What Fish in the Black River Our Common to Catch
Blackwater River In Florida
Florida'due south Blackwater River is a 56.6-mile-long river that flows from southern Alabama to the Florida panhandle into the Gulf of Mexico. The Blackwater River enters Florida in Okaloosa County then flows through Santa Rosa County into Blackwater Bay, which is part of Pensacola Bay.
The Blackwater River, called Oka-lusa initially, meaning water black in the Muscogee language, is a beautiful transparent golden-brown colored river when viewed confronting the white sandy bottom, despite its name. In fact, it'due south considered i of the nearly pristine and purest sand-bottom rivers in the world.
Northwest Florida is charming and 1 of the all-time places to get a sense of taste of the natural Florida environment. Visitors tin can experience incredible angling for both fresh and saltwater fish species as well as view some rare wildlife in Blackwater State Park.
Blackwater River Fishing
The Blackwater River offers excellent angling opportunities for some of the most popular game and panfish species, such every bit largemouth bass, striped bass, spotted bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, sunshine bass, and channel catfish. In addition, anglers fishing in the lower part of the river are also likely to come up across popular saltwater fish such every bit seatrout and redfish.
The upper river is more dependent on water levels. When the water level is college, this expanse is more challenging to fish. For those without a vessel, there are numerous canoe outfitters, such as Blackwater Canoe Rental, located virtually the watershed, that provide shuttling services for launch and pickup.
In addition to bream and bass, the lower river likewise harbors other sport fish such as warmouth, spotted sunfish , seatrout, redfish, croaker, and mullet.
Bank angling opportunities at the Blackwater River are mainly express to bridge crossings such as Bryant Span, canoe access areas, and public gunkhole ramps.
Best Fourth dimension
Splendid largemouth bass fishing is predictable for the lower Blackwater River from January through March. Overall, bass fishing should pick upwardly dramatically toward the heart of March, with the onset of warmer weather and the first of the spawning season.
Bream fishing may be a flake ho-hum this fourth dimension of the yr just should also pick up at the end of March. If you are fishing in the tidal department of the river, try to catch a falling tide for best results. The wintertime season is typically an excellent fourth dimension to fish for seatrout around the rima oris of the river.
Spawning fish can be found around Spring time near cypress and large woody droppings areas. The full moon in May and June is commonly an excellent fourth dimension to catch sunfish.
Baits and Lures
Effective baits for bass include plastic worms and any spinner-type lure. Live mullet brand good bait for seatrout. Bass jigs, worms, and crankbaits are oftentimes most effective for spawning fish.
Boat Ramps
Good admission to the lower river is provided by gunkhole ramps in Milton (Carpenters Park, north of downtown Milton, only off Highway 191, and also a new double lane boat ramp just due north of Highway 90, on the east side of the river contrary downtown Milton) and Bagdad (improved landing east of downtown Bagdad, off Highway 191).
Boater Caution
Anglers fishing in the Blackwater River should utilize circumspection and exist aware of submerged objects and downed trees that resulted from Hurricane Ivan. Such underwater obstacles may occur in places that were unobstructed last summertime.
Striped Bass
Striped bass in these rivers were stocked by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to create a bays fishery and re-establish this species in an surface area from which they had virtually disappeared.
Striper Fishing
Striper fishing will also be available during the libation days of winter and early spring. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission fishery biologists anticipate good fishing for stripers. Appropriate places to fish for stripers from January through March include the lower river, from the Navy Recreation Area downwardly to the Interstate 10 bridge near Milton.
Tips and Baits
Dawn and dusk are prime times for striper angling, and anglers should notwithstanding try to catch a falling tide for best success.
In the lower, tidal section of the river, yous should fish around points of land extending into the river. Alive mullet or menhaden make proficient baits. Anglers should also effort plugs that resemble shad or mullet, such as Bangolures and Yo-Zuri lures. Live shrimp or twister-tail-blazon jigs are also advisable.
Blackwater River State Wood
Most of the Blackwater River flows through undeveloped lands of the Blackwater River State Park and the Blackwater State Forest. These areas are core parts of the largest contiguous wiregrass/longleaf pine ecosystem remaining in the world. Some describe this ecosystem as being rarer than a tropical rainforest.
The water that seeps from the Blackwater River State Forest is as pure as it comes. It'due south only tinted with the tannins from roots and leaves of shoreline vegetation.
Blackwater River Land Park
Blackwater River offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation. The river is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation, making this park a popular place for pond, fishing, camping, and paddling. Shaded campsites are only a brusque walk from the river, and visitors can bask a picnic at a pavilion overlooking the river.
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy strolling along trails through undisturbed natural communities. In 1980 the park was certified every bit a Registered Country Natural Feature for possessing exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of Florida.
Atlantic white cedars line the river, and one of them was recognized in 1982 as a Florida Champion tree, one of the largest and oldest of its species, located 15 miles northeast of Milton, off U.S. 90.
Florida country parks are open up from viii a.chiliad. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
Heading East on I-10 exit 31 (Hwy 87N), ane/ii mile, right turn on Hwy 90E, 7 miles to the town of Harold, Left turn onto Deaton Bridge Road, 3 miles to the main gate. Heading West on I-10 leave 45 in the city of Holt (blinking light). Left plough onto Hwy 90, Approximately fifteen miles to the boondocks of Harold, correct plow on Deaton Bridge Route, 3 miles to the main gate.
Admission Fee
Honor Park $3.00 per vehicle
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Actress Passengers, Passengers In vehicles with the holder of Almanac Individual Entrance Permit Entrance Fee $1.00
Blackwater River State Park Info
7720 Deaton Bridge Road
Holt, Florida 32564
Telephone: 850-983-5363
Fax: 850-983-5364
Source: https://bassonline.com/fl/lakes/blackwater-river/