Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers
Columbia, Hamilton, Madison, Lafayette, Gilchrist, Alachua, Suwannee, Levy and Dixie counties
The Suwannee drains from the Okeefenokee Swamp through limestone shoals stretches to become a large flood plain river in the lower reaches. Drastic water level fluctuations characterize the river and keep the fishery dynamic. The Santa Fe is the major tributary, heavily influenced by springs and unlike the Suwannee, has vast areas of submerged vegetation in the middle and upper reaches. These areas harbor abundant freshwater shrimp, waterscuds and aquatic insects, thus producing excellent growth rates for fish, particularly abundant redbreast sunfish and pugnacious spotted sunfish (stumpknockers). The upper Suwannee has only tree roots and rocky shelves for fish structure. The lower Suwannee has a band of waterlilies and eventually in the tidal portion, numerous wooded and marsh-lined feeder creeks. High tide fishing is always slow with best fishing during lower tides. It is also helpful to remember that the outer bends are always deeper, sand bars are on inside curves and lilies on outer bend means the current has left the bank and panfish like to spawn here. Both Suwannee and largemouth bass occur. Large fish are not the rule and remember that all bass in the river, especially Suwannees, prefer to feed on crawfish, so crawfish-colored lures prevail.
Local upper Suwannee contacts: Suwannee River State Park 386-362-2746, Canoe Outpost 1-800-428-4147, Spirit of Suwannee Park 386-364-1683.
Local middle Suwannee and Santa Fe contacts: Sandy Point Marina 386-935-0615.
Local lower Suwannee contacts: Sid's Treasure Camp at Fowler's Bluff 352-493-2950.
The enacted "No Wake" zones from Dowling Park downstream to the upper estuary have been lifted.
Note: Boaters should be extremely cautious on both rivers, as low water has made clearance over sand bars and other underwater hazards less certain. Use low water periods to develop better understanding of what exposed areas look like under normal river levels. Also available are current water levels throughout Florida on the Internet at www.usgs.gov.
Water levels can be monitored on the Suwannee River Water Management District’s web page.
Water levels remain lower than average across much of the Suwannee and Santa Fe River systems as of July 2025. However, seasonal storm activity is expected to gradually raise water levels through the remainder of the quarter, helping restore access to backwater areas and opening important spawning and foraging habitat. These rising conditions typically result in a noticeable boost in fish activity and productivity. For real-time updates, consult the Suwannee River Water Management District’s website: SRWMD River Levels.
Sunfish fishing remains strong this quarter, with cypress knees and overhanging limbs offering prime ambush points, especially for redbreast sunfish near creek mouths and lily pad beds with firm bottoms. Anglers floating downstream are doing well with small artificial baits like spinners and crankbaits. Live bait, such as worms or crickets, continues to produce for anglers.
Catfish action is peaking now. Successful tactics include anchoring just upstream of river bends and letting baits drift naturally with the current. Deep, rocky mid-channel holes are top producers during daylight, while nighttime rain events draw catfish to the banks to feed. Anglers should use cut or stink bait for the best results.
This is traditionally one of the best times of year to catch larger fish. Both Florida and Suwannee bass are present near heavy submerged structure, especially during periods of increased flow. Suwannee bass are more commonly found in the Santa Fe River, while Florida bass dominate broader, deeper stretches of the Suwannee. Frog imitation lures fished across spatterdock beds are effective in shallower vegetated zones. In the lower Suwannee River creeks, bass activity increases around tide changes. Try clear, pink, white, or crayfish-colored soft plastics.
Lastly, as water temperatures continue to rise, Gulf Sturgeon are making their annual upriver migration. These large fish are known to jump and can pose a serious hazard to boaters. Exercise caution and reduce speed, especially in narrow stretches, to avoid injuries from sturgeon strikes.
A Trip Down the Suwannee
Join us for an imaginary trip down the Suwannee River that captures the mystery and adventure of one of Florida's most unique natural resources! Grab your paddle and check this link to read the story:
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Florida/Largemouth bass, Suwannee bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Redbreast sunfish
TrophyCatch Tracker
TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 17
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 4