Chipola River
Calhoun County
Effective June 2019, harvest and possession of Shoal Bass in the Chipola River and tributaries of the Chipola River is prohibited. Anglers may fish for Shoal Bass, but all caught Shoal Bass must be immediately released. The Shoal Bass population in the Chipola River and its tributaries have been negatively affected due to the impacts of Hurricane Michael. Recent sampling efforts have produced significantly lower catches of Shoal Bass. Anglers may still possess Largemouth Bass.
This river is home to the unique shoal bass. The Chipola River is accessible in Marianna off CR 280 (Magnolia Rd), Peacock Bridge Rd (located north of Sink Creek), SR 274 west of Altha on Hamilton Spring Rd, and SR 20 at Clarksville. This very scenic, spring-fed coldwater river stretches about 95 miles starting just north of Marianna and running south through the Dead Lake and into the Apalachicola River. The Chipola River has fast water shoals and provides excellent sunfish (redbreast, redear and bluegill) fishing in the spring depending on the water level. Boat operators should be cautious of these shallow limestone shoals while running your boat in this river during low water.
Local information on these rivers and their fishes may be obtained from the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Northwest Regional Office (850-265-3676). Information regarding canoe, kayak, and tube float trips on the Chipola River can be obtained from Chipola River Outfitters (850-762-2800 or 850-381-6062) or Bear Paw Adventures (850-482-4948). Bear Paw Adventures is closed during the winter but will reopen March 1st.
Anglers should always be mindful of the rocky limestone shoals and snags in the river. During low river levels travel upstream through shallow, swift shoals may be impossible so anglers should plan accordingly. View daily river levels and flow.
Local information on these rivers and their fishes may be obtained from the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Northwest Regional Office (850-265-3676).
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and possession of Shoal Bass from the Chipola River and its tributaries effective immediately until the order is repealed.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.
The Chipola River is the best river in Florida for targeting Shoal Bass. Here, anglers targeting this species tend to fish in, above, and below shoal areas between Magnolia Bridge and Johnny Boy landing with artificial baits that mimic crayfish, like small crankbaits. Shoal Bass are catch and release only. No person shall kill or possess Shoal Bass on the Chipola River or its tributaries. Any Shoal Bass that are caught must be released immediately. They can be distinguished from Florida Bass by their vertical stripes and a jaw that doesn’t extend past the eye. Shoal Bass are typically found in rocky areas with fast moving water while Florida Bass prefer slower moving water near woody structures. Anglers should always be mindful of the rocky limestone shoals and snags in the river and be cautious of log jams and other navigational hazards.
Florida Bass can be caught using the same baits as Shoal Bass and are more concentrated below Highway 20 or in deeper sandy pools around snags. Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegill, and Spotted Sunfish can also be found in these areas and can be caught using 1/16oz beetle spins and/ or worms or on small crayfish lures. Anglers fly fishing should fish early morning or late afternoon for bass and bream. Try a “popper-dropper” combination around areas of slow-moving current.
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Largemouth bass, Shoal bass, Spotted bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Redbreast sunfish, Sunshine bass, Striped bass, Black crappie, Channel catfish
TrophyCatch Tracker
TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger.
Be the first to submit a trophy bass from the Chipola River!