a variety of lures with aggression. Early morning and late afternoon fishing are particularly productive, especially in areas with submerged vegetation, stumps, or other structures.
Key tactics for catching largemouth bass this month include using topwater lures like frogs, buzzbaits, and poppers during low-light conditions. As the sun rises, switching to crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics fished along drop-offs or near structure can yield success. In particular, the lakes and rivers around Tallahassee, such as Lake Talquin and Lake Jackson, are known for producing quality bass catches this time of year. Expect bass in the 2-5 pound range, with the potential for hooking into a trophy fish.
Lake Talquin: Fall Bass Bonanza
Located just west of Tallahassee, Lake Talquin is one of the most popular freshwater fishing destinations in Northwest Florida, especially in October. This 8,800-acre reservoir is known for its excellent largemouth bass population, and fall is the prime time to target them. The lake’s submerged timber and grass beds provide excellent cover for bass as they move into the shallows to feed.
Anglers should focus on fishing the creek mouths and points, as well as working the edges of the submerged timber. Topwater baits are effective in the morning, but as the day warms up, switching to slow-rolled spinnerbaits or jigs along the deeper channels can help entice larger fish.
Crappie: A Fall Favorite
October also kicks off the beginning of the crappie (speckled perch) fishing season in Northwest Florida. As the water cools, crappie begin to school up and can be found near submerged structures such as fallen trees, brush piles, and ledges. Fishing with small minnows or jigs is the go-to technique for catching crappie this time of year. The Apalachicola River and its tributaries, as well as Lake Talquin, are crappie hotspots, offering the opportunity to catch fish in the 10-12 inch range.
Crappie fishing can be fast and furious in October, especially in the cooler mornings and evenings. Anglers often use vertical jigging methods in deeper water or troll slowly using multiple rods to cover more ground. If you locate a school, you can quickly fill your cooler with these tasty panfish.
Bream and Shellcracker: Steady Action
October is also a great month for targeting bream and shellcracker (redear sunfish), especially in the region’s rivers and lakes. The cooler weather triggers these panfish to feed heavily before winter, making them easy targets for anglers using live bait such as crickets, worms, or small jigs.
The Choctawhatchee River and Blackwater River are well-known bream fisheries in the region, with plenty of opportunities for anglers to catch these panfish near shoreline vegetation or around submerged structures. Shellcracker, in particular, can be found in the deeper areas of lakes and rivers, and they tend to school up in large numbers. A well-placed bait near underwater ledges or drop-offs can lead to non-stop action.
Catfish: Non-Stop Action
For anglers looking to reel in some catfish, October is an excellent month in Northwest Florida. The region’s rivers and lakes, including the Yellow River and Escambia River, are full of channel and blue catfish. These bottom-dwelling fish are still feeding aggressively as they prepare for the cooler months ahead.
Using traditional catfish baits such as cut bait, shrimp, or chicken liver fished on the bottom is highly effective. The key is finding deep holes or areas with slow-moving water, where catfish are likely to congregate. Catfish ranging from 2 to 10 pounds are common, with the occasional monster fish exceeding 20 pounds adding to the excitement.
Other Species: Bowfin and Gar for the Adventurous
For anglers seeking a unique freshwater fishing challenge, bowfin and longnose gar are active in Northwest Florida’s rivers and backwater areas in October. These prehistoric-looking fish are known for their strong, acrobatic fights and can be found in the Choctawhatchee and Yellow River systems.
Bowfin, often called "mudfish," are aggressive predators that will strike lures or live bait with enthusiasm. Gar, on the other hand, can be targeted with live bait or artificial lures near the surface. Both species offer a thrilling challenge for those looking to target something outside the norm, and landing one of these fish is a true testament to an angler’s skill.
NOVEMBER NORTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST
November brings cooler temperatures and exciting opportunities for freshwater fishing in Northwest Florida. As the water temperatures drop, fish become more active, making this month perfect for anglers looking to experience the Sunshine State's freshwater treasures. Great Florida Fishing provides all the essential insights to plan your perfect trip, including where to fish, the best guides, and ideal accommodation options near prime fishing spots.
DESTIN AND CHOCTAWHATCHEE BAY
In the Destin area, the Choctawhatchee River offers fantastic opportunities for bass fishing throughout November. With the water levels stabilizing after the rainy season, anglers can find Largemouth Bass patrolling the shallows and feeding aggressively. Plastic worms and spinnerbaits are the go-to lures this month, with early mornings and late afternoons providing the best chance for a trophy catch.
BLACKWATER RIVER STATE FOREST
For those looking for a serene experience surrounded by nature, Blackwater River State Forest is an excellent destination. The Blackwater River, famous for its clear, tannin-stained waters, is home to healthy populations of Bluegill, Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker), and Largemouth Bass. November is ideal for targeting Bluegill, especially near fallen logs and submerged structures. Ultralight gear with crickets or worms is highly effective, and the scenic beauty of the area only adds to the appeal.
LAKE SEMINOLE
Lake Seminole, located at the Florida-Georgia border, remains a top location for anglers targeting Largemouth Bass and Crappie. In November, the bass fishing is phenomenal as fish move towards deeper ledges and drop-offs. Using crankbaits and Carolina rigs will help you reach these fish effectively. The Crappie bite also heats up during this time, making it perfect for anglers looking to fill their cooler. Try using live minnows or jigs to attract schools of Crappie around submerged timber.
APALACHICOLA RIVER
The Apalachicola River is a must-visit for adventurous anglers seeking a mix of species. November is excellent for targeting Striped Bass as they begin their fall feeding frenzy. Striped Bass can be found in the deeper channels, especially near dams and bridge pilings. Using live shad or cut bait is the preferred method for hooking these hard-fighting fish. Additionally, the river is home to quality Largemouth Bass, which can be caught around vegetation and creek mouths.
DEER POINT LAKE
Located just north of Panama City, Deer Point Lake offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities in November. Largemouth Bass and Bream are particularly active this time of year. Focus on the shallow areas around grass beds and submerged structures where bass are actively feeding. Spinnerbaits and jerkbaits are ideal for enticing bites. Bream can also be found near shoreline cover, and using worms or crickets will yield consistent results.
PLANNING YOUR NORTHWEST FLORIDA FISHING ADVENTURE
November is an outstanding month for freshwater fishing in Northwest Florida, with a wide variety of species and locations to explore. Great Florida Fishing is here to guide you every step of the way, from finding the perfect fishing spot to connecting with the top local charters and accommodations. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer excursion, the combination of thrilling freshwater fishing and beautiful fall weather makes Northwest Florida an unbeatable destination this November.
For more detailed information on where to fish, when to fish, and where to stay, be sure to explore our full range of resources at GreatFloridaFishing.com. It's time to hook the thrill and make your Florida fishing adventure unforgettable!
TOP FRESHWATER FISHING LOCATIONS IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Escambia River Marsh
(Santa Rosa and Escambia counties)
Features: Bass numbers, striped bass numbers
A Largemouth Bass fishery for harvest and high catch rates of smaller size Largemouth Bass and a variety of fish species. The marsh area of the Escambia River is a hot spot for Largemouth Bass fishing and promises to yield high catches of harvestable size Largemouth Bass, as well as, many other species including being a hot spot destination for Hybrid Striped bass. The Escambia River also supports one of the richest assemblages of native North American freshwater fish of any Florida river with 85 know native freshwater species. The lower river and delta marshes may be accessed easily from numerous points between Pensacola and Pace along Highway 90.
Holmes Creek (Tributary to Choctawhatchee River)
(Holmes, Walton and Washington counties)
Features: Bass special opportunity, bream numbers
A pristine Florida waterway with high catch rates of panfish, multiple species, and home to the unique Choctaw Bass. Holmes Creek is a 16-mile tributary to the Choctawhatchee River and is a designated Florida canoe trail easily accessed in Vernon, Florida. Fifteen springs along this scenic tributary provide diverse habitats for a rich variety of fish and mollusks. Holmes Creek is also a major summer aggregation area for the federally protected Gulf Sturgeon, as well as, thermal refugia for the Gulf Striped Bass.
Yellow River
(Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties)
Features: Bass special opportunity, bream numbers, catfish size and numbers
A Monster trophy catfish fishery for Flathead Catfish (State Record location for Flathead Catfish) and high catch rates of panfish and multiple species. he Yellow River is home to monster Flathead Catfish and currently boasts the location of the new Florida State Record Flathead Catfish caught in August 2020. This behemoth weighed in at 69.9 pounds. The upper Yellow River provides anglers an assortment of largemouth bass, spotted bass, redear sunfish (shellcracker), bluegill, spotted sunfish, warmouth and shadow bass. Sixty-one miles of the Yellow River flows in a southwesterly direction into Blackwater Bay, an arm of Pensacola Bay, through Florida’s Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. The Yellow River’s one major tributary, the Shoal River, joins the Yellow near Crestview, Florida.
Ochlockonee River / Lake Talquin
(Leon, Gadsden and Liberty counties)
Features: Bass size, crappie size and numbers, striped bass size, catfish size and numbers
A hot spot destination for Striped Bass, especially below the dam, as well as quality-sized black bass, a numbers destination for Channel Catfish, and a top spot for Black Crappie fishing. The Ochlockonee River is a Top Spot destination for striped bass anglers! The Ochlockonee River is impounded to form Lake Talquin reservoir located between Gadsden and Leon counties Florida approximately 10 miles west of Tallahassee. Lake Talquin is bordered by State Road 20 on the east side and State Road 267 on the west and offers numerous access points. Both the river and the lake offer anglers multiple fishing choices. Lake Talquin is known for producing trophy Largemouth Bass but is also a Top Spot destination for Black Crappie anglers and Striped Bass anglers. Attention Striped Bass Anglers: There is an FWC Striped Bass tagging study currently on-going in the Ochlockonee River. If you catch a Striped Bass, please call the telephone number on the tag to claim your prize. Please do not pull the tag out of the fish. Cut the tag off the fish as close to the fish’s body as possible.
Wacissa River
(Jefferson County)
Features: Unique fishing opportunity for Suwannee Bass
A unique Florida Black Bass species location and fishery for Suwannee Bass. Also, a TrophyCatch program Hall of Fame fish location. The Wacissa River is a large, spring-fed stream located in south-central Jefferson County, Florida. Its headwaters are located about a mile south of the town of Wacissa, where the river emerges crystal clear from a group of large limestone springs. Not only renowned for its scenic beauty and paddling opportunities, the Wacissa is also home to the Suwannee Bass, a unique species of Florida black bass. Monster Largemouth Bass also lurk in the waters of the Wacissa River and has yielded a Hall of Fame Largemouth Bass submitted to the FWC TrophyCatch Program weighing in at over15 lbs. that was successfully caught and released.