Lake Stone

Escambia County:

Lake Stone in a 130-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1967, opened to fishing in 1969 and designated as a Fish Management Area. It has an average depth of 6 feet and a maximum depth of 22 feet. Deepest areas are located near the dam and along the old streambed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. This lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), black crappie, and channel catfish. Lake Stone is located in northern Escambia County near Century, FL. Entrance to the lake is located on Lake Stone Rd off SR 4 approximately 1.5 miles west of US 29 in Century. There is one concrete boat ramp with ample parking available on the northwest end of the lake with an additional boat launching site constructed with crushed rock on the northeast side of the lake near the dam. Several earthen fishing fingers have been constructed on the lake to provide fishing opportunities for bank anglers. Bait and fishing supplies are available in nearby Century. Escambia County maintains the Lake Stone Recreation Area located on the northwest end of the lake. This area provides fee-type camping with or without electric/water hookups. Lake Stone is subject to the rules and regulations currently in effect for Fish Management Areas. Please refer to a current copy of Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. Gasoline boat motors are prohibited from use on Lake Stone; however, use of electric trolling motors is allowed.

For additional information regarding fishing opportunities at Lake Stone contact Blackwater Fisheries Center in Holt (850-957-6175).

Current Forecast:

Crappie fishing should continue to be productive until water temperatures rise into the 70’s and above and the fish move back into deeper water. Night fishing can be productive during the warmer months. Many successful anglers will hang a light over the boat to attract baitfish to the area, which in turn will attract crappie. Small feather or curly-tailed jigs or small “crappie” minnows are usually the most productive baits.

Largemouth bass anglers should continue to be successful throughout the quarter. Bass will move from shallower habitat used during the spawn into waters 6 ft. and deeper as temperatures rise later in the quarter. As water temperatures move into the upper 70’s and higher, anglers fishing during dawn and dusk can often catch fish moving into shallow water to feed. Plastic worms and lizards rigged Carolina or Texas style, along with Rat-L-Traps and crank baits can all be effective. Top-water lures can be effective if anglers locate bass actively feeding along the surface.

Redear sunfish (shellcracker) spawning will be at its peak as water temperatures reach 68 to 72 degrees. During most years anglers can expect this to occur in late-March or April. Shellcracker tend to nest in “communities”, meaning there will often be numerous nests built in the same area. Peak bluegill spawning activity occurs when water temperatures reach 75 to 80 degrees, which is during May of most years. Spawning activity will continue to a lesser degree through September. Bluegill will often use the same nesting areas previously used by shellcracker and also tend to nest in “communities”. Light tackle with earthworms, wigglers, or crickets is usually the most productive.

Catfish are normally most active at dawn and in the evening, with chicken livers and earthworms both being effective baits. As water temperatures warm considerably during May and June catfish tend to feed more actively.