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 Reserve America website or call 888-622-9190.
For additional information regarding fishing opportunities at Karick Lake contact Blackwater Fisheries Center in Holt, Fl. Phone 850-957-6177.
The FWC worked in partnership with the Florida Forest Service to complete a drawdown of Karick Lake Fish Management Area (Okaloosa County). Contractors used heavy equipment to remove excess muck, re-contour the lake bottom, and improve fish habitat. The lake was stocked with bream and bass in spring 2019. Fishing on Karick Lake is now open and regulations have returned to pre-renovation regulations:
- Gasoline motors may not be used on boats.
- Channel catfish bag limit: 6
- No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and fishing fingers.
Statewide regulations apply to other fish species.
For the new sport fish community to become established, we ask that anglers consider catching and releasing all fish in Karick Lake until 2020. Karick Lake was determined a priority for renovation due to the degraded fish habitat and a very unbalanced sport fish community. Mossbacks (artificial trees) were installed in Karick Lake in spring 2019 to provide fish habitat. These areas are marked with buoys. Gravel beds will be installed in summer 2019 and these areas will provide firm spawning substrate. Threadfin shad will be stocked in June 2019 to provide additional forage for largemouth bass. The improved habitat and newly balanced fish community will provide premier freshwater fishing opportunities for anglers in Northwest Florida.
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