Lake Woodruff

Lake Woodruff and the St. Johns River

Lake Woodruff is a 2,200-acre lake near DeLand and DeLeon Springs, Florida, in the St. Johns River system. The lake and nearby Lake Dexter are waters within the much larger Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. These are distinct lake areas, not the acreage of the entire refuge. The Fish and Wildlife Service fishing guide identifies Woodruff’s area and describes year-round fishing in refuge waters.

Use the DeLand fishing hub to plan a regional visit, and compare other waters on our Florida fishing page. A refuge visit and a boat fishing trip require different access planning.

Bass, crappie and vegetation cover

Largemouth bass and crappie are the main focus of this page, with bluegill and redear providing additional panfish options. Review our largemouth bass information and crappie guide to match tackle to your target.

BassOnline’s existing Woodruff advice emphasizes grass mats in spring and summer, with flipping presentations where cover and water depth permit. Lily pads and vegetation edges can also be starting points for frogs or speed worms. Topwater is an option during suitable low-light conditions in late winter or fall; it is a pattern to test, not a promise that a particular lure will work.

Winter and spring are useful planning windows for bass and crappie. Vegetation can spread into the lake during summer, so account for changing openings and navigation routes. Check the water level, wind and recent local conditions before choosing where to fish. Work cover carefully, adjust your presentation, and move when the conditions do not support the pattern.

Refuge wildlife and access

The surrounding refuge protects wetland habitats used by migratory birds and other wildlife. Observe animals from a distance, leave vegetation and wildlife undisturbed, and follow posted boating and manatee protection signs. Do not infer a current protected status for a species from an old fishing report.

The refuge is near DeLeon Springs north of DeLand. Directions to the office on Mud Lake Road are for a land visit; they do not establish a public launch onto the lake. Consult the official visitor information and confirm the actual ramp, route and operating arrangements for your boat. Follow posted slow-speed or no-wake requirements rather than relying on an old description of a canal.

Licenses and trip planning

Review the current FWC freshwater regulations, including license requirements, exemptions and species rules. For a guided trip, ask whether the itinerary specifically includes Lake Woodruff, where you will meet, and whether water or refuge conditions could require an alternate route. Regional guide coverage does not by itself confirm a Woodruff departure or availability.