Fishing The St Johns River
Popular Fish Species St Johns River, FL
Largemouth Bass Fishing
St Johns River is notorious as a very good bass tournament destination. Largemouth bass fishing here, has recently been as good as advertised. St Johns River also has a nice population of large bass for anglers in search of a lunker. This fertile lake also offers sufficient cover for both baitfish and bass. Thorough fisheries management by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing St Johns River on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Channel Catfish Fishing
St Johns River, again this year, supports a healthy population of channel catfish. In Spring channel these cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.
Black Crappie Fishing
Black crappie reside in good numbers throughout St Johns River, and they are averaging a very good size this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. 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. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. 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. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, warmouth and striped bass at The St Johns River in Florida.
St Johns River Fishing Video
Over 300 miles of wandering waterway, St Johns River runs north and south, in the northeast corner of the state, between Jacksonville and Palatka, FL. This is a proven bass factory as well as home to big catfish and stripers.
The St. Johns River, located in northeastern Florida, is a renowned fishing destination known for its diverse fish populations and scenic beauty. Anglers from all over visit this river for the opportunity to catch a wide range of popular fish species.
Bass fishing, including bass tournaments, is particularly popular on the St. Johns River, with both largemouth bass and the prized Florida strain largemouth bass being abundant. The river's diverse habitat, including submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and backwater areas, provides ideal feeding grounds for bass. Anglers can employ a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, plastic worms, or crankbaits to entice these hard-fighting game fish.
Catfish are another popular species found in the St. Johns River, with both channel catfish and white catfish being abundant. These bottom-dwelling fish can be caught using a variety of baits, including cut bait, worms, or stinkbaits. Anglers often target catfish near deep holes, undercut banks, or along submerged structures.
Black crappie are highly sought after by anglers on the St. Johns River. These panfish gather near submerged structures, such as bridge pilings or fallen trees, making them easy targets for anglers. Small jigs, live minnows, or crappie-specific baits are commonly used to catch these delicious fish.
Sunfish, such as bluegill and redear sunfish, are abundant in the St. Johns River and provide anglers with enjoyable fishing opportunities. These species can be caught using simple and affordable tackle, such as worms or crickets. They are often found near shorelines, submerged vegetation, or around docks and structures.
The St. Johns River also offers opportunities for striped bass fishing. These powerful fish are known for their hard-hitting strikes and acrobatic fights. Anglers target striped bass 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 the St. Johns River. Adhering to these regulations helps protect the fishery and ensures the sustainability of the resource for future generations.
The St. Johns River in Florida offers a diverse fishing experience with its popular fish species such as bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and striped bass. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, this river provides ample opportunities for a rewarding and memorable fishing adventure amidst the beautiful natural landscape.
There are hundreds of miles of shoreline and lots of structure including river channels, ledges, humps and shell beds that hold fish. Visitors come from far and wide for sightseeing, picnicking, hiking, boating and fishing. Many fishing enthusiasts consider this to be the "Bass Fishing Capital of the World". Area fishing guides know these waters well and offer guided fishing trips with the boat and all fishing gear provided. The primary fish species in the river include bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie and several species of sunfish. There are boat launch ramps all up and down the river for launching pleasure boats, pontoons, sailboats, water ski boats, speed boats and all types of fishing boats. Canoes and kayaks can be portaged from many areas.
Primary fish species residing in The St Johns River
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
The St Johns River Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on the St. Johns River, allowing anglers to explore its vast stretches and access prime fishing locations. Motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes are all suitable for navigating the river's waters. Boaters can enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and easily access different fishing spots.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Florida Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
904 215-5363
Clapboard Creek Fish Camp Marine
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
904 751-0094
Jax Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
904 800-7320
McGhee's Boat Rental
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
636 290-6113
River City Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
904 679-1921
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Arlington Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off Arlington Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, paved parking.
Black Creek Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off River Lane, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Fulton Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, south side, off Fulton Road, this is a one-lane, sand ramp with limited, street paved parking.
Browns Landing Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Browns Landing Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Crystal Cove Drive Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Crystal Cove Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Elgin Grove Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Magnolia Avenue, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and limited, paved parking.
Goodby's Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off San Jose Blvd, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Governors Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off N Orange Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Jim King Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, at the south end of the Hecksher Drive Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Joe Carlucci Sisters Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Heritage River Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Lions Club Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off Richard Denby Gatlin Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Lake Shore Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lakeshore Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Lonnie Wurn Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off Ferber Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Mayport Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, south side, off Ocean Street, this is a ten-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking.
Northbank Riverwalk Kayak Launch
Located mid lake, west side, off Alfred Dupont Place, this is a portage area with paved parking.
Palatka Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off River Street, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking.
Palmo Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Palmo Fish Camp Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Pico Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Pico Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Riverdale Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off County Road 13S, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Mandarin Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Mandarin Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Trout Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the west end of the US Highway 13/16 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Wayne B Stevens Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Ortega Farms Blvd, this is a two-lane and a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Marinas
Boathouse Marina
329 River Street
Palatka, FL 32177
386 328-2944
Marina At Ortega Landing
4234 Lakeside Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32210
904 387-5538
Ortega River Marina
4585 Lakeside Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32210
904 389-1199
Seafarers Marina
455 Trout River Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32208
904 765-8152
Fishing Guides On St Johns River
Bob Stonewater's Trophy Bass Guide Service - bass
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 along the St. Johns River, providing anglers with the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Camping adds to the overall experience, allowing anglers to enjoy the peacefulness of the river and maximize their time on the water.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
St Johns Campground - 386 328-4470
Orange Point - Welaka State Forest Campground - 386 467-2388
Parramore's Campground & Fish Camp Campground - 386 749-2721
St Johns River Camp Ground - 386 749-3995
Astor Landing Campground & Marina - 386 759-2121
DeLand - St. Johns River KOA Campground - 386 736-6601
Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort - 386 668-4491
Rivers Edge RV Park - 386 467-7147
Blair's Jungle Den RV Park - 386 749-2264
The St Johns River FL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
The St Johns River
DeLand, St Johns River KOA
2999 State Road 44 West
DeLand, FL 32720
386 736-6601
Fishing lakes in each state.
062124
The St Johns River in Florida.
FLORIDA
Information about fishing lakes in Florida
The St Johns River, in northeast Florida, offers rental boats and great fishing for bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie and several species of sunfish.