Fishing Lake Santa Fe

AKA: Big & Little Santa Fe Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Santa Fe Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Lake Santa Fe, FL

Popular Fish Species Lake Santa Fe, FL

White Bass Fishing

White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. Numerous successful spawn years have increased the population of white bass in Lake Santa Fe, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Lake Santa Fe Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Lake Santa Fe. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Santa Fe. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and hybrid striped bass at Lake Santa Fe in Florida.

Lake Santa Fe Fishing Video

Hybrid stripers, aka sunshine bass, are a treat for anglers in this part of the state, while fishing Lake Santa Fe. This 5,800-acre lake in northeast Florida, at Melrose also produces giant largemouth bass, fat crappie, chunky bluegill and plenty of sunfish.

Lake Santa Fe, located in northern Florida, is a fantastic fishing destination that attracts anglers with its abundant fish populations and beautiful surroundings. The lake offers a diverse range of fish species, making it an exciting spot for fishing enthusiasts of all ages.

Bass fishing is a major draw on Lake Santa Fe, with both largemouth bass and Florida strain largemouth bass being popular targets. The lake's clear waters and plentiful cover, including submerged vegetation and fallen trees, provide excellent habitat for bass to thrive. Anglers can employ various techniques such as topwater lures, plastic worms, or crankbaits to entice these prized game fish.

Black crappie are also abundant in Lake Santa Fe. Anglers can find schools of crappie around submerged structures and brush piles, particularly during the cooler months. Using small jigs, live minnows, or crappie-specific baits can result in successful catches of these tasty panfish.

Sunfish, such as bluegill and redear sunfish, are plentiful in Lake Santa Fe and offer anglers a fun and rewarding fishing experience. These species can be caught using simple and affordable tackle, such as worms, crickets, or small artificial lures. Sunfish provide excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, including beginners and young anglers.

Lake Santa Fe is also known for its population of redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers. These fish are sought after for their delicious meat and challenging fights. Anglers targeting redear sunfish often use live bait, such as earthworms or small crustaceans, presented near the lake's shorelines or areas with sandy bottoms.

Hybrid stripers, a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass, can also be found in Lake Santa Fe. These hard-fighting fish offer anglers an exciting challenge. Anglers often target hybrid stripers using live bait, such as shad or shiners, or by trolling with artificial lures.

It is important for anglers to familiarize themselves with the fishing regulations and licensing requirements set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for Lake Santa Fe. Adhering to these regulations helps protect the fishery and ensures the sustainability of the resource for future generations.

With its diverse fish species, including bass, crappie, sunfish, redear sunfish, and hybrid stripers, Lake Santa Fe in Florida provides anglers with an exciting and rewarding fishing experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, this lake offers plenty of opportunities for success, as well as the chance to enjoy boating and camping in a picturesque setting.

There are about fifteen miles of shoreline, mixed with heavy aquatic vegetation, homes and boat docks. All of which attract bass, crappie and panfish. For boating access use the Melrose Boat Ramp at the southeast corner of the lake, the Lake Santa Fe Boat Ramp mid lake along the southern shore, or the Little Santa Fe Lake Boat Ramp in the northeast corner of the Little Santa Fe Lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Santa Fe

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Santa Fe Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Santa Fe, allowing anglers to access different areas of the lake and explore prime fishing spots. Motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes are all suitable for navigating the lake's waters. The lake features boat ramps for convenient launching.

Fishing Boat Rentals

DJ's Kayak Rentals
Rentals: Kayaks
352 451-8550

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Santa Fe Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off County Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Little Santa Fe Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of Little Santa Fe Lake, off SE County Road 21B, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Melrose Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Trout Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with no parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Santa Fe

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Florida Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Lake Santa Fe, providing anglers with the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Camping allows anglers to maximize their time on the water and experience the peacefulness of the lake's surroundings.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Dixieland RV Park - 352 486-3988

No campgrounds at, or nearby the lake.