Polk, Hardee, Desoto, Charlotte Counties:

This scenic river runs south for over 100 miles from Lake Hancock, north of Bartow to Charlotte Harbor. Popular with canoeists, the Peace River offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bream, and catfish. Snook weighing over 30 pounds migrate from Charlotte Harbor and are caught year round as far north as Fort Meade. Bass, snook, and catfish prefer deep holes around tree snags where flow is strong. Tarpon are also caught in the lower Peace River. Commission maintained boat ramps are located near Fort Ogden at Deep Creek off CR 769 (Kings Highway) in Desoto County, and near Wauchula on CR 652 in Hardee County. Depending on water levels and other conditions, additional limited-access points are sometimes available. Locations follow: US 98 east of Ft. Meade; west of US 17 at Gardner; west of US 17 at Brownville; west of Arcadia off SR 70; and at Lettuce Lake south of CR 761. Bank fishing opportunities are available near Gardner.

Current Forecast:

Largemouth bass can be found around snags (downed trees) in the slower sections of the river. Try using spinner baits and stick baits to entice these fish to bite. Bluegill and redear sunfish can also be found in and around the snags along the river bank. Snook can be caught in the lower river with live finger mullet around bridges and docks, or try using larger artificial baits such as the DOA Baitbuster and MirrOLures for some great action. Check the FWC’s Florida Fishing Regulations Saltwater Edition to get the latest news on closed seasons and harvest regulations. Spotted sunfish (stumpknockers) can be caught in and around snags in pool areas of the river on red wigglers. Stumpknockers are fun to catch with ultra-light spinning gear, and put up quite a fight.

 



FWC Facts:
Otoliths, commonly known as "ear stones," are hard, bone-like structures located directly behind the brain of bony fishes. These structures aid fish in balance and hearing.

Learn More at AskFWC