FWC Home : Recreation : Wildlife Management Areas : Flying Eagle

Flying Eagle WMA

Managed in cooperation with
Southwest Florida Water Management District

Flying Eagle WMA is a mosaic of lakes, marshes, and swamps along five miles of the Withlacoochee River in southeastern Citrus County. More than 10,000 acres provide recreation opportunities and help recharge the Floridan aquifer. Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and primitive camping are some of the recreational opportunities available. There are 13 miles of trails for bicycling, and 16 miles of wooded trails for hiking. Wildlife on the area include wild hog, white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, gopher tortoise, American alligator, swallow-tailed kites and wild turkey. Roads are scenic and pass through either dry, sandy, wooded hammocks or improved pasture. Horseback riding is allowed on nine miles of trails.  Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands.  For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law .  All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.  Paddling is permitted in the creeks and marshes but you need a permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District to use a vehicle to transport your boat to the closest water entry. This area is a site on the Great Florida Birding Trail .

• Visit Southwest Florida Water Management District's Recreation Guide for Flying Eagle.

• View FWC's Regulations Summary for Flying Eagle for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.