Ocklawaha River
Marion & Putnam counties
The Ocklawaha River originates at the north end of Lake Griffin in Lake County. The upper reach is largely channelized but is in a natural condition for most of its length. Rodman Reservoir is a 16 mile impoundment lying between Highway 316 near Ft. McCoy to Highway 19 near Palatka. The river is again natural from the Rodman Dam to its confluence with the St. Johns River near Welaka.
Public boat ramps are at Moss Bluff off Highway 464, Ray-Davidson Park at Highway 40, Gores Landing off CR 415, Eureka East and West on Highway 316, Orange Springs, Kenwood Landing and Hog Valley on Rodman Reservoir, Rodman Dam off Highway 19 and Highway 19 south of the barge canal.
Spring means that the time for catching bass on the Ocklawaha River is here. Fish will be spawning, and bass are readily available. Also, as the weather warms up, panfish will start to get active. Late March can be a good time to catch Redbreast Sunfish (Red Belly’s) and Spotted Sunfish (Stumpknockers) as they begin to bed. Fishing with earthworms or grass shrimp on the bottom will work well for panfish.
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
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 Ocklawaha River:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 72
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 24
Hall of Fame Club (13+ pounds): 1