Chipola River

Shoal bass are currently catch and release only in the Chipola River and all its tributaries. FWC issued an executive order on June 5, 2019, suspending the harvest and possession of Shoal Bass from the Chipola River and its tributaries effective immediately until the order is repealed. Anglers are still permitted to catch and immediately release Shoal Bass. Shoal bass can be distinguished from Largemouth bass by the vertical stripes. Furthermore, the jaw in Largemouth Bass extends past the eye. See the Shoal Bass Species Profile for a description of the shoal bass.

Daily river levels and flow can be found at www.usgs.gov.

Largemouth Bass and Shoal Bass fishing will be slow through the winter but will pick up in early spring. In the winter, try fishing deep areas of the river and backwaters with diving crankbaits worked slowly. Recommended baits for Largemouth Bass fishing include artificial lizards, dark worms, spinner baits, and lures and artificials that mimic crayfish. For those anglers still interested in targeting shoal bass, try fishing the deep holes below shoal areas between Magnolia Bridge and Johnny Boy Landing. The best baits for shoal bass are artificials that mimic crayfish, like small crankbaits and plastic creature baits. Shoal Bass are typically found in rocky areas with fast moving water while Largemouth Bass are often found in slower moving water and near woody structures. (Possession and harvest of Shoal Bass in the Chipola river and its tributaries is prohibited).

Bream fishing (Redear, Bluegill, Redbreast, and Spotted Sunfish) should be good throughout the winter and early spring. Try fishing deep holes in midwinter and the shallows around snags and stumps in early March. Recommended baits for bream are beetle-spins, worms, and crickets. A few Black Crappie (i.e., speckled perch) can be caught in deep holes around snags during the winter and spring with crappie minnows. Fly-fishing for Bluegill and Largemouth Bass should pick up in March in the early morning or late afternoon.