Fatboy Swede: A big one can lurk anywhere here, but for numbers of big bass, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says most are caught  from the pool area along the river channel known as the stump fields. Business people, slave owners, and traders supported the canal because it would make it easier to sell and ship goods like timber and cotton between the East Coast and ports on the Gulf of Mexico. fish, we had a great day catching 5 different species which included 5 good sized bass. Rodman Reservoir/Oklawaha River Page 2 The channel meanders through a live cypress swamp surrounded by many shallow flats teeming with eel grass and is considered an excellent spawning area. A four-gate spillway (Kirkpatrick Dam) controls the water levels of the reservoir. Along edges of floating vegetation, the seasoned angler and his friends are regularly pulling in various bream. The numbers of big bass that have been caught and documented here are huge. I would recommend anyone looking for a great guided freshwater or saltwater fishing tour in the north/central region of Florida, to 'hook-up' with Captain Ken Walker. Caught several nice fish including a PB 10 pound 4 oz Trophy fish that I plan on surpassing in a future trip with Ken! The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District has agreed to work with numerous resource organizations to study how reservoir operations have affected ecological conditions in the Big Cypress Bayou and Caddo Lake in the piney woods of east Texas. These natural wonders will be inaccessible once the Rodman Reservoir and Dam begins refilling in March. Birdwatchers flock here, too. Higher-than-normal releases from the reservoirs can contribute to flooding on Buffalo Bayou. Florida Rodman Reservoir largemouth bass anglers have success trophy bass fishing the Ocklawaha river channel with deep crankbaits and Carolina-rigged worms. Georgia. Cypress Run Retreat I Bed I Bath Cracker Style Cabin, On 25 Acres Of 300 Year Old Live Oak Trees. Rodman Reservoir, or Lake Ocklawaha, is an artificial reservoir located on the Ocklawaha River in Putnam County and Marion County in north central Florida.The reservoir, located about 15 miles southwest of Palatka, is approximately 15 miles in length, covers 9,500 acres and is located between State Road 19 on the east and State Road 315 on the west. Many predict that the new state record will one day come out of Rodman. 316, Rodman Recreational Area west of S.R. One tough-to-discourage angler is still catching panfish regularly. To create the reservoir, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built what was originally known as the 7,200-foot-long Rodman Dam in 1968, halting the flow of the wild Ocklawaha River as part of the controversial Cross-Florida Barge Canal. The reservoir will be 7 feet below the average water level for over three months, starting from November to March, and is prime time for trophy bass fishing. process for enhancing water flows to Caddo from Big Cypress Bayou and other tributaries of the lake. The reservoir was created in 1968 when an earthen dam was built across the Ocklawaha River. Created in 1968, the Rodman Reservoir built the earthen dam across the Ocklawaha River, leading to the St Johns River. Hurricanes, dangerous currents, shallow waters, and even pirates destroyed many ships that attempted the journey. Tight lines, and we hope to see you at the site. You will not be disappointed. Georgia has many options available for good bass fishing spread all over the state. Largemouth bass anglers should keep an eye out for tagged fish worth $5 or $50. Even though all three of us are seasoned anglers, Captain Ken took the time to coach us in a style of angling that we were unfamiliar with. It is located south of Palatka Fl off Hwy 19 and connected to St Johns River. For other fun besides fishing, the Florida Trail Association and … range, with one weighing in at over 8 lbs. The Ocklawaha River system in Florida is the largest tributary of the St. Johns River that boundary the Ocala National Forest on the west and north. Until next time, good luck! Three months after a major kill wiped out more than two million fish, the bass fishing on Rodman Reservoir is the best it's been in years, but the bonus may be short-lived. Rodman Reservoir (also known as Lake Oklawaha) is one of the few large, man-made impoundments in Florida. Rodman Reservoir will offer some great fishing trips for bass anglers this spring. Between the river boundaries of this Forest lie central highlands, coastal lowlands, swamps, springs and hundreds of lakes and ponds. The upper watershed for the Oklawaha River includes Lake Apopka. Three months after a major kill wiped out more than two million fish, the bass fishing on Rodman Reservoir is the best it's been in years, but the bonus may be short-lived. Multiple fish species and fishing trip days booked for Rodman Reservoir, St Johns River, and Ocklawaha are available both artificial lures or generally live bait fishing trips where we use wild river shiners. Rodman Reservoir is located east of Gainesville and south of Palatka and covers 9,500 acres of prime fisheries habitat. These “surcharges” are already occurring, as is flooding. It is located south of Palatka Fl off Hwy 19 and connected to St Johns River. Featured Species: Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker), Bluegill (Bream) and Catfish . Among the most popular are Eureka east and west off C.R. As bass fishing matured in popularity with outdoor enthusiasts over the past several decades, no other location became and remained at a status that could only be labeled “legendary” more than the Rodman Reservoir. Other trophy bass come from the area between Cypress Bayou and Kenwood Landing. Since the 1990s, the reservoir has been drawn down every 3-4 years to expose the lake bottom, allowing organic material (muck) on the bottom of the lake to oxidize and dissipate. - Chris Anderson, So Cal. Being a Pro tournament angler from Canada myself, I felt out of my element for this style of angling. It is a beautiful waterway that produces big trophy bass every year. Rodman Reservoir is located east of Gainesville and south of Palatka and covers 9,500 acres of prime fisheries habitat. Bends in the river channel also produce nice catches of bluegill and redear sunfish. 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. Fish are also being caught flipping the mats of floating cabbage from Kenwood west towards Cypress Bayou. If completed, the Cross Florida Barge Canal would have spanned Central Florida by connecting a series of lakes, rivers, and artificial waterways. The best technique to catch trophy bass is to use wild shiners. Dr. Billy Evans has been launching at Cypress Bayou on the Ocklawaha River above Rodman Pool and running farther upriver. It is known for producing quality largemouth bass. However, fishing with artificial lures can also be incorporated into the trip. You will find plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions there. 316, Rodman Recreational Area west of S.R. Location. Rodman Campground, Palatka, Florida: Each of the 67 designated camp spots in Rodman Campground are typically filled with freshwater anglers: Rodman Reservoir is a top 10 Trophy Bass Lake in Florida. The concrete and metal Rodman … Petersburg in Pinellas County. The journey around Florida’s cape was so treacherous, even in the early days of European colonization. In The Historic Town Of Orange Springs Florida. Bream anglers fishing can expect to catch plenty of fish species of stocky redbreast sunfish, warmouth between Orange Springs, Cypress Bayou using worms and grass shrimp to get the best results. Rising reservoir pools can spread outside of government-owned land into neighborhoods adjacent to the reservoir, causing flooded streets and homes. The flooded reservoir drowned over 7,500 acres of floodplain forest and 20 freshwater springs. Now that’s a giant big bass. @media(min-width: 720px) { All rights reserved. © 2021 AnywhereBrands. The big river bends in the Kenwood area are also popular. The Rodman Reservoir system forms most of the northern and north western border as part of the Ocklawaha River Basin. The Rodman Reservoir, St Johns River, and the Ocklawaha River is always a treat. This area is usually flooding by Florida Department of Environmental Protection There’s no other way to say it, Rodman Reservoir is a legend. Stormwater runoff made its way into the major creeks in Addicks and Barker watersheds, causing house flooding in neighborhoods near Langham, Bear, South Mayde, Horsepen and Mason creeks, as well as upper Buffalo Bayou. Florida as one of the top ten best bass lakes, March Rodman Fishing Trips for Trophy Largemouth Bass, March Rodman Reservoir Fishing for Florida Trophy Largemouth Bass, February North Florida Fishing Report for Florida Largemouth Bass, February Rodman Reservoir Fishing Trips for Trophy Largemouth Bass. Rodman Reservoir is currently in a drawdown, where the water level goes from an average of 18′ – 20′ down to approximately 11′. We caught 11 large mouth with 3 over 5 pounds but more importantly we learned a lot and enjoyed the time spent with a very knowledgeable guide. The Oklawaha River flows north along the Ocala National Forest’s western boundary before turning east to flow into the St. Johns River. Lake Griffin is the source of the Ocklawaha, the final lake of the Harris Chain. Shiner Fishing For Big Bass On Rodman Reservoir Feb. 2017 - Duration: 18:54. Had an outstanding 5 star trip with Capt. The lake has tremendous amounts of structure that are great for raising and growing largemouth bass. RODMAN RESERVOIR Rodman Reservoir, east of Gainesville and south of Palatka, covers 9,500 acres of prime largemouth bass habitat. You can catch bass at Rodman Reservoir at any time of the year, but the cooler months tend to be the best. 18:54. Rodman Reservoir black crappie fishing anglers will have success trolling live minnows and jigs along the edges of the Barge Canal leading from St Johns River, and the Oklawaha river bends in the Kenwood area pool section. The dam and reservoir were the first of a set of two that the Army Corps of Engineers planned on building. The Environmentalists in Florida are trying to restore the Oklawaha River System to its original state before Rodman Reservoir. It’s consistently ranked with Florida as one of the top ten best bass lakes in the country. Rodman Reservoir is in Putnam County, Florida, and considered a premier largemouth bass fishery located in Northeast Florida, covers 9,500 acres, and is about 15 miles long. The Cypress Bayou boat ramp is located about seven miles downriver. The third area of the lake from  Orange Springs to Kirkpatrick Dam includes the river channel and part of the old discontinued Cross Florida Barge Canal. The area between Orange Springs and Kenwood Landing is a best bet. Just recently, a bass caught in Rodman Reservoir gave the Official State record in Florida a scare. Rodman Reservoir. It was 100’s of years before specific plans for the canal took shape. 3. The Rodman Reservoir, also known as Lake Ocklawaha, is a fabricated lake located on the Ocklawaha River. Rodman Reservoir is legendary for the number of fish species, trophy bass, redbreast sunfish, and channel catfish which it continues to produce. Egrets just hanging out at Lake Martin. Use caution when boating in the Oklawaha river channel, stump fields, and floating vegetation the pool section can be dangerous. It is known for producing quality largemouth bass. Expect a catch and release only policy during the drawdown. The lake is located 15 miles south of Palatka and about 40 miles from Gainesville. This haunting sight is a rarity, coming once every few years as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection draws down the reservoir, exposing the historic path of the … March Rodman Fishing Trips Bass fishing is better than ever here in North Florida. During the drawdown, bass anglers should be aware of the temporary catch and release regulation change. Rodman Reservoir is in Putnam County and considered a premier largemouth bass fishery located in north Northeast Florida, covers 9,500 acres, and is about 15 miles long. If you have ever thought about coming down to fish in Rodman Reservoir for that trophy bass that you have always dreamed about, don’t hesitate any longer. Saw plenty of bluegill and Redear sunfish ( Shellcracker ), bluegill, Redear and between. Landing consists mostly of flooded woodlands refill entirely by March 2020 the bass are still in the pool of! And Reservoir were the first of a lost spring access other maps for points... 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