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Citrus, Marion, Sumter, Levy, Hernando counties

This 157-mile stream originates in Green Swamp in Hernando County and flows north to the Gulf at Yankeetown. The stream has many limerock areas and associated swamps. Water levels fluctuate except in Lake Rousseau and the area just above the influence of Rainbow River. Water color is dark during the rainy season and clear during low water. Public ramps are located at S.R. 44 in Rutland, C.R. 470 north of Lake Panasofkee, the Outlet River west of Lake Panasofkee on C.R. 470 in Sumter County, C.R. 39 north of SR 200 in Citrus County, U.S. Highway 41 at Dunnellon and SR 40 at Yankeetown.

Local contacts: Anglers Resort Dunnellon 352-489-2397.

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.

As the weather heats up, so do the catches! There have been 11 bass over 8 pounds approved by FWC's TrophyCatch program in Season 13, which began October 1, 2024. This includes a 13.2 lbs. Hall of Famer! Bass anglers should target breaks in the river current, for instance, areas where the current is slowed by vegetation or hard structures. Live shiners are always a good bet and can be trolled, free-lined, or fished under floats along aquatic vegetation. Top water lures and lipless crankbaits fished around aquatic plants or around snags and other woody cover should produce fish as well. This river produces good panfish catches as well. Near Dunnellon, and up the Rainbow River, anglers should try using worms, crickets, or small artificials fished close to the bank and around woody structure. Anglers have great success catching spotted sunfish (stumpknockers) south of the Hwy 44 bridge, and through the small channel known as the Outflow River, heading into Lake Panasoffkee. Catfish should bite any kind of stink bait. Look for them to be in slow-flowing eddies and holes throughout the river. Those looking for a more unique fishing experience can head up the Rainbow River. This clear, spring-fed river is part of the Rainbow Spring Aquatic Preserve and is protected in its full length by unique rules such as no disposables (plastic water bottles, chip bags, etc.) and idle speed only. For the full list of rules, go to River Rules (What you should know). Habitat is abundant, and the clear water is cool and deep, providing anglers with the opportunity to sight-fish. During the hottest part of the day, this tributary should appeal to many anglers. Just remember, if you can see the fish, they can see you too, and so many anglers target the Rainbow River at night. On a full moon, the panfish and catfish using this cool water sanctuary should be active, and the fishing should be excellent.

Popular Species

Popular Sport Fish Species

Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.

More species information is available for:

Largemouth bassBluegill, Redear sunfishChannel catfish

FWC Trophy Catch Logo

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 Withlacoochee River:

Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 166

Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 53

Hall of Fame Club (13+ pounds): 4