Karick Lake
Okaloosa County
Karick Lake is a 65-acre man-made impoundment constructed in 1965, opened to fishing in 1966, and is designated as a Fish Management Area. The lake has an average depth of 7 feet with a maximum depth of 18 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. Karick Lake is located in northwestern Okaloosa County off County Road 189 approximately 8 miles north of Baker, FL. Concrete boat ramps with courtesy docks are located in both the north and south campgrounds. A handicapped accessible fishing pier is located adjacent to the boat ramp in the north campground. Both campgrounds are accessible from CR 189. Informational kiosks are located adjacent to each boat ramp. The south campground contains primitive campsites (no electrical or water hookups) and picnic areas. The north campground has picnic grounds and campsites are available with both electric and water hookups. Both campgrounds have restroom/bath facilities and are maintained by the Florida Forest Service. Bait, supplies, and other conveniences are available in nearby Baker and Blackmon, FL. Karick 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 Karick 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 fishing opportunities at Karick Lake contact the Northwest Regional Office at 850-265-3676.
As winter turns to spring and the water warms up, male bass will begin to move into the shallows to spawn, building nests in 2-6 feet of water. Peak spawning activity generally occurs around water temperatures of 64-66 ℉. The shoreline of the lake can warm up faster than other parts, creating “hot-spots” for Largemouth Bass activity. Weather patterns are also critical to anglers’ success this time of year, so monitor cold fronts as they can have significant effects on feeding and spawning activity. Dark colored plastic worms/lizards are particularly effective at generating strikes from aggressive, spawning bass. Spinnerbaits, floater-diver type lures, and rat-L-traps are also popular artificial baits this time of year. During low-light conditions (sunrise/sunset) noisy topwater lures (buzzbaits and surface plugs) can be thrilling as they generate explosive strikes at the surface.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) will likely still be moving between shallow and deep-water areas based on the changing weather patterns. Fish these areas with red worms, wigglers, or crickets on the bottom with a small hook to prevent these fish from recognizing your gear. Artificial baits such as beetlespins, roostertails, or curly-tailed grubs can also be effective when fished with a slower retrieve to access deeper water. Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) generally begin to congregate as water temperatures approach the upper 60’s with spawning activity peaking around 68-72 degrees. Catfish can be pulled from deeper water off the fishing pier or near the dam by fishing on the bottom with beef/chicken livers or earthworms.
Karick Lake Brochure
For more information see the Karick 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 Karick Lake:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 1
Trophy Club (10 – 12.9 pounds): 1