Fishing · Putnam County
Some of Florida's best
bass water, right here.
Putnam County sits on the St. Johns River and next door to Rodman Reservoir — a combination that puts world-class largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and a winter shad run within a short drive of Palatka. Here's how to fish it.
The water
Where to fish
Rodman Reservoir (Lake Ocklawaha)
A 9,500-acre reservoir south of Palatka off Highway 19, formed by the Kirkpatrick Dam on the Ocklawaha River. It's one of Florida's premier trophy largemouth bass fisheries — famous for double-digit bass in the cooler months — plus strong crappie (speck). Flooded timber and hydrilla make it a big-fish factory.
The St. Johns River
The river that flows north is the county's fishing spine. Largemouth bass, black crappie (speck), catfish, and bluegill year-round, plus a winter American shad run (roughly January–March). The Palatka stretch is tidally influenced, so pay attention to the moving water.
Crescent Lake
Connected to the St. Johns via Dunns Creek and ringed by Crescent City — the self-styled "Bass Capital." Solid largemouth, crappie, and bluegill, with quieter water than the main river.
Lake George
Florida's second-largest lake laps the county's southern edge. Big water, big bass, and catfish — with enough brackish influence at the south end to occasionally surprise you with a saltwater species.
By season
What's biting, and when
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Peak crappie/speck fishing; the American shad run builds on the St. Johns; cold-front bass hold tight to structure. Prime trophy-bass window on Rodman.
Spring (Mar–May)
The bass spawn — the best big-bass time of year on Rodman and the St. Johns. Bream and bluegill turn on as the water warms.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Bass go deep or feed early and late; catfish are strong; bluegill and shellcracker bed up. Fish the shade and the low-light hours.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Cooling water reactivates the bass bite; specks return to the creek mouths late in the season. Underrated, uncrowded fishing.
Get on the water
Boat ramps & river access
- St. Johns @ Palatka. Palatka Riverfront Park / city ramp — the most central launch, right downtown.
- Rodman Reservoir. Rodman Recreation Area ramps (Kenwood Landing, Rodman Dam), plus Orange Springs and Eureka on the Ocklawaha.
- Welaka / Satsuma. Welaka town ramp and Buffalo Bluff — good access to the lower river and fish camps.
- Crescent Lake. Crescent City ramps into Crescent Lake and Dunns Creek.
- Lake George. Georgetown ramp on the north end of the lake.
See the boat-ramp map → · or check the FWC freshwater site ↗ for the full list.
Local questions
Putnam County fishing FAQ
- Where is the best bass fishing near Palatka?
- Rodman Reservoir (Lake Ocklawaha), about 20 minutes south of Palatka, is one of Florida's top trophy largemouth bass fisheries — best known for big fish in the cooler months. The St. Johns River in Palatka is the other standout, especially during the spring spawn.
- Do I need a fishing license in Putnam County?
- Yes. Florida requires a freshwater fishing license for most anglers (with some exemptions). Buy one online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, or in person at local tackle shops and the tax collector's office.
- When is the best time to catch bass on the St. Johns River?
- Spring (March–May) during the spawn is the prime big-bass window. Winter cold fronts also produce, and fall's cooling water brings a strong, uncrowded bite.
- What is the shad run on the St. Johns River?
- American shad migrate up the St. Johns roughly January through March, drawing fly and light-tackle anglers to the middle river. It's a seasonal event worth timing a trip around.
- Where can I launch a boat near Palatka?
- Palatka Riverfront Park has a central city ramp on the St. Johns. Rodman Reservoir is served by the Rodman Recreation Area ramps (Kenwood Landing, Rodman Dam). Welaka, Crescent City, and Georgetown add more access downriver and on the lakes.
Fishing guide, bait shop, or fish camp?
List your business free on the county's directory — and reach anglers planning a Putnam County trip.