Fishing The St Johns River

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

What 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.

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 purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

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

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.