Crystal River

Crystal River is The Gem of The Nature Coast for Fishing. A starter location for many youngsters catching their first panfish. It is also the place a seasoned angler battling it out with a mighty grouper would dream of going. The River area offers excellent year-round fishing. A combination of record-breaking Bass, Redfish, and Tarpon has been caught in the Clear River at the same time.

This western Florida area is home to Kings Bay, which is spring-fed and home to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. It also shelters manatees throughout the year. Crystal River is where swimming with manatees in their natural habitat is legally permitted.

The Crystal Clear River is located on the Nature Coast in Citrus County, Florida. This area of Old Florida is known for its crystal-clear waters, bays, and streams. Thus, it gave the Crystal River, Florida, its name.

Discover Florida’s true nature, swim with manatees, and explore the rivers and lakes. Taste the local cuisine and experience a memorable fishing trip on the beautiful River to catch the state’s top freshwater and saltwater species.

Crystal River Fishing

We have found more and more anglers not heading for the Gulf but fishing for Bass in the Crystal River. For bass fishing enthusiasts, one of the neatest things to ever see in the River is when you look into the water. To see a five-pound bass just below the surface of the water, see two saltwater crabs crawling under them. If you are fishing for bass in tidal water areas, you could also be fishing in an area that supports redfish or snook.

Boat Ramps

There are easily accessible boat ramps nearby; the two main ones are at City Park and Pete’s Pier.

More Florida Fishing

In Citrus County, Florida, the places we fish tidal waters are the Crystal River, Homosassa River, Chassahowitzka River, and Weeki Wachee River. All these places require light lines and long casts to produce the best catches because the water is so clear that it is like fishing in a glass of drinking water. In most cases, anglers will be forced to learn to fish with different bait styles and techniques due to water clarity. If nothing else, you will learn the value of lure presentation.

These techniques will also make you a better angler in the stained waters of your home lakes. Come and enjoy a day on the beautiful, gin-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, from Tarpon Springs to this clear River; it’s a place to visit. 

A highly experienced fishing guide in these areas is priceless; with years of fishing experience, a professional guide will cut your learning curve in half. In addition, for corporate travelers or large family vacations, we can help you arrange a group charter! Sight cast to Bass, Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, and Tarpon as they tail, school, or cruise the flats. Fish for big lunker Bass in Lake Tarpon, or take a leisurely cruise on the gin-clear waters of Crystal River to view Manatees, Waterfowl, and other wildlife in a natural environment.

Fishing License

If you have the potential to catch both freshwater and saltwater fish in the same area, you need a combo license that covers freshwater and saltwater.

The State of Florida requires that residents and visitors have a valid fishing license before fishing. Therefore, Crystal River suggests to all persons interested in fishing in Crystal River or the State of Florida to visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or call 1-888-Fish-Florida.

Swim With Manatees

The River is recognized for Manatees, diving, and fishing. However, people often overlook the natural abundance of wildlife and beauty in Crystal River, Florida. The River in the winter brings Manatee herding, one of the largest groups in the world. The Boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge provide incredible views of the natural springs and the marine mammals.

Kings Bay

Kings Bay in Crystal River, Florida, is one of the largest aquifers in the state and is home to over 400 West Indian Manatees, some of which are residents and others that migrate each year to the warmth of the springs.

Thousands of visitors come to the River Fl every year. Yes, to see and swim with the Manatees in the crystal clear waters of Old Florida’s Nature Coast. Diving with Manatees in the Crystal Clear River is popular because the natural spring provides crystal-clear warm water for divers, fish, and Manatees. The Crystal River in Florida has a resident Manatee population, so visitors can see Manatees year-round.

However, November through March is the best time to see the wild manatees at Crystal waterways because the weather is most relaxed. The manatees tend to be the most concentrated around the warm natural springs.

Surrounding Area

Things To Do And Explore

The Crystal River Archaeological State Park is Northwest of the Three Sisters Springs area. It contains the remains of an early Native American settlement, including ceremonial mounds.

Boating, fishing, kayaking, and other activities in the beautiful Crystal waters are the most popular and fun things to do in this area. Some of the local restaurants will even grill your catch.

Places To Stay

The nearby Crystal River hotel is a 232-acre eco-friendly resort that is 50 years old. But remains beautiful, with comfortable accommodations, and is surrounded by Kings Bay and spring-fed rivers. There are plenty of accommodation options at the Manatee Capital of the World, in the Clear River. Visitors can choose between local hotels like the Crystal Hotel or local vacation Rentals close to the springs and other attractions.

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