Fishing at St. Johns River in Palatka
Fishing at St. Johns River in Palatka
The St. Johns River in Palatka is one of Florida’s premier fishing destinations, known for its exceptional largemouth bass population and year-round angling opportunities. The river’s slow-moving, nutrient-rich waters create an ideal habitat for various freshwater species, attracting both recreational and professional anglers. Palatka hosts major bass fishing tournaments annually, reinforcing its reputation as a top-tier fishing location.
Adventure Guide to Fishing at St. Johns River
Rodman Reservoir
- Location: Just south of Palatka, accessible via Highway 19.
- What Makes It Special: This 9,500-acre impoundment is one of the best bass fisheries in the U.S., producing trophy bass exceeding 10 pounds regularly.
- Features: Abundant submerged vegetation, standing timber, and man-made structures provide excellent cover for fish. Expect to catch bluegill, crappie, and catfish along with trophy bass.
- Local Insight: The drawdowns every few years create a targeted fishing frenzy as fish concentrate in smaller areas.
Dunns Creek State Park
- Location: Off Highway 17, connecting St. Johns River to Crescent Lake.
- What Makes It Special: The creek’s brackish waters offer a unique mix of freshwater and saltwater species, including largemouth bass, redfish, and speckled perch.
- Features: Shady banks, slow-flowing waters, and deep pockets perfect for casting. Kayak fishing is especially popular here.
- Local Insight: Fish around submerged logs early in the morning for the best chance at a big catch.
Downtown Palatka Riverfront Docks
- Location: Adjacent to Memorial Bridge in downtown Palatka.
- What Makes It Special: Easily accessible for bank fishing and known for its excellent evening bite.
- Features: Public piers, bait shops nearby, and plenty of space for casting lines. Ideal for beginners.
- Local Insight: Summer months bring spectacular schooling activity from striped bass near lighted docks.
Local Insights
- The Bassmaster Elite Series frequently stops in Palatka, showcasing the river’s world-class fishing reputation.
- St. Johns River is one of the few that flows north, a unique geographical feature influencing fish movement.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early spring (February–April) for peak bass spawning season.
- What to Bring: Fishing license (required for non-residents), polarized sunglasses, bug spray, and live bait.
- Directions: Palatka is accessible via U.S. Highway 17 or State Road 100, approximately 60 miles south of Jacksonville.
Reviews
Wind Tree Studios6 years ago
Being one of the only north flowing rivers in the world, the St.John's River encompasses many distinctive features that make it utterly unique, dynamic and beautiful! Bill Belleville's superb book - River of Lakes: A Journey on Florida's St. Johns River - is the perfect synopsis of this basin and its tributaries. Paddling near Shands Bridge, the St.John's is very wide and quite shallow in many places.
Kay Kings5 years ago
Great place to visit! Swimming was not open when I visited. Many areas
Where u can take
Pictures. There are couple
shops and bathrooms. Picnic tables and plenty of parking. Great thing to do with kids or even just adults. The manatees were very cute especially the babies! It makes you appreciate what Florida has to offer.
Jennifer Poulin5 years ago
My husband and I love being on the St. Johns River! The flora and fauna is wonderful! A wide variety of fish are present, both fresh and saltwater species. The St. Johns is one of only a few rivers in the world that flows both north and south. Bird species are widely varied, too. Great blue herons, great egrets, osprey, bald eagles, cormorants, anhingas, yellow crowned night herons and even limpkins can now be seen in the tributary waters of the St. Johns River. Put your boat, canoe, kayak or SUP in and explore it today! Your next adventure awaits!
Kelly Mackey6 years ago
Great for fishing, Gators, airboats, and tons more really. I’ve been on the St. John’s since I was a kid and it has never disappointed.
Doug Bomeisler7 years ago
Beautiful nature and scenery, captures the feeling of old Florida. Great fishing I especially enjoy the Shad run from late December through February. Great bass fishing and panfishing year round. The entire river is a photographer's dream. Every time I visit I have to bring spare batteries for the camera because I take so many pictures. One of only a couple of rivers in the United States that flows to the north.
