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and possession of Shoal Bass from the Chipola River and its tributaries effective immediately until the order is repealed.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.

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.