St Johns River Fishing Report Guide
St Johns River Fishing Report Guide
Hey there, fishing enthusiasts! If you’re looking for an awesome fishing adventure, the St. Johns River in Florida is a fantastic spot to cast your line. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fishing in the St. Johns River, including detailed info about the river, types of fish you can catch, the best baits and lures to use, top fishing spots, helpful fishing tips, and much more. Let’s dive in!
About St Johns River Fishing
The St. Johns River is a beautiful and diverse waterway that flows north through the eastern part of Florida. It’s one of the longest rivers in the state, stretching over 310 miles. The river is rich in history, wildlife, and offers a variety of recreational activities, especially fishing. With its slow current and various ecosystems, it provides a perfect habitat for many fish species.
St Johns River Fishing Details
Here are some important details about the St. Johns River:
- Water Surface: 310 miles long
- Shoreline: Extensive and varied
- Average Depth: 10-16 feet
- Max Depth: Approximately 40 feet
- Surface Elevation: Sea level to about 30 feet above sea level
- Location: Eastern Florida, flowing north from Indian River County to Jacksonville
- Coordinates: 29.1872° N, 81.0048° W
- Accessibility: Easily accessible with numerous boat ramps and public access points
- Type of River: Slow-flowing, blackwater river
- River Amenities: Boat ramps, fishing piers, picnic areas, restrooms, and camping sites
Types of Fish in St. Johns River
The St. Johns River is home to a wide variety of fish. Here’s a rundown of the most common species and where you can usually find them:
- Largemouth Bass: Found near vegetation, docks, and submerged structures
- Bluegill: Typically in shallow waters near the shore, around brush and aquatic plants
- Crappie: Often found in deeper waters near submerged structures and drop-offs
- Catfish: Found in deeper holes and around structures such as logs and rocks
- Striped Bass: Usually in areas with stronger currents and near drop-offs
- Sunfish: Commonly found in shallow waters with plenty of vegetation
- Shad: Found in open waters, especially during their spawning runs
Each fish species prefers different parts of the river, so knowing where to find them can increase your chances of a successful fishing trip.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle
To have a great fishing experience on the St. Johns River, it’s essential to use the right baits, lures, and tackle. Here are some recommendations:
- Largemouth Bass: Use plastic worms, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures
- Bluegill: Live bait like worms and crickets, small jigs, and spinners
- Crappie: Minnows, small jigs, and soft plastics
- Catfish: Chicken liver, cut bait, and stink bait
- Striped Bass: Bucktail jigs, live shad, and topwater plugs
- Sunfish: Small hooks with worms or insects, and tiny spinners
- Shad: Shad darts, spoons, and small jigs
Make sure to adjust your tackle and bait based on the species you’re targeting and the conditions on the river.
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- BERKLEY POWERBAIT POWER MINNOW FRESHWATER SOFT PLASTIC BAITS: Featuring lifelike details, these pre-rigged Power Minnow baits have 3D eyes and holographic inserts to attract attention, making them an essential tool for any angler.
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS – Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- ✅ Purpose and Size: These grubs for fishing attract a wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, panfish, bluegill, bream, roach, carp and more. Using grub fishing lures that imitate worms offers many advantages over live worms or minnows. These crappie lures are equipped with an optimal size hook and a rubber grub. The hook dimensions are 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and the length of the larva itself is 22 mm.
Best Fishing Spot Locations
The St. Johns River offers numerous great fishing spots. Here are some of the best locations to try:
- Lake George: Known for largemouth bass and crappie. Fish near the lily pads and submerged vegetation.
- Lake Monroe: Excellent for bass and catfish. Try fishing near the boat docks and deeper channels.
- Lake Jesup: Good for bluegill and crappie. Fish around the shoreline and near aquatic vegetation.
- Astor Area: Great for striped bass and catfish. Fish near the bridge pilings and deeper holes.
- Hontoon Island State Park: Offers a variety of fish species. Fish near the docks and around the island’s shoreline.
Each of these spots provides unique fishing opportunities and beautiful scenery, making your fishing trip even more enjoyable.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations
To make the most of your fishing trip to the St. Johns River, here are some helpful tips and recommendations:
- Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. The best fishing often happens during stable weather conditions.
- Early Morning and Late Evening: These times are typically the best for fishing, as fish are more active during these cooler parts of the day.
- Use a Fish Finder: If you have access to a fish finder, it can help you locate fish more easily, especially in deeper parts of the river.
- Be Patient: Fishing requires patience. If you’re not having luck in one spot, try moving to another location or changing your bait.
- Follow Local Regulations: Make sure to follow all local fishing regulations, including size and bag limits, to ensure the sustainability of fish populations.
St Johns River Fishing Reviews
Here are five positive reviews from anglers who have had great experiences fishing on the St. Johns River:
- “The St. Johns River is my favorite fishing spot in Florida! The variety of fish is incredible, and the scenery is beautiful. I always have a great time here.” – Mike P.
- “I caught my biggest bass ever on the St. Johns River. The fishing here is amazing, and there are so many good spots to choose from.” – Sarah H.
- “Whether I’m fishing for crappie or catfish, the St. Johns River never disappoints. It’s a fantastic place for both beginners and experienced anglers.” – John D.
- “I love fishing on the St. Johns River. The fish are plentiful, and the river is so peaceful. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.” – Lisa K.
- “The St. Johns River offers some of the best fishing in Florida. I’ve had countless memorable trips here and always look forward to coming back.” – Tom S.
Top-Rated RV Parks, RV Resorts, and Campgrounds
If you’re planning an extended fishing trip, here are five top-rated RV parks, RV resorts, and campgrounds near the St. Johns River:
- Hontoon Island State Park Campground
- Features: Tent camping, boat docks, hiking trails, picnic areas
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills
- Hookups: None (primitive camping)
- Distance to the River: On the St. Johns River
- Blue Spring State Park Campground
- Features: RV and tent camping, swimming, hiking trails, manatee viewing
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills
- Hookups: Water and electric
- Distance to the River: 0.5 miles
- Wekiva Falls RV Resort
- Features: RV sites, swimming, canoeing, mini-golf, clubhouse
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry, camp store
- Hookups: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
- Distance to the River: 15 miles
- Lake Monroe Park Campground
- Features: RV and tent camping, boat ramps, fishing docks, playground
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, grills
- Hookups: Water and electric
- Distance to the River: On the St. Johns River
- Astor Landing Campground & Marina
- Features: RV sites, marina, boat rentals, fishing docks
- Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry, camp store
- Hookups: Full hookups (water, electric, sewer)
- Distance to the River: On the St. Johns River
St Johns River Fishing Summary
The St. Johns River is a premier fishing destination in Florida, offering a variety of fish species, excellent fishing spots, and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, you’re sure to have a fantastic time fishing on the St. Johns River. With the right bait, tackle, and a bit of patience, you’ll be reeling in some great catches in no time. Happy fishing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time of year to fish on the St. Johns River?
The best time to fish on the St. Johns River is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and fish are more active. Early mornings and late evenings are also ideal times to fish.
2. Do I need a fishing license to fish on the St. Johns River?
Yes, a valid Florida fishing license is required to fish on the St. Johns River. Licenses can be purchased online or at local retailers.
3. Can I fish from the shore on the St. Johns River?
Yes, there are many public access points and fishing piers along the St. Johns River where you can fish from the shore.
4. Are there any restrictions on the types of bait I can use on the St. Johns River?
There are no specific restrictions on bait for the St. Johns River, but it’s always a good idea to check local fishing regulations for any updates or changes.
5. What is the most common fish caught on the St. Johns River?
The most common fish caught on the St. Johns River is the largemouth bass. The river is well-known for its excellent bass fishing opportunities.
So there you have it, folks! The St. Johns River offers an unforgettable fishing experience with its diverse fish population, beautiful scenery, and excellent amenities. Grab your fishing gear, head to the river, and enjoy a fantastic day of fishing. Tight lines!
