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.
Anglers targeting Largemouth Bass should do so in the early morning or late evening, using a noisy topwater or Rat-L-Trap and casting into deeper water near the dam and around stumps in some of the coves. As water temperature rises throughout the day, anglers may want to switch to soft plastics and try a slow retrieval to entice the lethargic bass. Avoid fishing in the shallow, densely vegetated patches around the lake, instead aiming for the open water edges near the shoreline vegetation. Anglers targeting bream should use live baits such as red worms, wigglers, and crickets on light tackle in three to six feet of water. Artificial baits such as beetle spins, rooster tails, or curly-tailed grubs work well too. When not targeting spawning aggregates, anglers should target deeper holes or the old creek channels. Target Channel Catfish with beef or chicken liver either on the bottom, off the fishing pier, near the dam, or suspending the bait over structure like a brush pile.
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