Ron Ryals fishing on the Suwannee River
Ron Ryals grew up fishing, casting lines along the Suwannee River as early as five years old. Spending time outdoors with his father and grandfather, it’s no surprise that the hobby stayed with him into adulthood, eventually leading him to become a guide at Bienville Outdoors, where he’s worked for the past 28 years. An experienced outdoorsman and accomplished fisherman, Ryals has competed in both local and national tournaments, including the Bassmaster Opens and other fishing trails across the country, from New York to South Florida, and as far west as Oklahoma and Texas. Despite all the places he’s fished, there’s something special about Suwannee County’s rivers and lakes that make it a fisherman’s paradise. Whether you’re hopping on a boat, fishing from the riverbank, aiming to catch a Suwannee Bass, or simply soaking in nature, Ron is your expert guide — both on the water and for this blog post.
Why Anglers Love Fishing in Northern Florida
Whether from a boat or the shore, casting a line in one of Suwannee County’s rivers, lakes, or springs offers a fundamentally relaxing day of fishing. As you soak up the sunshine, drifting along the current becomes almost meditative. You might spot deer along the banks, various birds wading or flying overhead, and turtles peacefully resting on logs. Beavers and otters also add to the scenery. This rich wildlife, combined with a variety of fish species, makes this little corner of Northern Florida an oasis for anglers of all experience levels.
Common Fish Species You Can Catch in Suwannee County
From bass and bluegill to catfish and crappie, Suwannee County waters are home to a variety of fish beloved by anglers. Looking to catch something specific or curious about what’s biting the end of your line? Here are the most common fish found in the county’s rivers and lakes.
Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass is one of the most recognizable fish in North America, easily identified by its upper jaw, which extends past the rear edge of its eye. Another defining feature is the deep dip between its first and second dorsal fins. This species can be found in rivers and lakes across Florida.
Catfish
Catfish are common throughout Florida, easily recognized by their whisker-like sensory barbels, forked tails, and black spots along their backs and sides. Although primarily bottom feeders, they also feed higher up in the water. The best bait for catfish includes strong-smelling options like chicken liver, gizzards, shrimp, cut mullet, and commercial stinkbaits.
Crappie
Crappie—known locally as speckled perch or “specks”—are easier to catch in the morning or evening and are more abundant during the cooler months.
Bluegill and Sunfish
Live worms and crickets are the best bait for catching bluegill, which are identified by their long dorsal fin and slightly forked tail.
Florida is home to two types of sunfish: redbreast sunfish and redear sunfish. The redear sunfish, easily recognized by a bright red mark on the back edge of its gill, tend to gather in deeper waters than bluegill and are most often caught using earthworms. Common in North Florida rivers, redbreast sunfish are typically found in slower backwater areas, and the same bait used for bluegill works well for catching them.
Striped Bass
While Ron Ryals hasn’t caught any striped bass himself in this part of Florida, some of his fishing friends have confirmed their presence in the county. If you want to try your luck, it’s important to understand what makes this bass special. The striped bass is recognized by its bright silvery sides, white belly, and black stripes running along its body. During the summer, they become less active, requiring cooler waters to survive — preferring temperatures below 75 degrees. Fall and spring are the best seasons to fish for striped bass. Using baitfish-like lures, such as heavy jigs or sinking and floating lures in colors like white, chrome or chartreuse, will yield the best results.
Suwannee Bass
There are 26 different species of bass, but unique to this area is the Suwannee bass. Found in the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers, anglers travel from far and wide to catch these heavy-bodied black bass, distinguished by their bright turquoise coloring on the cheeks and belly. To reel in one of these beauties, try using crawfish or crawfish-colored crankbait.
Florida Gar
The Florida gar, which Ryals remarks as a fun fish to catch, is a prehistoric fish with ganoid (bony) scales that form a hard armor. They can be caught with minnows, artificial lures, or frayed nylon cord.
Bowfin
Also referred to as “mudfish,” bowfins are frequently caught because they feed on similar bait as other fish on this list. They have a long, stout body, small sharp teeth, and will strike at both topwater and deep-running lures, though they’re most commonly caught using live bait.
Snook
More recently, snook have been migrating from the Gulf into the river during the winter months. These fish, identifiable by their high, divided dorsal fin, sloping forehead, and a large mouth with a protruding lower jaw, are subject to fishing regulations. In the Big Bend region, where Suwannee County sits, fishing for snook is closed from December 1st to the end of February and from May 1st through August 31st. Additionally, the bag limit is one fish per person per day.
Best Places to Fish in Suwannee County
Whether you prefer boating along the Suwannee River or casting from a pier at one of the nearby lakes, Suwannee County offers a variety of scenic fishing options to suit different needs and skill levels. Whether you’re targeting specific fish or simply enjoying a day on the water, there’s something here for everyone.
Our Favorite Suwannee River Fishing Spots
The Suwannee River is a prime fishing destination, offering a diverse range of fish species mentioned above. Its scenic beauty, surrounded by lush landscapes and tranquil waters, enhances the overall fishing experience, making it unforgettable.
Suwannee River
The Suwannee River stretches 250 miles, with all but 35 miles flowing through Florida. The portion that runs through Suwannee County offers a diverse fishing experience, varying significantly between the northern and southern ends of the county.
On the northern stretch of the river, several boat ramps provide easy access:
- Dowling Park Boat Ramp: Located on the north side of CR 250, just east of the Dowling Park Bridge, this spot features a single-lane concrete boat ramp and shaded trailer parking.
- Suwannee River State Park: This park offers boat ramps with access to both the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers.
- Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park: A popular campground and music venue, it also features an on-site boat launch, ideal for both canoes and kayaks.
The northern section of the Suwannee River is narrower than the southern part, creating the impression of a faster current. This area also has more rock shoals and shallower waters, making it important to choose the right type of boat for the conditions.
You don’t need a boat to enjoy fishing on the Suwannee River. Many of the boat ramps are surrounded by cleared areas, perfect for casting a line from the bank or a dock.
As for what fish you can expect to catch, the northern end is home to brown and bluegill fish, bass — including the Suwannee Bass — and catfish. Of course, to catch them, you’ll need some bait and in the north part of the county, your best bet is L & J Gas and Diesel for a great selection of live bait.
Toward the southern part of the county, Branford is a well-known fishing destination, home to charming mom-and-pop stores, local restaurants, and a tackle shop, Branford Bait & More. Fishing here is more accessible, with easier boat navigation at most water levels and fewer rocky shoals. Even when water levels are low, fishing remains viable, even around the boat ramps.
Other Popular Places to Fish in Suwannee County
The Suwannee River may be the longest body of water on this list, but it’s not the only prime fishing spot in the county.
Suwannee Lake
Suwannee Lake, though smaller at 63 acres, is an FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) managed property that was revitalized a few years ago to enhance the fishing experience. The lake features a wooden pier and is home to largemouth bass, bluegill or “brim,” catfish, and crappie, known locally as speckled perch or “specks.” Best of all, you don’t need a boat to enjoy fishing here.
Santa Fe River
The Santa Fe River boasts a higher population of Suwannee bass, and when water levels drop, the river becomes strikingly clear—almost spring-like—making it easier to spot fish. Vast areas of submerged vegetation attract freshwater shrimp, scuds, and aquatic insects, drawing in the redbreast sunfish and the spotted sunfish.
Anderson Springs
Open from sunrise to sunset and situated on the eastern bank of the Suwannee River, Anderson Springs features a small six-foot-long by three-foot-wide spring pool (depending on river height) with exposed limestone rock, vegetation, ferns, and moss. Visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, and fishing in this serene spot.
Ellaville and Suwannee River State Park
The ghost town of Ellaville cuts through the Suwannee River and is part of the Suwannee River State Park, which has a boat ramp and excellent fishing opportunities. Catfish, bass and bream are local favorites to catch here.
Suwannee Springs
One of Florida’s original tourist destinations, Suwannee Springs continues to attract plenty of visitors today, especially for fishing. The Suwannee Springs Tract’s administrative roads allow for biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, bird watching and wildlife viewing, with parking and a picnic area available. Canoes and kayaks can be launched from the Suwannee Springs Launch, providing excellent access to prime fishing spots.
Local Tackle Shops in Suwannee County
Anyone can enjoy a day on the water, but for a successful fishing trip, the right supplies are essential. Whether you need to restock live bait or pick up a new lure, you’re likely to find exactly what you need—and more—at one of these local tackle shops.
Branford Bait & More
Location: 112 SW Suwannee Ave., Branford
Products/Services: Branford Bait & More carries an assortment of tackle, live and frozen bait. Some of the live bait options include minnows, worms, crickets and shiners.
L & J Gas and Diesel
Location: 923 Hamilton Ave., NE, Live Oak,
Products/Services: Here you can find the freshest bait in town including bass shiners, minnows and worms. You’ll also find a collection of rods, hooks, weights and lures from manufacturers like Daiwa, Zebco, Zoom, Z-Man, Gamakatsu, Berkley, Rebel and locally made Bass Assassin and Boogerman.
Florida’s General Fishing Regulations
In Florida, a license is required for saltwater, freshwater and recreational fishing, with each type having its own set of rules and regulations. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also strongly recommends that anglers fishing from a boat be licensed and familiar with current boating regulations. To obtain a license and learn more about Florida’s fishing regulations specific to your area of interest, visit myfwc.com.
Suwannee County Fishing FAQs
To make the most of your fishing trip in Suwannee County, preparation is key. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you plan ahead for a safe, successful and enjoyable fishing experience.
What is the best bait for the Suwannee River?
For bass fishing, crawfish or crayfish and topwater baits are effective choices. For bluegill, also known as “brim,” and other panfish, which refer to fish that are “pan-sized,” crickets and live earthworms, along with a Beetle Spin as an artificial option, work well. C.atfish prefer earthworms, and interestingly, they also bite on chicken livers when fished on the bottom, where they typically feed.
When is the best time to fish in Suwannee County?
Fishing is possible year-round in Florida, especially in Suwannee County. While boat traffic is less during the cooler months, fish continue to bite throughout the year. Some species, like snook, are more prevalent in winter. And river changes during the early spring spawning season can affect the current and visibility. This makes it harder to see the bass that bed on shallow sandy areas and rocks.
What fish jump out of the Suwannee River?
The Suwannee River is home to Florida’s largest population of Gulf sturgeon, a species with roots dating back 200 million years. These impressive fish can grow up to eight feet long and weigh as much as 200 pounds. Despite their size, Gulf sturgeon are surprisingly agile, often leaping out of the water. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, scientists believe these jumps—most common from May to early August—help sturgeon communicate with each other and refill their swim bladders for buoyancy. Even if one tries to leap into your boat, remember that Gulf sturgeon are a species of special concern in Florida and are considered federally threatened so if you happen to catch one, it must be released.
Written by Hayli Zuccola
Hayli Zuccola has been a freelance writer for the last eight years for both digital and print publications across north central Florida. She enjoys traveling, finding the best food spots, and spending time with her pets. You can find her latest adventures on Instagram @hayztravels.