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Hilochee - Things to Do

Dirt road going through Hilochee showing one of many roads and trails to explore.

Explore trails and unpaved roads and enjoy hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.

Hunting

Young person showing the turkey from his hunt.

High quality quota hunts are available on the Hilochee Main Unit and Osprey Unit. Quota permits are not required during the small game season. Dove hunts take place on the Hilochee Main Unit; a quota permit is required. Habitats are excellent for turkeys and spring turkey hunts are held with high hunter success rates. Hunters must possess all appropriate licenses and permits, including quota permits. Check the hunt calendars and Main Unit regulations summary brochure and Osprey Unit regulations summary brochure before you visit.

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

Man fishing on lake bank

Enjoy freshwater fishing opportunities on numerous natural and man-made lakes and ponds, including catches of game fish such as Florida bass, crappie and several species of sunfish. On the Main Unit, boats with internal combustion engines are prohibited, fishing is by permit only and is restricted to daylight hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Fishing permits are free and may be obtained by calling the Southwest Regional Office at (863) 648-3200. No permits are required for the Osprey Unit; fishing is allowed year-round. Appropriate licenses and permits are required.

Wildlife Viewing

Great egret standing in tuft of pine branches

Hilochee has a variety of habitats that attract diverse birds and butterflies. Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife.

Hiking, Bicycling and Horseback Riding

Dirt road going through Hilochee showing one of many roads and trails to explore.

On both units, explore named and numbered roads and trails on foot or by bike or horse. A trail map for the Hilochee Main Unit offers trail options of varying lengths and includes trail connections to Lake Louisa State Park. Note that horses may be ridden year-round on both Hilochee units with the exception that horses are not allowed during wild hog-dog hunts on the Osprey Unit. Check the hunt calendar for dates.