Blackwater River
Blackwater River - Good largemouth bass
and bream (shellcracker and bluegill) fishing is
anticipated for the lower Blackwater River from
July through September. If you are fishing in
the tidal section of the river, try to catch a
falling tide for best results. Early morning and
late afternoon should be the best times to fish
during the summer. Effective baits to use for
bass include plastic worms and any spinner-type
plug. In addition to bream and bass, the lower
river also harbors other sport fish such as
warmouth, spotted sunfish, seatrout, redfish,
croaker and mullet.
Good access to the lower river is provided by
boat ramps in Milton (Carpenters Park, north of
downtown Milton, just off Highway 191, and also
a new ramp just north of Highway 90, on the east
side of the river opposite downtown Milton) and
in Bagdad (improved landing east of downtown
Bagdad, off Highway 191).
Fair largemouth bass fishing is anticipated for
the lower Blackwater River from January through
March. Overall, bass fishing should pick up
dramatically along toward the middle of March,
with the onset of warmer weather and the
beginning of the spawning season. Bream fishing
may be a bit slow this time of the year, but
should also pick up at the end of March. If you
are fishing in the tidal section of the river,
try to catch a falling tide for best results.
Effective baits for bass include plastic worms
and any spinner-type lure. In addition to bass,
the lower river also harbors other sportfish
such as spotted seatrout and redfish. The winter
season is typically a good time to fish for
seatrout around the mouth of the river. Live
mullet make good bait for seatrout.
Striped bass in these rivers
were stocked by the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission in an effort to create a
trophy fishery, and to reestablish this species
in an area from which they had virtually
disappeared.
Striped bass fishing will
also be available during the cooler 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 down
to the Interstate 10 bridge near Milton. Dawn
and dusk are prime times for striper fishing,
and anglers should try to catch a falling tide
for best success. In the lower, tidal section
of the river, you should fish around points of
land extending into the river. Live mullet or
menhaden make good baits. Anglers should also
try plugs that resemble shad or mullet, such as
Bangolures and Yo-Zuri lures. Live shrimp or
twister-tail type jigs are also appropriate.
Striped bass are available in the Blackwater
River as a result of long-term stocking by the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission.
Note: Anglers
fishing in the Blackwater River should use
caution and be aware of submerged objects and
downed trees which resulted from Hurricane Ivan
last September. Such underwater obstacles may
occur in places that were unobstructed last
summer.
Blackwater River State 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 swimming, fishing,
camping, and paddling. Shaded campsites are just
a short walk from the river, and visitors can
enjoy 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 as a
Registered State 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 state
parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365
days a year.
Driving Directions
Heading East on
I-10 exit 31 (Hwy 87N), 1/2 mile, right turn on
Hwy 90E, 7 miles to town of Harold, Left turn
onto Deaton Bridge Road, 3 miles to main gate.
Heading West on I-10 exit 45 to town of Holt
(blinking light). Left turn onto Hwy 90,
Approximately 15 miles to the town of Harold,
right turn on Deaton Bridge Road, 3 miles to
main gate.
Admission Fee Honor Park $3.00 per
vehicle
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers,
Passengers In vehicles with holder of Annual
Individual Entrance Permit Entrance Fee $1.00
Blackwater River State Park
7720 Deaton
Bridge Road
Holt, Florida 32564
Phone: 850-983-5363
Fax: 850-983-5364
View Larger Map
Helpful Links:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/blackwater_juniper_creek.htm
http://www.floridaadventuring.com/blackwater-river.html
http://www.floridastateparks.org/blackwaterriver/default.cfm |
