F I S H !

Northwest Florida's Commission-Managed Impoundments

ANGLER'S GUIDE TO

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center

8384 Fish Hatchery Road

Holt, FL 32564

(850) 957-6175

Juniper Lake is a 665-acre artificial impoundment created by an earthen dam across Juniper Bay Creek. The lake was constructed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (formerly Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission) in 1962 and opened to fishing in 1964. It has an average depth of 6 feet and a maximum depth of 16 feet. Deepest areas are near the dam and along the old stream bed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat.

An ongoing management program on Juniper Lake has resulted in excellent catches of panfish and largemouth bass. Management techniques implemented and a brief description of their benefits are as follows:

Dewatering (drawdown) - Serves to expose and dry the lake bottom, which aerates and consolidates organic muck deposits. This process improves sportfish habitat and increases natural production of fish food organisms. Exposed soil is often seeded with ryegrass to enhance fish food production.

Fish Attractors - Brush and other materials are placed in the lake to concentrate fish and improve angler harvest. Hardwood brush bundles have proven to be good bass and bream fishing sites. Limerock spread on the lake bottom concentrates spawning fish, especially bream.

Fish Stocking - Channel catfish, and bream (bluegill and redear sunfish) are stocked periodically to provide additional sportfishing opportunities.

LOCATION
Juniper Lake is located in Walton County approximately 3 miles north of DeFuniak Springs. The lake is situated east of U. S. 331 and west of S. R. 83. It is within easy commuting distance of Ft. Walton Beach, Crestview, Bonifay and south Alabama.

FACILITIES
There are two public concrete boat ramps on the lake. One is located near the dam on the east side of the lake off Juniper Lake Road. A public bank fishing area is available at this site. The other ramp is located at the end of Catt Island Road on the northwestern shore. A public fishing pier, as well as a bank fishing area is located near this ramp. Upland recreational facilities provided by Walton County include restrooms and picnic areas. There are two fish camps at the lake that provide camping hookups, boat and motor rentals, boat launching, bait, tackle and ice. Other supplies are available in nearby DeFuniak Springs.

FISHING TIPS
Largemouth Bass - Shiners are the best natural bait. Blue, black or purple plastic worms rigged Texas-style or yellow-skirted flutter baits are the best artificial lures.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish - Crickets and worms are generally the best natural baits. Beetle-spins with white or black heads are best artificial baits for casting or trolling.
Black Crappie - Live minnows or silver, yellow and feather jigs are effective during early spring.
Channel Catfish - Chicken liver generally is the best bait.

REGULATIONS
For license requirements, size and harvest limits, and other rules and regulations, please refer to the General Regulations for Fish Management Areas in the current Florida Fresh Water Sport Fishing Guide and Regulations Summary or our website:

Anglers should be aware that vandalism occurs at some boat ramps. Therefore, care should be taken to secure your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight or take them with you when you leave the ramp.

Acrobat PDF files of this and other brochures are available for printing on our fisheries publications site.