Karick Lake

On July 10, 2017, the FWC began working in partnership with the Florida Forest Service to conduct a complete drawdown of Karick Lake Fish Management Area (Okaloosa County). The drawdown has since ended, and the lake returned to full pool February 2019. Restoration activities that occurred during and after the drawdown included: installation of gravel, mossback and brush fish attractors, the removal of 63,865 cubic yards of muck from the lake bottom, the planting of native plants that included maidencane, spatterdock, bulrush, and pickerel weed and the stocking of Bluegill, Redear Sunfish (shellcracker), and Largemouth Bass. The fish stocked should have reached a catchable size by now and fishing should begin heating in the next couple of years. Future sampling is planned to determine if this is the case.

Through the months of January and February, weather patterns will continue to be crucial. Cold fronts push fish into deeper water, while warmer days following these systems will cause fish to seek forage in shallower areas. During this time, look for sportfish along steep drop-offs or stands of vegetation. Sportfish activity will increase with water temperature during late February and early March.

Water temperatures approaching the low-mid 60’s will begin to draw these fish into the shallows to spawn. Male bass move in first, building nests in 2-6 feet of water with some even venturing as deep as 10 feet. Larger female bass will then begin to pair with males at each nest site. Peak spawning activity generally occurs around water temperatures of 64-66 degrees. It is not unusual for certain areas in the lake to warm up faster than others. This can create “hot-spots” for Largemouth Bass activity so don’t be afraid to explore the entire lake perimeter. In addition to water temperatures, weather patterns are critical to angler success this time of year. Monitor cold fronts which 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 either on the bottom with a small weight or deep below a cork. Be sure to use small hooks and light tackle to prevent these fish from recognizing your gear. Artificial baits such as beetle spins, 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.