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.
When water temperatures reach the upper 70’s, anglers will find more success fishing for Largemouth Bass at dawn and dusk using plastic worms, lizards, Rat-L-Traps, and crankbaits. During the heat of the day, soft-plastic baits can be successful. Bream should begin to gather on beds throughout the lake this time of the year. Try targeting Redear Sunfish and Bluegill with light tackle with earthworms, crickets, beetle spins, rooster tails, or small jigs. Hanging a light over the boat and night fishing for Crappie can be productive, especially as the water temperatures begin to exceed 70 Degrees, as the light can attract baitfish, which in turn attracts Crappie. Small feather or curly-tailed crappie jigs and small minnows are usually the most productive baits. Daytime crappie fishing should focus on deep holes in the lake. Catfish are normally most active at dawn and at dusk and can be caught using beef or chicken liver wrapped in surgical gauze or stretched pantyhose to release the odor.
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