FEATURE FISH FLORIDA ALLIANCE DESTINATION: CRYSTAL RIVER, FL

Great Fishing Awaits In Crystal River, Florida


Reel in Awesome in Crystal River

CAST YOUR LINE IN CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA FOR WORLD-CLASS FISHING, YEAR-ROUND.

Set on Florida’s Nature Coast, just a short drive from Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville and Ocala, Discover Crystal River is a true sportsman’s paradise.

Three spring-fed rivers — the Homosassa, the Chassahowitzka and the Crystal — feed into the Gulf of Mexico and create a rich fishing habitat.

This combination of fresh and saltwater fishing, along with the pristine untouched character of the landscape and easy, relaxed pace of life, make Citrus County a world-class fishing destination year-round

GO COASTAL OR GO FRESH

Homosassa Bay, with its mangrove shorelines, dense seagrass beds and network of islands, is known for its giant Redfish, but that isn’t the only species that will give you reel-burning thrills in this authentic Old Florida destination. You’ll also find an abundance of Spotted Seatrout, Cobia and Spanish Mackerel ready to challenge the best of light tackle anglers. The clear, pristine flats are perfect for drifting or trolling along and taking in the scenic beauty all around.

At the mouth of the Crystal River, reel in Tarpon, Cobia, Redfish, Seatrout or venture offshore to deeper waters for Snapper, Grouper and Amberjack. At the river’s headwaters, you’ll find Bass, Sheepshead, Mullet and Bluegill. Off the coast, the 19,000-acre Tsala Apopka chain of lakes connect with the Inverness and Floral City pools in Citrus County that are prime for landing largemouth bass. Shellcracker and Bluegills also flourish throughout the chain, making this a quality, year-round freshwater fishing destination.

During the summer months, Citrus County’s famous scallop season is in full swing. The waters off Crystal River and Homosassa are two of only a handful of places in Florida where you can gather buckets of fresh, juicy scallops. Dive into this local tradition likened to an underwater easter egg hunt.

With so much to see and do, plan your next fishing trip to Citrus County and discover authentically awesome fishing and more in the soul of Florida. Visit DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com to plan your trip.



CRYSTAL RIVER FLORIDA LINKS

Stay

Fishing is the draw and the fishing is fantastic! Pack a bag and grab your gear because it’s time to cast a line in Florida.

LEARN MORE

Local Forecasts & Reports

At Fish Florida Alliance, we provide you with the best local times to go fishing. Its our primary goal to make your next fishing adventure more rewarding by sharing local information!

LEARN MORE

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER LINKS

Seasonal Forecasts

Florida's freshwater fisheries comprise more than 7,500 lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals—with no closed seasons. The recreational fishery resources alone in these waters provide entertainment for more than 1.2 million anglers annually.

For general information on what lakes are available in an area by ZIP code or city, check out TakeMeFishing.org's fishing site finder.

LEARN MORE

Wildlife Management Areas

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) oversees more than 6 million acres of land established as wildlife management areas or wildlife and environmental areas. These lands, managed for both conservation and recreation, are more rugged than parks and have fewer developed amenities. You can find out more about the stewardship of these lands and the wide range of recreation they offer through our alphabetical listing or our map.

LEARN MORE

Fish Management Areas

A Fish Management Area (FMA) is a pond, lake or other body of water established for the management of freshwater fish as a partnership effort with a local cooperator. The FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries manages about 80 water bodies throughout the state that are designated as Fish Management Areas. In many cases, these lakes are stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass or sunshine bass. Automatic fish feeders and fish attractors concentrate sportfish for bank anglers.

LEARN MORE


State Parks

The first four-time winner of the Gold Medal honoring the nation's best state park system, the Florida Park Service is one of the largest in the country with 175 state parks, trails and historic sites spanning nearly 800,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach.

View Statewide Map - Click Fishing under activities and zoom in

LEARN MORE

Fish Species

Florida's freshwater fisheries comprise 3 million acres of lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals-with no closed seasons. Learn more about what you might catch!

LEARN MORE

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING LINKS

Seasonal Forecasts

In Florida, there are a wide range of places to fish and we could not possibly list them all. Fish move and behave differently based on various factors such as weather, temperature, tide, moon phase, salinity, time of year and more. In addition to using the resources on this page, we encourage anglers to contact people with local expertise in areas they want to fish (such as bait and tackle shops, marinas, charter fishing businesses, fishing clubs and online fishing groups). View the regional guides for seasons.

LEARN MORE

Fishing Piers

There’s no better place to fish than Florida. Every year, millions of people head to sea in search of huge hookups and delicious seafood. But what if you don’t like boats? Simple: Fish from one of the many fishing piers in Florida. Almost every town has one, and most cities have a handful to choose from.

LEARN MORE

Fish Species

Florida's saltwater fisheries include more that 136 species! Learn more about what you might catch!

LEARN MORE