Guana River - Things to Do
Beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife provide visitors with quality experiences in hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. Editors of Game and Fish magazine named Guana River as one of the five top areas to hunt waterfowl in North Florida.
Hunting
Guana River Wildlife Management Area is best known for duck hunting. Waterfowl such as blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, mottled ducks and wood ducks are abundant. The hog, squirrel, and deer populations also are good. Check the regulations summary brochure, hunt calendar and alligator hunting information.
If you see a sick or abnormally thin deer or deer dead of unknown causes, please report its location to the CWD hotline, (866) CWD-WATCH (293-9282).
Fishing
Catch redfish, seatrout, croaker, black drum and spot. Fish the dam and along banks of the impoundment and ponds. The impoundment also is a popular spot for crabbing. See the Guana River Recreation Guide for boat launch locations. Carry appropriate licenses and permits. Check regulations for freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing.
Wildlife Viewing
During April and October, this Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail site is the best place in northeast Florida to see peregrine falcons. Thousands of migratory waterfowl winter at Lake Ponte Vedra. Enjoy viewing birds and other wildlife from platforms and blinds. Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife.
Hiking and Bicycling
Miles of hiking trails are located throughout the area; some lead to observation platforms with magnificent marsh views. See the Guana River Recreation Guide for trail locations. Biking is permitted on most named and numbered roads, established trails and fire lines.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy spectacular views from atop your horse. Horses are permitted on most named and numbered roads, established trails and fire lanes but note, horses are prohibited during archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, small game and spring turkey seasons.
Paddling
Paddlers can explore Lake Ponte Vedra along paddling routes that run both north and south. Water levels may affect accessibility. Launch from the dam on Lake Ponte Vedra or off A1A at Six Mile Landing (note: November 10-February 10 the landing is closed and boats launched at the dam may not travel more than two miles north). Check the regulations summary brochure for more information.