Fishing in St. Johns River: The Ultimate Guide

Among the northeastern Florida counties is a sprawling landscape of the great St. Johns River, the source for lucky freshwater anglers who seek unparalleled fishing adventures. With a total length of more than 300 miles, it offers diverse fishing experiences against a vivid landscape.

One of the most famous attributes of the St. Johns River is its vibrant aquatic life, and as such, there is a massive population of anglers of all skill sets in this area. Many fish species inhabit the river.

The Largemouth Bass, which can almost reach trophy size, the Crappie is known for its fighting energy. Whether you like catching fish from your favorite boat or need a calm and quiet place to put your lines down, the St. Johns River covers all the revocations.

Within our definitive fishing in the St. Johns River guide, we'll delve deeper into the hottest angling spots and tried-and-true approaches, and this is all the information you will ever need for a fantastic angling experience. Together, let's explore the intricate fabric of this well-known waterway, and we will discover its little treasures and sights you can't miss when you are in the area with any anglers.

Fish Species Found in St. Jones River

Impressive, the St. Johns River hosts a vibrant ecosystem filled with many fish species. Here, you can pursue several freshwater favorites, from the famous and well-known Largemouth Bass to the secretive Bowfin. Let us continue to explore the inhabitants of the St. Johns River, the fish species that make this great river their home.

Native Species 

Besides the undisputed ruler of the river St. Jones, Largemouth Bass, there are many more exciting and attractive native freshwater species that you simply must meet. Before you embark on that adventure, allow us to introduce you to the most enigmatic and appealing native fish species.

Largemouth Bass

Among all the fishes of St. Johns River, the Largemouth Bass stands out as the supreme one and one of the most famous anglers to pursue. This species is well-known for its ferocious feeding and impressive fighting ability, which pose a fascinating challenge to anglers of all skill levels.

In the St. Johns River, you can fish for Largemouth Bass throughout the year, but they are especially active between spring and fall when the temperatures are warmer. During that time, they become more ferocious as they creep in the shallows and lie in wait near submerged structures, seeking their prey.

• Best Time to Catch: All year round; prime time from spring to fall

• Habitat: Submerged structures, fallen trees

• Preferred Bait: Frogs, poppers and soft plastics, swimbaits, crankbaits

• Fishing Technique: Topwater luring

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging 

• Depth: Shallow to deep waters

One popular technique for catching them is topwater lures, such as frogs and poppers. These lures can produce exciting surface strikes, especially in the early morning or late evening when Bass are most active. Another good approach is "turning and throwing" soft plastic baits or tricks around vegetation or fallen trees because such areas are Bass's favorite hiding places. 

The St. Johns River is well known for producing Largemouth Bass, some exceeding 10 pounds without difficulty. Anglers targeting trophies should use more giant swimbaits, crankbaits, and maybe even live bait to lure these freshwater beasts. Bass fishing is not easy, especially if you are chasing trophy specimens. For many anglers, Bass is often the first big and significant catch, so no matter how heavy it is, what is certain is that meeting these fish will enrich your fishing skills.

Crappie

Crappie, a common name for two species, Black Crappie and White Crappie, attracts many anglers on the St. Johns River since these fish taste excellent and put up an exciting fight. These species of Panfish are common in the river ecosystem but are considered more fun to catch than common Panfish. 

Here, Crappies swim all year long, but in spring and fall, they are more active and move to shallows for spawning and foraging, which become much easier for anglers to fish them.

• Best Time to Catch: All year round; prime time from spring to fall

• Habitat: Submerged structures, fallen trees, brush piles

• Preferred Bait: Minnows, baitfish

• Fishing Technique: Jigging

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Depth: Shallow to deep waters

Jigging is highly popular in terms of technique and tactics. Small jigs equipped with live bait or soft plastic trailers can be successfully cast toward Crappies, which suspend near submerged structures such as fallen trees, brush piles, and bridge pilings. Gradually bouncing the bait up and down is the best way to imitate the movement of natural prey, which will trigger the fish's attention. Also, live minnows and other small baitfish are good choices for catching Crappies in the St. Johns River. 

Their size is usually between 8 and 12 inches, with the larger ones sometimes reaching 14 inches or even more. Crappies are not a tricky species to catch, but if you fish in the off-season when they hide, you will need more patience, tactics, and time to lure them out.

Bowfin

One of the most intriguing fish is the Bowfin, the "Mudfish." Among the St. Johns River residents, the Bowfin is an all-too-familiar species. Thanks to its excellent fighting ability, it has the reputation of a gladiator fish among anglers. Bowfins like moderate water temperatures but are more active during the warmer days from spring to fall. 

In addition to being challenging to catch, the Bowfin fish is also very peckish, so anglers must give their best to catch them. Spinning crankbaits or soft plastic lures near areas growing aquatic grasses, fallen trees, and various structures supporting aquatic plants will capture Bowfin, as they usually hide here to jump out, catching passing prey. 

• Best Time to Catch: All year round; prime time from spring to fall

• Habitat: Submerged structures, fallen trees, brush piles

• Preferred Bait: Minnows, baitfish

• Fishing Technique: Jigging

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Depth: Shallow to deep waters

Some anglers use live bait, minnows, shiners, or worms tied with Carolina rig or during float fishing to attract those aggressive predators. The point is to naturally offer the appearance of food and make it nod or drift in the water column. 

As for the Bowfin, adult sizes in the St. Johns River are between 2 to 10 pounds, but some specimens weigh more than 10 pounds. Whether you are an experienced angler or a simple enthusiast, the truth is that targeting Bowfin on the St. Johns River brings happiness and excitement to your fishing life. 

Carp

The Carps is an example of the fish species in the St. Johns River that some anglers may pay less attention to, but others love them for their fighting ability and size. These resilient fish can be a great challenge for anglers, but at the same time, they can offer an exciting experience if you use the appropriate fishing techniques and strategies.

Carp is present year-round but way more active from spring to fall. They vary in size; you can find specimens from a few pounds to over 20 or even more.

• Best Time to Catch: All year round; prime time from spring to fall

• Habitat: Submerged structures

• Preferred Bait: Bread or corn or dough balls

• Fishing Technique: Bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Depth: Deep waters

Plenty of offers for anglers regarding Carp fishing in St. Johns River exist. Carps have a remarkable sense of smell and are attracted to baits. You can catch them by bottom fishing, using bread, corn, or dough balls.

Moreover, a strategy that involves sprinkling the water with small pieces of bait, called chumming, is an excellent way to improve the rates. Another good approach is applying boilies, known for their heavy density and rich smell. They are designed to sink quickly and stay intact on the water surface. Anglers can set these baits to the bottom with a hair rig or to the water surface under a float based on the depth and properties of the spot the person is fishing.

Gar

Gar, famous for its fossil-like look and long, skinny body, is one of the exciting fish species that swim in the St. Johns River. Gar has a remarkable reputation as a fish that gives anglers a unique thrill they can only experience in the waters here. Gar can be found all year in the St. Johns River, but spring and fall are prime times. 

At this period, they are most often found in shallow, vegetated areas looking for their prey. One of the most popular methods of luring the Gar is bow fishing, which involves using a bow and arrow fitted with an arrowhead to which barbs are attached to shoot Gar. 

• Best Time to Catch: All year round; prime time from spring to fall

• Habitat: Shallow vegetation 

• Preferred Bait: Minnows, shiners, spoons, spinners, and crankbaits

• Fishing Technique: Dowfishing

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Depth: Shallow

The precision and the adequate reaction time are key factors when fishing for Gar. You can catch it by using natural bait or artificial lures such as live minnows, shiners, or even small fish as bait, which a leader will heavily reinforce to prevent the Gar's sharp teeth from slicing the line. Synthetic lures, like spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, also have a great potential to bring about an aggressive strike from the Gar. 

These fantastic, massive fish are reputed to be magnificent and graceful. Once the line is in, they will battle viciously. Aside from their frightening appearance and incredibly voracious eating habits, Gars provide a fishing experience where anglers can hone their skills.

Redear Sunfish

The Redear Sunfish, the Oakie or Shellcracker, is a highly sought-after fish. It is famous for its great taste and enormous size, which make it a unique sport fishing fish for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Like most species, it is present year-round, but the best time to try your luck is in late spring and early summer. A popular approach to luring this fish is to use live bait, such as earthworms, crickets, or small minnows, presented on small hooks with a split-shot sinker.

• Best Time to Catch: Late spring, early summer

• Habitat: Deep, bottom vegetation 

• Preferred Bait: Earthworms, minnows, crickets

• Fishing Technique: Jigging

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Depth: Moderate to deep water

Redear Sunfish are very observant, seeking the same movement patterns as their prey. Therefore, anglers should replicate the movements of the predator and nature. They are not hesitant about artificial lures either, especially those made from small pieces of metal, spinners, or soft plastic. 

These versatile lures can be cast and moved slowly along the bottom, imitating insects or slight baitfish movement, allowing Redear Sunfish to take their bait. If you're looking for exciting fish to catch, the Reader Sunfish should be your choice. 

Migratory Species 

Thanks to its complex underwater channels and geographical structures, the vast St. John River is a seasonal host to some migratory fish species. In some parts of the river, you can meet fascinating guests, and below, we will introduce you to the authentic fishing stars.

Redfish 

If you are lucky, you will meet Redfish in the St. Johns River and estuarine areas where fresh and saltwater mix, although they can stray into coastal regions, especially shallow ones. Redfish is an iconic, robust, fighting species, usually 18 to 30 inches. In the waters of the St. Johnes River, they are most abundant from late spring to early fall. They are easy to spot thanks to their robust structure and distinctive copper-red color.

• Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Estuarine and coastal areas, especially shallow ones

• Preferred Bait: Shrimp, mullet, menhaden

• Fishing Technique: Sight fishing, trolling, casting

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Shallow to moderate 

Anglers fishing for Redfish in the St. Johns generally use shrimp, mullet, or cut bait such as menhaden. Redfish are predatory fish, and one of the popular methods is sight fishing, casting, or trolling, which allows you to cover a large area. 

Depending on specimen size, habitat, and weather conditions, Redfish are moderately challenging to catch. Nevertheless, this is one of the favorite fish species in Florida, and seeing it in freshwater is a pleasure.

Snook

Snook is another game you can fish in the brackish waters of St. Johns River and its tributaries. Snook is a common but always popular fish that inhabits coastal habitats. They can grow to incredible sizes, with specimens ranging from 20 to 40 inches.

These fish have elongated bodies and a striking protruding lower jaw, making them easily recognizable. In the waters of St. Johns River, their season is in the warmer months, when they inhabit shallow waters and areas rich in structure. 

• Best Time to Catch: During warmer months 

• Habitat: Shallow waters and areas rich in structure

• Preferred Bait: Shrimp, mullet, soft plastic

• Fishing Technique: Sight fishing, casting

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Shallow to moderate 

They are mainly caught on shrimp, mullets, or artificial lures such as soft plastics, using techniques such as sight fishing or casting near structures. Meeting and hunting for Snook is always an exceptional experience, even though it is a species common to the Florida coast. For many anglers, Snook was the first big fish they caught, bringing back fond memories every time.

Flounder

Flounder is an intriguing species occasionally found in water bodies connected to the St. John's River. Anglers appreciate it for its interesting behavior and the delicate taste of its meat. Its favorite habitats are shallow plains and canals, where it patiently waits for its prey, camouflaged in mud or sand. Flounders usually range in size from 12 to 20 inches.

• Best Time to Catch: During late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Shallow plains and canals

• Preferred Bait: Shrimp, mud shrimp, soft plastic baits

• Fishing Technique: Drifting, trolling

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Depth: Shallow to moderate 

Their peak activity is late spring to early fall, and they will not resist baits such as shrimp, mud shrimp, and soft plastic baits. Anglers mostly catch them using drifting or trolling techniques. Flounder hunting requires strategy and adapting while maintaining focus and precision. This is a unique fish species; every catch is worth patience and anticipation.

Striped Bass

Striped Bass are exciting migratory fish found in various habitats, such as deeper channels, coastal areas, and near submerged structures. They generally grow between 20 and 40 inches long and possess bodies covered in a distinctive striped pattern. The peak activity of these colorful fish is during the colder months, and they are best pursued with baits such as mullets and artificial lures such as swimbaits.

• Best Time to Catch: During colder months

• Habitat: Deeper channels and coastal areas and near submerged structures

• Preferred Bait: Mullet and artificial lures such as swimbaits.

• Fishing Technique: Live bait casting, trolling

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Striped Bass are aggressive species that often swim in schools. Anglers love them for their aggressiveness and enjoy their fighting performances. They are primarily hunted by trolling with live bait or casting. Striped Bass is a great species to test fishing skills, as this species demands the angler's commitment and strength.

Prime Fishing Spots in St. Johns River

The prime fishing spots of this historic waterway might be discovered by those who have a keen eye for the habitats of the river's diverse ecosystem and the behavior of the resident fish.

Regardless of what type of fish attracts you, from trophy-size Largemouth Bass to feisty Crappies and even elusive Gar, these prime fishing spots in the St. Johns River area are perfect for all types of anglers to find their unique and favorite location.

Lake George

Lake George, which covers around 46,000 acres, is the second-largest lake in Florida, so it attracts attention like a magnet within the St. Johns River system. This enormous body of water has many islands and marshes, so anyone interested in fishing can find endless combinations of wildlife.

Anglers visit Lake George throughout the year to catch various freshwater species, such as Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill. The lake's nutrient-rich waters sustain a thriving environment, supporting a healthy game fish population. 

Anglers visiting Lake George can select from plenty of fish species available. Whether they are searching the vast area of open water for trophy-sized Bass or other parts of the coves, points, and submerged structures, the reservoir is a place to seek perfect fishing spots.

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park, which borders the shores of the St. Johns River, provides an excellent spot for anglers to enjoy fishing and step into the beautiful landscape. The park is known as an area where Manatees stay for winter months, giving it more than just fresh waters. A large number of fish come into the clear waters to find shelter, and therefore, anglers have a possibility of luring Largemouth Bass, Crappies, and Sunfish.

Blue Spring State Park offers anglers the chance to go from the designated fishing area along the riverbank or explore the various habitats of the majestic St. Johns River with a boat. This peaceful place is abundant with wild animals and offers the possibility of meeting some fascinating creatures.

Lake Jesup

Lake Jesup is an excellent location for those pursuing trophy-sized Largemouth Bass. It is spanning over 10,000 acres. This lake is known for its profusion of aquatic plants, which provide adequate cover and structure for many freshwater species. The nutrient-rich waters of the lake host a myriad of organisms and is a habitat for the Largemouth Bass and the Crappies, Bluegill, and Sunfish species.

Moreover, Lake Jesup is home to a diversified bird community and majestic flyers such as Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and shore birds, creating a spectacular landscape and natural surroundings.

The lake has several good fishing spots, bayous, creeks, and channels where Bass is active during fall and winter cold months. In addition to its fishing chances, this lake also helps maintain the local ecology by being a place for residents and visitors to have fun. Boating, bird watching, and wildlife photography are also available on the lake, offering residents and visitors a relaxing retreat into Florida's natural beauty.

Lake Monroe

Lake Monroe is a spot between the two big cities of Sanford and DeBary. The Lake is a favorite fishing destination for anglers within the Saint Johns River district. Primarily, it is Famous due to a large number of Largemouth Bass and Crappies. This location presents an abundant shoreline containing lots of submerged aquatic plants, fallen trees, and rocky shoals that attract fish that need shelter or foraging for food.

The variety of species in Lake Monroe significantly impacts its reputation as a premier fishing location. The lake hosts several water fishing competitions and events annually that draw ardent anglers from the surrounding area and beyond. Anglers may showcase their prowess and expertise on the highly productive waters of Lake Monroe, regardless of whether they are vying for monetary prizes or simply having a great time with their friends.

Because of its distinct location and wide range of amenities, Lake Monroe stands out from the competition and allows every angler to experience the authentic essence of Florida's freshwater legacy.

Crescent Lake

Crescent Lake is a lovely body of water situated along the grand and picturesque the St Johns River. Throughout history, this lake has become the perfect spot for fishing Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Sunfish.

The lake is adorned by lush vegetation and bordered by cypress trees. Its clear waters and tranquil environment also appeal to those needing time away from everyday stresses. In its essence, this lake is a complicated web of channels and coves that offer anglers enough to explore. Hundreds of fishing spots exist throughout the lake, whether you fish from a boat, kayak, or the shoreline. 

In addition to being a prime fishing spot, Crescent Lake is a sanctuary for bird enthusiasts and nature hobbyists. The marshy fringes of the lake bring various bird species, including Herons, Egrets, Osprey, and Bald Eagles, which make for fascinating birdwatching and wildlife shooting.

Fishing Techniques in St. John River

From beginners to advanced fishermen, the river provides a variety of techniques to adapt to every personal preference and skill. Fishing in the St. Johns River requires a multi-faceted approach, whether you lure Largemouth Bass, elusive Gar, or Sunfish.

Below, we will explore different fishing techniques that are more suited to the unique nature of this famous river and give you the know-how to achieve successful fishing time and time again.

Bass Fishing with Soft Plastic Worms

Soft plastic worm Bass fishing is one of the most popular techniques among anglers who lure Bass into the St. Johns River. Soft plastic worms come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. This choice enables anglers to vary the presentation style according to the most favorable fishing conditions and the fish's movement. Popular ones are the straight-tailed, curly-tailed, and ribbon-tails, each with a particular action in the water.

Anglers usually use Texas and Carolina rigs to fish with soft worms. The Texas rig is a worm method in which the worm is threaded onto a specially designed hook, the hook point is buried into the worm's body, and a bullet-shaped weight is added to help the worm sink through the vegetation and cover. 

On the contrary, the Carolina rig has a weight that slides above the swivel, the leader is tied up, and finally, soft plastic worms are attached. It is a reliable rig that suits those looking to fish in deep water or rocky bottom where the worm can move freely while ensuring it remains on the bottom. This technique requires slow movements that resemble broken or dying prey, triggering Bass to strike.

Topwater Lure Fishing for Largemouth Bass

Although it can be an extreme technique, using topwater lure fishing for Largemouth Bass on St. Johns River Largemouth Bass is a thrilling way of angling in this area. This approach employs such imitations as lures for frogs, small mammals, or even injured baitfish.

Largemouth bass thrive in the complex watercourses, shallow flats, and vast marshes where topwater lure fishing occurs. To mimic the sounds and motions of insects and prey, anglers can utilize lures with various buzzes, sizzles, and pops. Poppers, because of their concave, one-piece lips, make a blast or splash sound when they are flicked. 

On the other hand, buzz baits implement spinning blades that simulate the waters fleeing prey disturbance. Frogs lure with their realistic likenesses, and Walt-less feature suit fishing in vegetation and lily pads where bass often hides.

Also, anglers often use a "walk-the-dog" or "pop-and-stop" retrieve technique by wobbling the lure in the water to mimic the fleeing actions of wounded or dying prey. Fighting Largemouth Bass with this technique is always a great fishing adventure, no matter how challenging it is, and that's why it is recommended for those who like an adrenaline rush.

Flipping and Pitching 

Anglers primarily use this technique to catch Largemouth Bass in the St. Johns. It is intended for areas with dense vegetation, submerged piles of bushes, and various underwater channels. The technique's specificity is the detailed casting and delivery of baits in narrow spaces and channels where Bass often hide. Flipping and pitching are similar, although they differ in execution. Flipping involves lifting and swinging the bait toward the target in a short, controlled motion, while casting involves throwing the bait underhand toward the target.

Flipping uses a specialized high-capacity rod spooled with a heavy, fluorocarbon, or braided line. The lure, usually plastic or a jig paired with a weedless hook, is rigged and held between the angler's thumb and forefinger as they extend the rod forward and slowly release the lure toward the target.

Pitching is more subtle and requires a gentler throwing motion. A longer rod is used with the bait held in the non-dominant hand. The angler extends the rod behind him, then pulls it forward with a light underhand motion, releasing the bait towards the target.

Live Bait Fishing for Trophy Catfish

Fishermen on the St. Johns River use live bait fishing for trophy catfish to catch memorable catches of various Catfish, such as Channel, Blue, and Flathead. You need a bait that looks like a live fish for the most successful fishing. Most anglers targeting trophy Catfish go for the natural movement that best mimics live baitfish. Their scent usually leaves a trail that is very attractive to Catfish.

Live baits are rigged through several methods, including freelining, Carolina rigging, or float fishing, depending on various factors, including water depth and structure. One way of free-lining involves dropping a well-hooked live bait in a depth where there is no current. It allows it to swim freely within the water columns, and it is best suited for shallow waters or areas with low flow where bait can move around to attract nearby Catfish.

Jigging

The St. Johns River can be jigged by fishermen targeting many freshwater species, such as Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Sunfish. In this method, anglers use a weighted jig lure typically graced with a soft plastic trailer or live bait to attract the fish to strike.

Jigging along submerged structures and drop-offs and probing shallow flats or channels are just some of the many instances when it can be used in the St. Johns River. This diverse ecosystem on the river offers anglers various chances to experiment with different jigging techniques and presentations to increase their success.

Anglers who want to jig at the St. John's River use high-quality spinning reels or baitcasting reels spooled with light or medium-weight lines, depending on the target species and weather conditions, together with a jigging rod. Jigs come in varied sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing anglers to adapt their presentation to match prevailing water conditions and fish preferences.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in St. Johns River

Besides preserving an abundant fishery in the St. Johns River, fishing regulations and licenses support sustainable angling for all. Anglers who intend to fish in this iconic waterway must follow Florida fishing regulations that govern catch limits, size limitations, and seasonal closures for different species.

Additionally, all individuals above the age of 15 who wish to engage in fishing activities must procure a legitimate Florida license, irrespective of whether they are residents or non-residents. 

Locals and tourists can buy their licenses online, at local bait shops, or from Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). However, there may be specific rules within parts of St. John's River, such as no-take areas or zones where only catch-and-release is allowed, because these areas are important habitats for some endangered animals. 

Anglers should take note of these guidelines so that they stay within them when fishing to protect this much-loved natural asset through compliance with them. By honoring fishing laws and getting the necessary permits, people wishing to fish the St. Johns River will help safeguard it for future generations while enjoying world-class catching experiences on its waters, ranging from snooking expeditions to trout fly-fishing adventures.

Final Thoughts 

Finishing in the St. Johns River is an exclusive avenue for anglers to connect with nature as they catch some of Florida's most valuable freshwater species. Starting with the fun of catching trophy Largemouth Bass or fighting hardy Crappies and Catfish, the St. Johns River offers a range of possibilities for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

Fishing across different habitats outlined in this guide and using various techniques will help you discover what the river offers regarding fishing opportunities, which will remain in your memory forever. Whether you are throwing off a boat, or a kayak, or from its banks, anglers are invited by the St. Johns River to fully engage in its beauty and rich fishing history.

Tell us about your angling adventures on St. Johns River and share your favorite fishing spots, techniques that have worked for you, or any notable catches that happened along the way through our comments section below. When sharing photos and stories about your experience on social media, ensure you include us so we can see them, too! Therefore, let us keep talking angler-to-angler and encourage other anglers to explore fishing in St Johns River.