St Johns River

34 Fishing Charters

Top St Johns River Destinations

Top Fishing Charters in St Johns River

Fishing in St Johns River

Want to fish the freshwater upper section of this back-to-front waterway? Or maybe you’d like to cast a line in its lower brackish waters? You’re in luck. There are plenty of St. Johns River fishing guides all along the banks of this waterway, so get ready to fish your way!

The St. Johns River begins as a freshwater fishery, before transforming into a brackish water powerhouse as it flows north towards the Atlantic. If you’re fishing the freshwater hotspots, there’s one species that stands out – Largemouth Bass. Crappie are also a firm favorite, especially for family fishing trips.

More of a saltwater enthusiast? Striped Bass and Sunshine Bass can be found in the middle section of the river, where the waters become brackish. You can cast your line for huge Bull Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, and even hard-fighting Tarpon and Snook in the lower section of St. Johns, too. It’s fair to say that the fish on offer are as diverse as the river itself – and as a bonus, you can find most of these species year-round.

Thanks to the river’s shallow waters, a four-hour trip is plenty of time for newer anglers and families to learn the ropes and hook some prized fish. If you’re a more experienced angler, a six- or eight-hour adventure will give you more time to cruise a variety of hotspots.

If you’re a freshwater fanatic, one of the best starting points is Lake Poinsett, near Cocoa. Fellesmere also offers access to marshy waters bustling with Bass and Crappie. When it comes to your saltwater trip, it’s all about Jacksonville, which has direct access to the lower part of the river.

Rules & Regulations

If you choose to fish alongside a St. Johns River fishing guide, you’ll be covered when it comes to your saltwater fishing license. However, any angler over the age of 16 will need to purchase a freshwater fishing license if they want to cast a line in the river’s freshwater fishing grounds.

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St Johns River Fishing Seasons

January

Start your year off by casting a line in the St Johns River! January falls right in the middle of Florida’s dry season, which means you’ll be able to head to the upper river’s marshy waters for Bass and Crappie.

February

Florida’s dry season continues, and so does the Bass and Crappie action in the river’s freshwater fishing grounds. Looking for saltwater action? Head to the brackish waters around Jacksonville for schooling Redfish.

March

This is when the St. Johns River’s fishing action really heats up! Huge Redfish and Spotted Seatrout are cruising in the waters around Jacksonville, and the Bass action stays hot in the upper stretches of the river.

April

It's time to focus your attention on hooking trophy-sized Striped Bass. The brackish waters near Lake Monroe are especially plentiful. Don't forget to hit the upper river for Largemouth Bass when the wet season hits!

May

Thanks to the wet season, the upper river’s Largemouth Bass and Crappie population migrates to the marshes. Instead, head to the lower river’s brackish waters to hook Redfish, Flounder, and Spotted Seatrout!

June

The Atlantic's salt waters move even further into the river in June. This means that Flounder, Redfish, and Trout can be found anywhere from Jacksonville to the lakes that lie at the midway point of the St. Johns River.

July

The weather reaches seriously high temperatures during July, so cool off by spending your day out on the water! Tarpon and Snook can be found in the lower river’s brackish waters, near its meeting point with the Atlantic.

August

The Bass bite is as hot as the weather during August! Largemouth can be found in the river’s upper and middle sections, and Stripers are making their presence known in Lake George.

September

You’ll still be able to target a whole host of Bass species during September, with Largemouth and Sunshine Bass being especially plentiful. The Crappie bite is strong, too, especially around Lake Harney.

October

The Crappie bite is well and truly on, with the freshwater upper and middle sections of the river offering up plenty of these fish. In brackish waters, there’s one species on everyone’s lips: Bull Redfish!

November

As the waters cool, head to Jacksonville for the chance to battle even more Bull Redfish. They’re joined by Flounder and Spotted Seatrout, too. Freshwater fishing? The Crappie bite is strong around Lake Monroe.

December

Give yourself the best Christmas present by embarking on a St. Johns River adventure! This month offers up plenty of freshwater Crappie fishing, and the Redfish bite is hotter than ever.