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Tenoroc Fish Management Area

Recreation

In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following recreation activities are allowed.

Fishing

Fishing is the premiere recreational activity on Tenoroc. Since 1983, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission biologists have evaluated and managed the fisheries at Tenoroc.

The most sought after sportfish on Tenoroc is the Florida largemouth bass, but black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and yellow and brown bullhead are common catches. All visitors, including anglers, must check in and out at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area headquarters. Anglers must deposit their valid fishing license with the custodian unless otherwise instructed. Quotas have been established for each lake, and fishing is permitted in designated lakes only. Unless otherwise specified, largemouth bass must be released immediately. Tenoroc offers both boat and bank fishing opportunities. In addition, facilities at Derby Lake and the Pasture Lakes are fully ADA accessible. The Saddle Creek and Bridgewater tracts offer eight additional fishing lakes. 

Wildlife Viewing

Tenoroc is a gateway site for the Great Florida Birding Trail. It was selected for the distinction based on its excellent bird watching opportunities. The numerous lakes attract good numbers of wading birds, waterfowl, raptors such as osprey and eagles.  Songbirds pause here during spring and fall migrations. Nesting ospreys are common in the spring and one of the state’s largest wading bird colonies boasts snowy egrets, white ibises, and anhingas. You may request a copy or download or print the Tenoroc Bird List .

Hiking

The main unit of Tenoroc features 5.4 miles of trails in two loops. The trails pass over both reclaimed and unreclaimed mining property and the graded crest road of an earthen dam. Western segments of the trail are mostly flat, open, and dry. The eastern loop of the Orange Trail is shaded with oaks. Trails on Rattlesnake Ridge on the southern portion of the Blue Loop Trail are steep and narrow but offer pleasant vistas of lakes and forests. In the spring, a large wading bird colony with white ibises, snowy egrets, and anhingas may be seen from the south end Blue Loop Trail. These trails link with two loop trails on the Saddle Creek Tract of Tenoroc, south of the main unit.  Access the trailhead and parking area for the Saddle Creek trails from Saddle Creek Park. Someday, this trail system may continue north to connect with the Gen. James A. Van Fleet Trail that crosses the Green Swamp.

Trail Guide for the Saddle Creek Track

Horseback Riding

Two loop trails in Tenoroc’s main unit are available for horseback riding. The 3.5-mile North Trail and the 4.4-mile South Trail are accessible from the Tenoroc Office and parking area. Water and space for trailer parking are available here. (Hikers may use the horseback trails, but dogs are not permitted.) The Saddle Creek Trails are not open for horseback riding.  Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when 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

Visitors may use canoes or kayaks on any lake where boats are allowed, but quotas on the number of boats per lake are enforced and paddlers will be competing with anglers for a slot.

Shooting Range

The FWC has constructed a major regional shooting sports facility at Tenoroc. The facility, managed by a private vendor, includes rifle, pistol, and air gun ranges, trap/skeet and sporting clay stations, and ground level, elevated, and 3-D archery ranges.