For permits, more locations and Florida Fishing facts, please visit The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
People over the age of 16 need a saltwater or freshwater permit. If you are over 65 and a Florida resident, you may be exempt from some licenses and permit, but may need proof of age and residence.
Visitors can fish from the shore in the St. Johns River from the fishing dock within the park. The St. Johns River is a very popular destination by boat – there is a boat ramp at the river terminus of French Avenue that can be used by visitors to reach the park. Fishing is not permitted in the Blue Spring Run.
Blue Spring State Park
2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
(386) 775-3663
Fishing is permitted in Spring Garden Creek, Snatch Hooks or Castnets are prohibited from shore line. A Freshwater Fishing license is required and all freshwater fishing laws apply. Fishing is permitted in Spring Garden Run. Bow fishing is not permitted. Native people known as the Mayaca lived in the park for at least 6,000 years. Pedro Menendez, the founder of St. Augustine, first described the Mayaca after an encounter with them north of the park in 1566, a year after he founded St. Augustine. In the late 1500s, Spanish missions were established in the area. In the early 1800s, settlers with slaves built sugar and cotton plantations that were sacked by Seminole Indians during the Second Seminole War. By the 1880s the springs had become a winter resort, and tourists were promised “a fountain of youth impregnated with a deliciously healthy combination of soda and sulphur.” The Visitor Center features exhibits on the park’s rich history and artifacts on display from the Mayaca.
De Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
(386) 985-4212
A popular location for picnickers and canoe/boating enthusiasts, this park has free boat launch access to the 740-acre Lake Dias. The park itself encompasses 20 acres and includes areas for RVs and primitive tent camping, a playground, restrooms, and picnic areas along the lake. Hours: Sunrise to sunset. Admission: Free
Candace R. Strawn/Lake Dias Park
5320 State Road 11, De Leon Springs, Florida 32130
(386) 736-5953
Fishing is allowed only on the fishing dock. You must have a valid, freshwater fishing permit.
Gemini Springs Park
37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary, Florida 32713
(386) 668-3810
Ed Stone Park offers a free public boat ramp park with access to the St. Johns River. Paved and grass parking areas are available for boat trailers and vehicles. The popular fishing park also has benches for patrons, a picnic pavilion, grills and restrooms. Park users are encouraged to help protect Florida’s manatees and wildlife by discarding fishing lines in trash containers provided at the park. Manatees and other wildlife can easily become entangled in or digest discarded monofilament fishing line and hooks.
This popular park site is an ideal spot to launch your boat, fish from the bank, picnic or just relax watching the river and Florida’s wildlife.
Ed Stone Park
2990 W. State Road 44, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 736-5953
The 150-acre Hickory Bluff Preserve overlooks the St. Johns River and contains many natural communities including mesic and scrubby flatwoods, oak hammock, cypress domes, floodplain swamp, and wet prairie.
Hickory Bluff Preserve
598 Guise Rd., Osteen, FL 32764
(386) 740-5261
Beautiful 25-acre wooded RV campground along 2,300 feet of the St. Johns River. A ‘Camelot on the River’ offering many amenities. 200 RV sites, 10 RV rental units. Bait & tackle, boat ramp, gas, pontoon boat rentals.
Highland Marina & Camp Resort
488 W. Highbanks Rd. – DeBary, FL 32713
(386) 668-4491
Since 1962, campground and fish camp on the backwaters of the St. Johns River. Borders the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. 54 RV sites, 10 camping sites, 4 cabins. Modern cedar cabins on 30-acre fish camp and campground. Bedroom sleeps 4 plus convertible sofa, full kitchen and bath, with screened porch and rocking chairs. 93 wet slip boat stalls and 80 dry stalls. Boat ramp, pontoon and fishing boat rentals, bait & tackle, fishing guides, fuel, covered boat storage.
Highland Park Fish Camp
2640 W. Highland Park Rd. – DeLand , FL 32720
(386) 734-2234
Holly Bluff Marina offers pontoon and houseboat rentals on the beautiful St. Johns River in Central Florida. The St. Johns River offers mile after mile of breathtaking view and pristine beauty. Spanish moss draped trees line the banks of the river and the many lakes that dot the northerly course of the river. There is an abundance of wildlife: alligators, turtles, otter, deer, and raccoon. You may even see manatee (sea cows) grazing on the grasses along the river’s shore.
Holly Bluff Marina
2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 822-9992
Fishing is permitted from the banks of the island. Largemouth bass may be caught on artificial bait or live shiners. Most bluegills and shellcrackers are caught with earthworms and crickets, but may also be taken on small artificial topwater bugs. Small live minnows are the best bait for speckled perch. Channel cats are often caught on earthworms sunk to the bottom along the main river channel. Florida freshwater fishing license may be required.
Hontoon Island State Park
2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand, Florida 32720
(386) 736-5309
Offering a virtual utopia for photographers, bird watchers and nature lovers, the St. Johns River is rich in history and breathtaking beauty. You will see more birds and wildlife than most people see in a lifetime. Folks who fish the St. Johns River boast about the trophy large mouth bass and striper they catch. Some of our regular anglers fill their coolers with catfish, speckled perch and delicious panfish. 24′ Pontoon Boats and 16′ Fishing boats available for rental.
Fishing licenses, bait, boat slips, fishing guide referrals available in the Ship’s Store.
Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina is pleased to be the home port for the river tour boat “Great Blue”. Daily tours aboard the “Great Blue” are provided by Blue Heron River Tours. For complete information regarding these tours, visit Blue Heron River Tours website www.blueheronrivertours.com.
Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina
2317 River Ridge Road, DeLand FL 32720
(386) 734-2474
Lake George is a 7,870-acre park on Lake George that includes a fishing pier, nature/horse trails and picnic pavilion with tables and grills.
To reserve recreational facilities, please call (386) 736-5953.
Lake George Fishing Pier
770 Nine Mile Point Road, Pierson, Florida 32180
(386) 736-5953
Nestled along the St. Johns River offering “Old Florida” atmosphere with many modern conveniences, this is a perfect spot for fishing, boating or just relaxing. 36 RV sites. Boat ramp, pontoon and fishing boat rentals, bait and tackle, are available on site.
Riviera Resort & Marina
907 Lemon Bluff Road, Osteen, FL 32764
(386) 736-5953
Bring your own boat to our marina or rent a pontoon or fishing boat and cruise the graceful St. Johns River, now designated a Heritage River. Jet ski or water ski on Lake Beresford. Sail your boat through Big Lake George, to join the flotilla which is always gathered for parties at Silver Glen Springs. Take a kayak or canoe trip on the pristine Ocklawaha River, winding through Ocala National Forest. There are endless adventures to explore.
Tropical Resort & Marina
1485 Lakeview Drive, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 734-3080
The 156-mile River of Lakes Heritage Corridor is a Scenic Highway which unfolds along the magnificent and historical St. John’s River in Central Florida.
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