Fishing Forecast - Withlacoochee River
Overview
The Withlacoochee River is a beautiful scenic river that originates in Tift and Berrien Counties. Flowing south along the Cook County line down into Lowndes County where it eventually joins the Little river. The river contains several limestone ledges that form small shoal complexes. It also has few crystal clear springs flowing up into the river.
Contact Information: DNR Office: 229-430-4256, 912-285-6094
Best Bets: Largemouth Bass, Suwannee Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, Bullhead Catfishes
Withlacoochee River - Largemouth Bass
Prospect: The Largemouth population has been stable in recent years and fish larger than 5 pounds are commonly caught with the shot at a 7 or 8 pound bass being possible. There is currently no river record for this species.
Technique: The usual arsenal of tackle will work, including spinnerbaits, plastic worms and small crankbaits. Be sure to fish these in slower moving stretches of the river.
Target: There are several public boat ramps on the Withlacoochee that can get you right into the heart of their habitat. The following bridge crossings provide public access; , and . Floats are possible between these access sites, but they are long trips. There is 6.4 miles between Knights Ferry Road and Clyattville-Nankin Highway. A float between Clyattville-Nankin Highway and Georgia Highway 31 is even longer at 9.1 miles and requires both a Georgia and Florida fishing license as the Withlacoochee meanders back and forth across the state line. Small jon boats or canoe/kayaks are best suited for this river. It is recommended you start a day break to do this float.
Withlacoochee River - Suwannee Bass
Prospect: Suwannee bass are found in several South Georgia rivers that drain into Florida. The Lower Alapaha, Ochlockonee and Withalcoochee all contain some Suwannee. Electrofishing surveys and angler reports show that the Withlacoochee River has by far the largest numbers of Suwannee bass. The average Suwannee bass caught in the Withlacoochee will be in the 10 to 12 inch range, but some 14 inch fish exceeding 2lbs can be found. The current river record in the Withlacoochee River is 2lb & 7 ounces, so that can be broken with some considerable effort. Georgia’s state record Suwannee bass comes from the Ochlockonee River and was caught by Laverne Norton on October 6, 1984 and weighed 3lbs & 9 ounces.
Technique: Suwannee bass are known for their love of eating crawdads, so jigs or crayfish imitating soft plastics will do the trick. If you’re a bait caster/flippin’ stick basser, dark colored plastic crawfish and brush hog imitations rigged Texas style with a ¼ ounce bullet weight are a sure bet. Just make sure not to go any heavier than 10–14lb test, or that will take away from the incredible fight the Suwannee bass will give you. Small spinners like Rooster-tails and mini crankbaits work well on light spinning gear filled with 8lb test. Fly rod anglers can use streamers and poppers and anything else that works on largemouth bass.
Target: There are several public boat ramps on the Withlacoochee that can get into the heart of their habitat. The following bridge crossings provide public access: , and . Floats are possible between these access sites, but they are long trips. There are 6.4 miles between Knights Ferry Road and Clyattville-Nankin Highway. A float between Clyattville-Nankin Highway and Georgia Highway 31 is even longer at 9.1 miles and requires both a Georgia and Florida fishing license as the Withlacoochee meanders back and forth across the state line. Small jon boats or canoe/kayaks are best suited for this river. It is recommended you start at daybreak to do this float.
Withlacoochee River - Catfish
Yellow Bullhead
Prospect: The river is home to channel catfish, yellow bullheads and the less common spotted bullhead. Fish the river during the warmer months for numerous catfish catches.
Technique: Any favorite catfish bait fished on a simple bottom rig should be effective.
Target: Deeper bends and backwaters of the river.
Withlacoochee River - Redbreast Sunfish
Prospect: In addition to Redbreast sunfish, bluegill, black crappie, redear sunfish and spotted sunfish and warmouth also are available. The current river record is 11.31 ounces set in 2024.
Technique: Live bait is recommended: crickets and worms during early spring. Switch to artificial lures like beetle spins and popping bugs as spring progresses and water temperatures rise.
Target: There are several public boat ramps on the Withlacoochee that can get you right into the heart of their habitat. The following bridge crossings provide public access; , and . Floats are possible between these access sites, but they are long trips. There is 6.4 miles between Knights Ferry Road and Clyattville-Nankin Highway. A float between Clyattville-Nankin Highway and Georgia Highway 31 is even longer at 9.1 miles and requires both a Georgia and Florida fishing license as the Withlacoochee meanders back and forth across the state line. Small jon boats or canoe/kayaks are best suited for this river. It is recommended you start at daybreak to do this float.
Additional Information
Check the river gage near Pinetta, Florida before heading out. This gauge is a few miles downstream of the boat ramp, just outside of the town of Clyattville, Georgia. If the gage height is much above 9 to 10 feet, it is difficult to effectively fish because the water is too turbid and fast flowing and can be dangerous. Please wear a life jacket at all times. If the gage height is below 6.5-7 feet, plan to drag your boat over rocky shoals and limestone rocks and other obstructions. Even at base flow, drought periods, navigation is very difficult throughout most of the river. Kayak or canoe craft, is the way to traverse the river during base flow conditions, (anything below 6.75 feet).
