Deer Point Lake
Bay County
A 5,000-acre impoundment located 7 miles north of Panama City off US 231 and SR 77 at Southport. Deer Point Lake is fed by natural freshwater streams and supplies more than 760 million gallons of fresh water daily to Panama City and the surrounding areas. The lake can be accessed by taking US 231 north from Panama City (6 miles) to C2321 west (1.5 miles); turn right on C2311 (3.5 miles); the ramp (Highpoint) is on the left. There are also boat ramps located on C2321on either side of the dam. A fishing pier is located near the boat ramp on the west side of the dam. This lake is best known for its shellcracker (Redear Sunfish) fishing during the spring (April through June) using earthworms as live bait. Fly fishing for shellcracker during the spring can also be productive when fishing early morning, late afternoon, and evening. Bream (Bluegill) fishing is also good in the spring using crickets and earthworms. Largemouth Bass fishing is best in the spring to early summer and again in the fall using plastic worms and crankbaits. Broken-back minnow lures are also effective for bass when fished near the shoreline.
Fish Camps:
Tharp's Camp (off Resota Beach Road, 850-265-2330); 4405 Huckleberry Lane, Panama City, FL 32409.
8.28-pound largemouth bass tagged and released into Deer Point Lake November 2018.
Largemouth Bass fishing should slow down during the heat of the summer, so fishing in the early morning or late afternoon will offer the best chance at success. Try fishing along the weed lines of the old creek channels in Bear, Econfina and Cedar creeks with dark colored artificial worms, live shiners, and weedless lures. Target deep water holes with deep diving crankbaits during the heat of the day. Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) will also begin to move into deep holes as the water warms and can be targeted with worms. Bluegill will continue to spawn throughout the summer and may be found on beds in shallow areas around the lake. Fishing these areas with worms or crickets can be successful. Catfish and bullhead can be found in the deep waters by the dam, off the pier in Bear Creek, as well as the main body of the lake. The best baits include chicken livers and worms.
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 Deer Point Lake:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 5
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 2