Hurricane Lake
Okaloosa County
Hurricane Lake is a 318-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1971, opened to fishing in 1973, and is designated as a Fish Management Area. The lake has an average depth of 7 feet and a maximum depth of 25 feet with the deepest areas located near the dam and along the old streambed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. The lake has been stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish (shellcracker), and Channel Catfish. Hurricane Lake is located in northwest Okaloosa County within the Blackwater State Forest approximately 12 miles northwest of Baker, FL. Concrete boat ramps with courtesy docks are located in both the north and south campgrounds. The south campground is accessible from Kennedy Bridge Road off Beaver Creek Road north of SR 4. This campground contains primitive (no electric or water hookups) camping sites maintained by the Florida Forest Service. Restroom and picnic facilities are available. Several earthen fishing fingers are located in this area for use by bank fishermen. Construction of a fishing pier in the south campground is planned for the near future. An informational kiosk is located adjacent to the boat ramp. The north campground is accessible from Hurricane Lake North Campground Road off Beaver Creek Road north of Kennedy Bridge Road. A handicapped accessible fishing pier and an informational kiosk are located adjacent to the boat ramp. This campground has campsites with electrical and water hookups which are maintained by DOF. Bait, supplies, and other conveniences are available in nearby Baker, Blackmon, and Munson. Hurricane Lake is subject to the rules and regulations currently in effect for Fish Management Areas. Please refer to a current copy of Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations. Gasoline boat motors are prohibited from use on Hurricane Lake; however, use of electric trolling motors is allowed.
For reserving campsites and cabins in Florida State Parks check the Florida State Parks Reservation Center website or call 800-326-3521.
For additional information regarding Hurricane Lake contact the Northwest Regional Office at 850-265-3676.
Largemouth Bass will make their way to deeper water as summer approaches, so targeting areas near the dam and around stumps at dawn or dusk will be the most effective. Noisy topwater or Rat-L-Trap style crankbaits offer the best chance at success. Then by midday, anglers may want to switch to soft plastics and try a slow retrieval to entice the lethargic bass. As with Largemouth Bass, the most productive bream fishing will be early morning and evening. Larger Bluegill and Redear Sunfish may continue to bed. Target lightly colored areas on the bottom, which indicates spawning activity, and fish with live baits on light tackle in three to six feet of water or with artificial baits such as beetle spins, rooster tails, or curly-tailed grubs. The bream that are not spawning are likely trying to escape the heat by swimming to the deeper holes or the old creek channels. Channel Catfish anglers should fish chicken or beef liver wrapped in surgical gauze on the bottom, in deep water off the fishing pier, or near the dam. Using a float and suspending the bait over woody structure can produce results as well. Additionally, using longer rods will add casting distance and, concurrently, increase the amount of water available for fishing.
Hurricane Lake Brochure
For more information see the Hurricane Lake Brochure.
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 Hurricane Lake:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 2