Withlacoochee River

Fishing this river can be hit or miss. Fish the upper river (from SR 44 south to the county line) can produce very good for panfish. Panfish here have been reported to be numerous and of good size. Worms and small artificial snails fished along the bottom will be best for redear sunfish. Worms, crickets, and grass shrimp will make excellent bait for bluegill and redbreast sunfish. Catfish can be found throughout the river. Find deep holes near permeant structures (bridge pilings, rip-rap, etc.). Fish stinky baits on the bottom, upstream of the structure; let the smell entice the fish out of hiding. Bass fishing can be good anywhere from SR 200 downriver into Lake Rousseau. During cold fronts, try fishing up the Rainbow River. This spring-fed river can provide a warm(er) water refuge during periods of prolonged cold. Obey all posted navigation signs and enjoy fishing around the abundant vegetation. Live shiners and artificial worms fished near submersed grasses and through pads should produce bites. As the weather warms, looks for areas of hard bottom where the current is blocked or slowed by eddies, trees, or other structures. Below the Inglis dam, anglers can have the chance to catch freshwater and saltwater species, including redfish, spotted sea trout, sheepshead, and snook.