Withlacoochee River

Interested anglers should visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) recorded water level and rainfall webpage for up-to-date information on river levels. An abundance of rainfall caused river flooding several times during the summer months. For those wanting to fish the river, target areas of slow moving backwaters. If the river is flooded, use the opportunity to target habitats inaccessible during low water. Fish around cypress trunks and knees. Fish will target flooded areas seeking new shelter, forage, and spawning opportunities. As water levels drop and the lower portion of the river (Dunnellon to SR 200) should become most productive for bass. 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. The Withlacoochee River below Inglis Dam and below the Inglis Bypass provide access to the Gulf and many marine species. Anglers may find redfish, spotted sea trout, grouper and snook in this lower portion of the river.