Guides WantedKarick Lake
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Quick Summary
Karick Lake is a 65-acre Fish Management Area in northern Okaloosa County, about 7.5 miles north of Baker. It has bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish, with boat ramps at its north and south recreation areas. Gasoline boat motors may not be used; check current FWC rules and campground details before visiting.
Top Fishing Guides on Karick Lake
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Top Target Species on Karick Lake
Largemouth Bass
Bluegill
Shellcracker
Channel Catfish
Bowfin Fish
Frequently Asked Questions about Karick Lake
What fish can I catch at Karick Lake?
FWC lists largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish among the fish stocked in Karick Lake. Seasonal conditions affect where they feed.
Can I use a gasoline motor at Karick Lake?
No. FWC says gasoline boat motors may not be used on Karick Lake. Electric trolling motors are allowed.
Where can I launch a boat at Karick Lake?
The Florida Forest Service lists boat ramps at the north and south Karick Lake recreation areas, roughly 7.5 miles north of Baker off County Road 189. Check current access before you travel.
Can I camp at Karick Lake?
Yes. There are north and south recreation areas. The north campground has electric and water hookups, while FWC describes the south sites as primitive. Check current reservation details with the Florida Forest Service.
Are guided fishing trips confirmed at Karick Lake?
The page does not currently confirm a Karick Lake guide or live trip availability. Check the booking options shown on this page or ask before planning a guided trip.
Fishing Karick Lake
Karick Lake is a 65-acre forest lake on Deadfall Creek in northern Okaloosa County, about 7.5 miles north of Baker. Flooded timber, shoreline vegetation, and an old creek channel give anglers several kinds of cover to work. The lake was built in 1965 and opened to fishing in 1966.
Fishing Karick Lake
Karick Lake is a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish Management Area. FWC lists largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish among its stocked fish. For bass, try a topwater lure early or late, then work a slow soft plastic along open-water edges, stumps, or deeper water near the dam as the day warms. Bream anglers can try worms or crickets around three to six feet of water; catfish anglers can fish bait near the pier, dam, or submerged brush. These are fishing patterns, not a promise of a catch.
Boat and fishing rules: Gasoline motors may not be used on Karick Lake; electric trolling motors are allowed. FWC also lists a six-fish daily bag limit for channel catfish here. Check the current Fish Management Area rules and FWC’s Karick Lake fishing forecast before traveling, because regulations and conditions can change.
Access and camping
The North and South Karick Lake recreation areas are east of County Road 189, roughly an hour northeast of Pensacola by road. The Florida Forest Service lists boat ramps at both areas and a fishing pier at North Karick Lake. The north campground offers sites with electric and water hookups; FWC describes the south campground as primitive, without those hookups. Restrooms and showers are listed at both areas. Check the Florida Forest Service recreation-area page for current access and reservations. Swimming is not allowed in Karick Lake.
The Karick Lake Loop Trail and the nearby Jackson Trail offer a way to explore the forest after fishing. The North Karick Lake Youth Area requires reservations. For fishing-license planning, see our state fishing-license guide.
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