FWC News

Showing 1 through 10 of 164 articles for tag freshwater

• FWC: Get started fishing this license-free freshwater fishing weekend!

  Monday, March 30, 2026 -  This spring's license-free fishing weekend is on April 4 and 5 and invites residents and visitors to explore the many recreational freshwater fishing opportunities Florida has to offer.

• FWC stocks 800 yellow perch to restore Dead Lakes population

  Thursday, March 12, 2026 -  FWC biologists, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, stocked more than 3,000 yellow perch in Dead Lakes in 2024 and an additional 800 yellow perch last month.

• FWC stocks 300,000 Florida bass into Lake George

  Thursday, March 12, 2026 -  FWC recently stocked nearly 300,000 Florida bass in Lake George, part of the St. Johns River system.

• FWC invites public to attend 31st Annual Tenoroc Youth Fishing Derby

  Friday, March 6, 2026 -  FWC invites the public to a free youth freshwater fishing derby at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area in Lakeland on Saturday, April 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required and begins March 1.

• FWC announces public meetings to discuss new freshwater commercial fishing updates

  Tuesday, February 10, 2026 -  FWC will hold in-person public meetings to gather input on proposed rule amendments to freshwater commercial fishing regulations. Proposed updates would include implementation of an electronic trip ticket catch reporting system utilizing the VESL system currently used by saltwater commercial anglers, incorporation of quality control guidelines for all licensed freshwater commercial harvesters and updates to the Lake Okeechobee haul seine fishery.

• FWC seeks local anglers for new black crappie research project at Tenoroc

  Wednesday, December 10, 2025 -  Volunteers will receive a free fin-clip sampling kit with all materials and instructions.

• Celebrate FWC’s TrophyCatch Season 13 Hall of Fame Ceremony

  Tuesday, October 28, 2025 -  Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of fellow anglers and learn more about the future of bass fishing in Florida.

• Cast your imagination: Florida Fish Art Contest now open

  Tuesday, September 9, 2025 -  This annual program invites kids in grades K-12 from across Florida to connect with nature and learn about our native fish and aquatic habitats, while exploring creative art and writing.

• FWC certifies new state record spotted bass 

  Wednesday, July 9, 2025 -  FWC Law Enforcement Officer Wil Raker certified a new state record spotted bass caught by angler Joe Durden from Blountstown. The fish weighed 3.93 pounds and measured 18.25 inches in length. 

• Blue crab trap closure for Broward through Pasco counties starts July 10

  Wednesday, July 9, 2025 -  These closures will allow groups authorized by the FWC to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps from the water.