Withlacoochee River

From Dunnellon, anglers can venture downriver into Lake Rousseau for some reservoir fishing, or head upriver to fish the slow, meandering river. The lower portion of the river (Dunnellon to SR 200) should be productive for bass as the quarter progresses. Target areas with vegetation. Fish plastic worms along the river bottom, or weedless-rigged worms overtop of pads and emergent grasses. If the current is strong, target eddies, letting your worm drift in and out of the current. Use your rod to “bounce” the worm as it drifts with the current. Anglers should have opportunities to find Bluegill, Redear, Redbreast, and Spotted Sunfish in the lower portion of the river. Find soft, sandy bottoms and fish worms or crickets on the bottom to target Redbreast Sunfish and Bluegill. Fish worms and small beetle spins around hard bottom and hard structures to target Redear and Spotted sunfish. Find slow-flowing, muddy bottom areas of the river to try and find warmouth; fish worms, shrimp, or crickets near vegetation and submersed stumps. Fishing with light or ultralight tackle is a must if you want to feel the full fight of these small but hardy fish. Catfish are plentiful throughout the river. Fish stinky baits such as shrimp, liver, gizzard, or cut mullet around stumps and other hard structures. Fishing upstream and letting the scent waft down to the fish should draw them out of hiding. Use larger #2 or #4 hooks when targeting catfish. The Rainbow River is a spring fed system that can provide thermal refuge when the Withlacoochee River is both hot and cold. On days following cold fronts, try fishing this crystal clear, scenic river. Focus on areas with dense vegetation and be mindful of shadows. Flip plastics over pads or live shiners along the edges of pads and emergent grasses. The panfish should be productive here as well.