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.
Hunting
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David Moynahan - Wild Turkey
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Hunting on Fisheating Creek is by permit only and
is limited to small, high-quality hunts. Permits are issued through
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission quota hunt
process. Except for special-opportunity spring turkey hunts,
hunting is only permitted west of U.S. 27. On Fisheating Creek deer
hunting is good; turkey hunting, excellent; hog hunting, excellent;
migratory bird hunting, poor; and small game hunting, fair. Hunting
conditions and access by boat are dependent on water levels, which
can change drastically within a week. The best conditions for deer
are when water levels are down in the creek but not so low as to
make travel by boat impossible. These conditions also provide more
browse vegetation for deer.
Fisheating Creek was the source for reintroduction
of the Osceola turkey to other parts of Florida in the 1960s and
1970s. The special opportunity turkey hunts are an excellent chance
for hunters to harvest a highly prized Osceola turkey. The third
Outstanding Gobbler of all time came from Fisheating Creek during
the 2002 season.
Fishing
Permitted anywhere on the creek. You can fish from
canoe, kayak, boat or along the bank. Reference the Map of Fisheating Creek WMA 
to locate boat ramp(s). Fishing license
information.
Wildlife Viewing
Fisheating Creek WMA is an excellent place to view
wildlife year-round. Wading birds of all types - ibis, herons,
egrets, wood storks, roseate spoonbills - as well as hawks, osprey,
and owls are common. This area is part of the Great Florida Birding
Trail. You may also request a copy or
download or print the Fisheating Creek Bird List
. Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the
area's wildlife.
Hiking
During high to average summer water levels, the
best place to hike is off SR 78 south of Lakeport. From this point,
you can hike to Fort Center. Archeologist William Sears's
book Fort Center provides a wealth of information
about the area. In the winter, go west of Fort Center on the same
access path to Cowbone Marsh, where you can observe wintering
wading birds. It is best to hike through the cypress swamps, small
hardwood hammocks, and open prairies west of US 27 January through
May.
Biking
There are some opportunities for biking on the
area. During the winter dry season, you can bike the easy 3-4 mile
trail from SR 78 to Cowbone Marsh. On most of the area, soils dry
out and become traversible. Roads are disked for firebreaks, making
the area tough on even the toughest bikes.
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David Moynahan
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Paddling
Fisheating Creek begins in Highlands County and
flows approximately 50 miles to Lake Okeechobee. The tea-colored
water passes through banks lined with cypress and oaks. Paddlers
will see numerous alligators and a wide variety of bird species
around every bend. A canoe/kayak rental and livery service is
available at the campground off US 27 in Palmdale. There is also an
improved ramp available for launching your own boat. Water levels
in the creek vary widely with rainfall so it is best to check
current conditions at U.S.
Geological Service - Water Information website before planning
your paddling trip.
Alligators are abundant and are most visible when
water levels are low.
Camping
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Florida Photo Archives
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Primitive camping is permitted year-round throughout the area.
Both full hook up RV sites and primitive campsites are available at
the concession-operated Palmdale campground. During
established hunting seasons,
individuals are encouraged to camp at the Palmdale campground or at
designated sites along Fisheating Creek.
Primitive camping is also allowed throughout the WMA 365
days/year except in designated closed areas.
Persons with Disabilities