The best baits for Shoal Bass are artificial baits that mimic crayfish, like small crankbaits and plastic creature baits. Hurricane Michael severely reduced the number of Shoal Bass in the Chipola River. Local information on these rivers and their fishes may be obtained from the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Northwest Regional Office (850-265-3676). Supposedly, the Apalachicola River formed the Dead Lakes by depositing enormous quantities of sand, which created a natural dam. In the winter, try fishing deep areas of the river and backwaters with diving crankbaits worked slowly. My plan is to camp Sunday through Saturday at the Park and each day paddle a long section of the Chipola River. The Choctawhatchee River is Florida's third largest river system in terms of water volume discharged. Boat operators beware of these shallow shoals while running your boat in this river during low water. Located about 10 miles north of Wewahitchka, FL on Hwy 71, the Scott’s Ferry General Store is your place to go for a Chipola River excursion. Water reaches the base of the Interstate 10 bridge over the Chipola River just west of Exit 142. This reservoir forms at the junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers in the southwestern corner of Georgia. Largemouth Bass with a Rapala F 13 Gold. Copyright 1999 - 2021 State of Florida. Chipola River Outfitters contact form. Jamie Coleman with his 4.50 lb. The Florida Cavern has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies. These bass are genetically unique and have a limited geographic range. #4.25.0. Anglers may fish for Shoal Bass, but all caught Shoal Bass must be immediately released. Trim up your motor to avoid grounding. Anglers are still permitted to catch and immediately release Shoal Bass. View the news release for additional information. Shoal Bass can be distinguished from Largemouth Bass by the vertical stripes. 3 likes. The fishing was good. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. View daily river levels and flow. The Chipola River is a spring-fed system in north Florida that features the only naturally reproducing population of shoal bass in the state. If you would like to view a you tube of the cabin and surrounding area, contact me and I will email you a video. Considered Florida's top lake for winter bass action. Bowling Shirts in Panama City Beach on YP.com. Recent sampling efforts have produced significantly lower catches of Shoal Bass. Freshwater species regularly caught include shell crackers, bluegill, and bass. Lake Seminole. Shoal bass are typically found in rocky areas with fast moving water while Largemouth Bass are often found in slower moving water and near woody structures. Area users should familiarize themselves with all regulations. Chipola River is a stream located just 18.8 miles from Port Saint Joe, in Gulf County, in the state of Florida, United States, near Escambia (historical), FL. Get hitched and go fishin…sounds like a … Riverfront property on the Chipola River with stationary and floating dock in place. We think a community site like ours has to give our readers information, education, and entertainment and do it in a healthy, clean, and enjoyable way. During the Oct.2-3 commission meeting, FWC Commissioners approved a draft rule suspending the harvest and possession of Shoal Bass from the Chipola River and its tributaries effective immediately until the order is repealed. During low river levels travel upstream through shallow, swift shoals may be impossible so anglers should plan accordingly. A few Black Crappie (i.e., speckled perch) can be caught in deep holes around snags during the winter and spring with crappie minnows. Effective June 2019, harvest and possession of Shoal Bass in the Chipola River and tributaries of the Chipola River is prohibited. A section of the Chipola River in Jackson County, Florida. The water is normally clear throughout the summer months which offers enthusiast an exciting and fun place to visit and enjoy the natural beauty of the river in North Florida. The Rapala F13 in Gold or Silver is my go to bait. Abundant cover provides habitat for specks and bream. Hitting the peak of a fishery can be a once in a lifetime event. When Chipola River water backed up behind the sandbars, it flooded lowlands, killing thousands of trees. Find more fishing reports in Florida. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ⢠Farris Bryant Building High and dry lot has never flooded. 26: Major flooding begins along the Chipola River in Marianna affecting numerous homes on the west bank of the river. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Sporting Goods in Panama City Beach, FL. Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Visitors enjoy hunting, fishing, boating, paddling, primitive camping and wildlife viewing. Chipola River: FL 166 to County 280A is a 9.4 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Marianna, Florida that features a river and is good for all skill levels. There is nothing to show. Personal Blog. Be the first to submit a trophy bass from the Chipola River! The Chipola River has fast water shoals provides excellent sunfish (redbreast, redear, and bluegill) fishing in the spring depending on the water level. Anglers should always be mindful of the rocky limestone shoals and snags in the river. The Chipola River and Blue Hole spring provide areas for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. For those anglers still interested in targeting Shoal Bass try fishing the deep holes below shoal areas between Magnolia Bridge and Johnny Boy landing. The river is a tributary of the Apalachicola River that crosses Jackson, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Liberty, and Gulf counties and flows into the Dead Lakes States Recreation Area just before reaching the Apalachicola. In David Foshee's favorite section from the Chipola River … Details; Find more fishing reports in Florida. © 2021 Fishidy. The river is good for fishing, but the shallow water and limestone river bottom limit powerboats. Originating in the southern portion of Alabama, the Choctawhatchee River flows approximately 96 m... Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy.