Withlacoochee River

Water levels in the river can fluctuate with seasonal conditions.  Anglers can stay up to date on river levels by visiting Southwest Florida Water Management District’s web page at www.swfwmd.state.fl.us.

The Withlacoochee River has consistently produced trophy-size bass lately, putting it second only to Orange Lake in registered TrophyCatch submissions. Like the Tsala-Apopka chain, anglers should consult local bait and tackle shops for up-to-date reports. Florida bass can be found throughout the river, though are most abundant in the stretch of river between Lake Rousseau (which is also hot for bass right now) south to SR 200. Most artificial lures will work well—target areas with vegetation or woody structures. Look for places in the river that are slowed by eddies or blocked by woody debris; these slack water areas can provide good resting spots for bass as they wait for their next meal to swim by. Panfish are a popular target in the upper river (from SR 44 south to the county line). Anglers can catch redbreast and spotted sunfish in higher numbers than bluegill or redear sunfish. Worms, crickets, and grass shrimp work well for any panfish. Fish stinky baits upriver of log jams, rock piles, or slack water eddies and let the scent drift down to any hungry catfish. In the tailwaters below the Inglis Dam, catfish are reported to be abundant. Anglers also have the chance to add saltwater species like redfish, spotted sea trout and sheepshead to their list. During cold weather, anglers should try fishing up the Rainbow River. This spring run system can provide a warm water refuge during prolonged cold spells. The habitat is abundant, and fish are plentiful. Overall, bass and panfish anglers would be wise to give this beautiful, scenic river a chance. Remember to obey all posted navigation signage.