Ochlockonee River
Leon, Gadsden and Liberty counties
Located west of Tallahassee, the Florida portion of this river is noted for its Redbreast Sunfish fishery in periods of low water and catfish during high water events, as well as for its black crappie angling. The best fishing times generally occur in spring and summer when water levels are low. This river is shallow, narrow, and scenic over most of its stretch to the gulf coast. It is a good river to canoe and fish with abundant snags and deep water holes. There are approximately 9 public boat ramps and numerous primitive camping sites on the Florida portion of this river.For additional information, you may contact Ed and Bernice's Fish Camp at 850-379-8146.
Beginning in the later part of the winter season Striped Bass and White Bass begin moving up the river. White Bass can be targeted during their spawning run in the Upper Ochlocknee using small crankbaits, minnows, and live crayfish. Striped Bass fishing effort is focused on the Lower Ochlocknee just below the dam on Lake Talquin. Live shad, bucktail jigs, or top water plugs should produce when fishing for Striped Bass. Focus above the Highway 20 bridge where 5-10 lb fish are common, with a good chance of landing a fish over 10 lbs. Please note that the regulation on the Lower Ochlockonee (below Jackson Bluff Dam) for Striped Bass is now 3 fish per person per day, with no minimum size limit, allowing only 1 fish greater than 24 inches.
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Redbreast sunfish, Striped bass, White bass, Black crappie
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 the Ochlockonee River:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 1
Trophy Club (10 – 12.9 pounds): 2