Secret Fishing Spots In The Everglades: Big Cypress National Preserve

Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path fishing adventure? Look no further than Big Cypress National Preserve, a hidden gem for anglers on Florida’s Paradise Coast. Big Cypress, often overshadowed by popular fishing spots like the Florida Keys, offers an equally thrilling adventure with its dynamic fisheries, home to both freshwater and saltwater species.

This 729,000-acre preserve features a unique blend of ecosystems, from cypress swamps to hardwood hammocks, providing a serene environment for anglers. With fishing allowed year-round in its bodies of water and the chance to catch everything from bass to tarpon and snook, Big Cypress promises a once-in-a-lifetime angling experience amidst pristine wilderness.

WHAT IS BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE?

Established in 1974 as one of America’s first national preserves, Big Cypress spans approximately 729,000 acres in southwest Florida. It’s also conveniently just a short drive away from cities like Miami and Naples! Located in the Everglades region but distinct from Everglades National Park, Big Cypress boasts five unique ecosystems: hardwood hammocks, pinelands, prairies, cypress swamps, and mangrove estuaries.

Home to the Florida panther and the rare ghost orchid, the preserve is most popular for wildlife viewing, swamp walks, and kayaking. However, many people don’t realize it also offers exceptional fishing!

Thanks to the brackish and freshwater conditions here, you can catch both freshwater and saltwater fish in this stunning natural setting. Whether you’re casting a line in a serene cypress swamp or exploring the fishing opportunities along Loop Road, Big Cypress promises a secluded experience for anglers.

WHEN TO FISH IN THE EVERGLADES

Fishing in the Everglades, including in Big Cypress National Preserve, is influenced by the region's wet and dry seasons. Remember that this area of Florida, instead of having four seasons, experiences just two: the wet and the dry seasons.

The dry season, which runs from November to April, is sometimes the easier time of year for fishing. Water levels recede, concentrating fish in smaller areas and making it simpler for fishermen to find them and catch them. Of course, the cooler temperatures also make being out on the water much more comfortable than during the hotter and more humid rainy season. On the downside, the lower water levels also expose these same fish to other predators (besides anglers)!

The wet season, from May to October, brings higher water levels and greater numbers of fish. However, this flooding of water also disperses the fish, making them harder to locate. Luckily, anglers can make the most of fishing during the wet season by going early in the morning or later in the afternoon—when fish are most active.

WHAT YOU CAN CATCH IN BIG CYPRESS

 In Big Cypress National Preserve, fishing enthusiasts can catch 66 different species of freshwater fish as well as saltwater fish that have adapted to brackish waters. However, most of the fish you’ll see here are freshwater species swimming in the canals, the cypress forest, or the freshwater marsh.

Largemouth bass—one of the most prized freshwater catches—are most active from March to May during their spawning season, particularly in the Turner River and nearby canals. During these spring months, you’ll likely have the best luck with bowfin, too, also known as “mudfish.”

Meanwhile, Florida gar tend to be more active when the water is warmer, and dawn and dusk are ideal times to try to target them. Both bluegill and bream are easiest to catch from late spring to early summer in shallow, vegetated areas. The brackish waters of the Preserve are home to the famous snook and juvenile tarpon, with many venturing far up the creeks and deep into the preserve.

WHERE TO FISH IN BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE

 Fishing in Big Cypress National Preserve is permitted year-round in all ponds, lakes, rivers, and canals. You just need a valid Florida fishing license, which you can purchase at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Another essential tip for fishing in the state is to follow regulations regarding bagging limits, slotting sizes, and closed seasons for certain species.

Key spots for fishing in Big Cypress include the Turner River Canal, known for its serene setting and diverse fish population, and Halfway Creek, a popular paddling route that offers ample fishing opportunities along its 7.3-mile stretch. Monument Lake and Loop River Road are also excellent fishing locations, particularly for peacock and largemouth bass.

However, remember that fishing is restricted in certain areas around the preserve. To protect the local ecosystem, it’s prohibited at the Oasis Visitor Center, H. P. Williams Roadside Park, and a section of the Turner River Canal beginning from the bridge on U.S. Highway 41. While enjoying your fishing at Big Cypress, staying aware of your surroundings is crucial, as alligators call these waters home.

Whether you’re navigating the Turner River or casting a line on Halfway Creek, Big Cypress promises a rewarding fishing adventure. For excellent off-the-beaten-path angling experiences, Only Paradise will do.