Lake Jackson
Leon County
Located just north of Tallahassee, this 4,000-acre lake has been nationally known for its largemouth bass fishery. The best bass fishing time of year is the spring through early summer (February through May). This lake has a high diversity of aquatic vegetation, but hydrilla, eelgrass, and maidencane are the best habitats to fish for bass in this lake. This lake is shallow with an average depth of about 7 feet and a maximum depth of 30 feet. After May, fishing at night becomes the norm to get away from the hot weather conditions. It is a natural sink-hole lake that periodically goes dry (about every 25 years. See an excellent article from LandandWater.com about the history of the lake and restoration efforts. There are 5 public boat ramps around the lake and one fish camp. When water levels are low, the best ramps to use on Lake Jackson are Sunset Landing and Crowder Road Landing.
The water level on Lake Jackson remains low due to a very dry summer and fall. The safest bet to launch a boat is Miller’s Landing, Crowder Landing, or Highway 27. These ramps are best suited for small jon boats, canoes, and kayaks given the current water level. Crappie fishing should pick up during the winter months. When targeting crappie use small jigs and minnows. Bass fishing will slow down during winter months but will pick up again as the water begins to warm at the end of this quarter. Remember to be courteous of hunters during waterfowl season.
For an up to date calendar of bass tournaments visit the Lake Jackson Tournament Calendar.
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Lake Jackson Tournament Calendar
This Lake Jackson Tournament Calendar is a resource created on a trial basis for use by Lake Jackson anglers to coordinate tournament scheduling, streamline boat ramp access, and improve the experience of recreational users. This calendar is updated weekly on Tuesdays and may not reflect updated information as tournament exemptions may be acquired up to one day prior to an event. For further information please contact Andy Strickland (850-717-8740).
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 Lake Jackson:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 65
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 14