Citrus County excels as one of the top destinations for legendary fishing that draws a crowd.
Fishing is a way of life in Citrus County that goes back generations. Some of the best fishing guides found anywhere, inshore and offshore, are right here with experience gained from a lifetime on the water.
Every local and regional angler has heard of the Chassahowitzka, Halls, Crystal or Homosassa Rivers. These are proven classic adventures, featuring gin-clear freshwater springs, beautiful landscapes and boatloads of fish.
Both freshwater and saltwater species are here in Citrus County. Bass, sheepshead, mullet and bluegill being a few of the common catches near the headwaters. As these rivers make their way to the Gulf of Mexico, anglers cruise shallow grassy flats teeming with redfish, spotted sea trout, snook and tarpon.
Crystal River and Homosassa on the Gulf of Mexico are your gateways to saltwater angling. Popular saltwater catches include cobia, red grouper, mackerel, gag grouper, grey snapper, hogfish, sheepshead, snook and triggerfish. Massive tarpon, redfish and more are catches offshore, especially in the warmer months.
Dolphins and manatees are commonly spotted, turning a regular day of fishing into a full-blown eco-tour.
FRESH WATER
Chassahowitzka River Campground
Pier near the headspring. US Hwy 19 south of Homosassa to Miss Maggie Drive (opposite of US Hwy 98). Follow Miss Maggie Dr west to the end.
Gospel Island Bridge, Inverness
New bridge with fishing lane/walkway on each side. From the Citrus County Courthouse, in downtown Inverness, go North on N Apopka Ave approximately 1/4 mile to Vine St (CR 470) on the right. Turn right onto Vine (which turns into Gospel Island Rd) and go approximately 1 mile to the Gospel Island Bridge.
Hernando Fishing Pier
Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes. Highway 41 (.2 miles north of Highway 486) in Hernando turn east onto East Lake Place. Pier is at end of dock at boat ramps.
Hillcrest Park
Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes. Hwy 44 W in Inverness to Hwy 41 N. Right on Zephyr Street, left on Ella Ave, merge right onto Turner Camp Road, right onto Hunting Lodge Drive.
Inglis Dam on Lake Rousseau
US Hwy 19 north of Crystal River and right on Riverwood Drive. Follow Riverwood to the recreational area on your left.
Wallace Brooks Park/Liberty Park Shore Fishing pier on the lake chain. US Hwy 44 west to Inverness. Left on N. Apopka Blvd. behind downtown area.
Boat Ramp at Spruce Dr.
Fishing from bank. Located at 4863 E. Spruce Dr in Dunnellon.
From HWY 200, turn onto Withlacoochee Trl (C-39) and travel .2 mile to Grey Eagle Way.
N Apopka Boat Ramp Shore
US Hwy 44 West into Inverness. Turn left onto N. Apopka Avenue at the Historic Courthouse. Follow road to the end.
Crystal River and Homosassa on the Gulf of Mexico are your gateways to saltwater angling excitement. Popular saltwater catches include cobia, red grouper, mackerel, gag grouper, grey snapper, hogfish, sheepshead, snook and triggerfish. Massive tarpon, redfish and more are also common catches offshore, especially in the warmer months.
SALT WATER / BRACKISH WATER
Fort Island Trail Beach
Long fishing pier and shore fishing. US Hwy 19 in Crystal River to W. Fort Island Trail/CR 44W to the very end. About 9 miles.
Mason Creek Boat Ramp
Wading or fishing from shore.
US 19 to Yulee Drive onto Mason Creek Road directly across from the elementary school. Follow Mason Creek Road to the end.
Homosassa Public Boat Ramp
Along the edge of the Homosassa River. US Hwy 19 to Yulee Dr in Homosassa. Follow Yulee Dr to the end and veer right around the elementary school onto Cherokee Point. Follow Cherokee to the end.
John Brown Fishing Pier
Wading or fishing from shore in Ozello. US Hwy 19 to Ozello (just South of Crystal River) to Ozello Trail. Follow Ozello Trail west 5.2 miles. Turn left into the Park on John Brown St.
Ozello Community Park
Wading or fishing from shore.
US Hwy 19 to Ozello (just south
of Crystal River) to Ozello Trail. Follow Ozello Trail to the end. Take a right and follow that around to the boat ramp.
Fort Island Trail Park
Fishing pier on the Crystal River. US Hwy 19 to W. Fort Island Trail/CR 44W. Follow the road west about 4.5 miles and take a right into the park.
Withlacoochee Bay Trail
Along the Cross Florida Barge Canal and goes to the Gulf. US Hwy 19 north of Crystal River to just before the high bridge over the Barge Canal.
Mullet Hole
Catch Mullet on hook & line in a Small pond in the Crystal River Preserve State Park. Take Hwy 19 in Crystal River to North of the Mall. Take a left on State Park Rd. Travel to the end and bear left to enter the park. Follow signs for the mullet hole.
LICENSES & REGULATIONS:
Floridians from ages 16-65 generally need an inexpensive annual fishing license. For the most up-to-date license and regulation information, go to http://myfwc.com or 1-888-FISH FLORIDA - (1-888-347-4356).
Plenty of restaurants in Citrus County will cook up your fresh catch, too. Also, there’s no need to dress up—just put on your best fishing shirt and you’ll fit right in.
We’ve only scratched the surface of places to explore. If you are into truly unique destinations—and fantastic fishing—Citrus County is where you need to be.