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.
Santa Fe River
For the latest conditions, please refer to the Suwannee River Water Management District website Real-Time River Levels.
Water levels remain low throughout much of the Santa Fe River system, resulting in increased water clarity and reduced flow conditions. Anglers targeting bass are encouraged to concentrate efforts around submerged structure and shaded cover, where fish are more likely to seek refuge during these low-water periods. Crawfish-imitating soft plastics or jigs worked slowly along the bottom continue to provide effective opportunities for both Florida Bass and Suwannee Bass.
Panfish anglers are also experiencing success by fishing close to shoreline cover and woody structure. Crickets or small artificial lures presented near the bank have proven productive under current conditions. The combination of clearer water and diminished current makes a more natural presentation especially important, with slower retrieves and subtle bait movement often yielding the best results.
Suwannee River
Water levels remain low throughout much of the Suwannee River system. For the latest conditions, please refer to the Suwannee River Water Management District website Real-Time River Levels.
Catfish anglers have reported multiple notable catches in the 50 to 60-pound range, with a recent Florida state record blue catfish weighing 73.6 pounds. For best results, anglers are encouraged to use cut or stink bait fished near the bottom.
Florida and Suwannee bass continue to be plentiful throughout the river. Anglers are recommended to fish around submerged structures, such as downed trees, rocky bottoms, or docks. Crawfish imitation baits fished along the bottom offer an opportunity to catch both bass species, with Suwannee bass tending to prefer areas with increased flow.
As water temperatures continue to rise, Gulf sturgeon jumping activity has increased. Boaters should exercise caution and reduce speed, particularly in narrow sections, to help prevent injuries from potential sturgeon strikes. Following the spawning period, Gulf sturgeons will begin migrating downstream.
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