Ocheesee Pond
Jackson County
This 2,225-acre lake is located south of U.S. Hwy. 90 at Grand Ridge and Sneads. Ocheesee has dark tannic water with approximately 90% of its surface area covered by cypress trees. There is access to the lake by taking SR 69 south of Grand Ridge (1.0 mile); turn left on CR 69A (5.9 miles) and travel left on Shady Grove Rd. to the ramp.
For local information contact Fisheries Biologists from the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Northwest Regional Office (850-265-3676).
Anglers should exercise caution navigating in the pond due to the many stumps and snags. In the past, this pond has produced some very large bluegill. Try fishing around stumps and snags in 3 to 5 ft or deep holes in the main section of the lake. Best baits include grass shrimp, crickets, wigglers, or various colors of 1/16 to 1/8 oz. beetle spins. Redear sunfish (shellcracker) can also be found in these areas using worms. Try fishing for largemouth bass in the early morning and late afternoon along weedlines and cypress trees. Anglers have reported success fishing for bass using top-water plugs. Best baits include spinner baits, crankbaits, topwater plugs, dark plastic worms or live shiners. Black crappie, good sized warmouth, and chain pickerel can also be caught here.
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Black crappie, Chain pickerel
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 Ocheesee Pond:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 2