Lake Jackson

Lake Jackson is a shallow prairie lake about 7.5 miles long located within the Tallahassee Hills’ northern boundaries of Leon County, Florida, United States. It’s a designated aquatic preserve that serves as an essential natural resource to many communities. Lake Jackson covers 6.2 square miles and has two significant sinkholes, Porter Sink and Lime Sink. Lake Jackson is located in the Red Hills Region and has fluctuated from being dry to over 96 feet above sea level. Lake Jackson’s water is relatively straightforward, with no runoff or streams flowing into it.

The shallow Lake Jackson has an average depth of 7 feet with a maximum depth of 30 feet. Lake Jackson is a natural sinkhole lake that dries up infrequently, about every 25 years. The main lake is separated from Little Lake Jackson by Interstate 10, which runs across the lake’s southern tip, and US 27, which runs along a causeway on the western side.

Lake Jackson is a top fishing destination abundant in quality largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and redear sunfish. The lake is known for its unique hydrology and excellent habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. Lake Jackson is within the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. The area has greatly improved through the efforts of an organization dedicated to environmental protection and the sustainable use of the lake, Friends of Lake Jackson. They strive to inform and protect the lake water by enhancing the Lake Jackson aquatic preserve habitats, ecosystem, and natural functions. Read More

• Region: North Florida – Tallahassee
• Duration: 4, 6, & 8 hrs
• Cancellation: 12 hrs in advance
• Weather-Related: Full refund
• Instant Online Confirmation
• Includes All State Taxes

• All Fishing Equipment
• Professional Captain
• Boat & Fuel
• Cooler & Ice
• Bottled water
• Photos

• Florida Freshwater Fishing License for those ages 16+
• Live bait, if desired, is also additional and is purchased the morning of the trip. (optional)
• Food or Specialty beverages

Amenities:

• Fishing Chairs
• GPS & Fishfinder
• Life Jackets
• Catch and Release Allowed
• Keep Fish Allowed within Laws

About this Tour:

• Boat Specs: 20+ ft
• Boat Capacity: 4 People
• All Fishing Equipment
• Boat & Fuel
• Photos

Fishing Techniques:

• Light Tackle
• Heavy Tackle
• Livebait
• Fly Fishing
• Artificial Lures

Fishing Equipment:

• Spinning Rods
• Baitcasting Rods
• Left & Right Handed
• Fly Rods (request only)
• Braid & Mono Line

What is Entailed:

• Fishing beautiful Lake Jackson in Tallahassee, Florida, on a boat fully equipped with top-quality rods, reels, hooks, and artificial lures.
• Exploring state-ranked Lake Jackson in search of trophy largemouth bass, hard-fighting black crappie (speck), and so much more.
• Guided fishing tour by a USCG professional fishing captain knowledgeable of North Florida and all of its waters.
• Take home a souvenir of your big catch, with photos taken by your guide and ready to share on social media as desired.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers for your destination, is included in your Confirmation email. Our Trip Managers select only the most experienced and reliable guides in each destination, removing the guesswork for you and ensuring your peace of mind.

Additional Information:

• Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, a light-colored shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Lake Jackson Fishing Guides

Meet the TEAM of local Lake Jackson fishing guides, we know the best spots, baits, and techniques to give you the best fishing experience.

Lake Jackson In Florida

Bass Fishing

Lake Jackson is nationally known for its trophy largemouth bass fishing. Spawning season for Florida bass can go from late November through May. The chance at catching a trophy while on a bass fishing charter is highest in February through early May. Lake Jackson is full of aquatic vegetation, but the hydrilla, maidencane, and eelgrass are the best habitats, usually holding bass.

Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve is full of solid one to three-pound bass and has enough bass in the six to ten-pound range to keep anglers coming back with high hopes. Artificial baits are generally very productive on Lake Jackson, but live shiners most often attract the larger fish in this water.

Fishing With A Guide

Lake Jackson is the perfect place for a solo or family fishing adventure. It is one of the few locations where anglers don’t have to worry about rough seas or seasickness while catching some trophy bass. While on a fishing charter here, anglers can catch numerous bass, bluegill, black crappie, and redear sunfish. Your captain will provide you with everything needed for a successful day on the water, including all gear and tackle.

This area is resilient to irregular water levels, making it difficult to navigate certain areas safely if unfamiliar. Your guide will take you straight to the best fishing spots while safely navigating the lake. While enjoying an active day of fishing on the lake, you will learn about the area and the famous Porter Sink and Lime Sink.

Boat Ramp

Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve has several boat ramps providing access to its waters. A popular one is at Veterans Beach Park. There are ramps on the west side at Faulk Drive and Crowder Drive, ramps at the small park on U.S. 27, and Sunset Drive. Boat ramps on the east side are at Millers Landing Road and Rhoden Cove Landing.

Lake Jackson Disappearing

Lake Jackson formed when limestone dissolved over a long period, causing the overlying sediment to collapse. Drought, sinkholes, and a lack of rain can create conditions that allow the lake to drop in water level within a few days. The sinkholes are usually partially or fully plugged with sediment. When groundwater levels fall, the plugs or limestone can collapse, causing water to funnel into the aquifer and dramatically lowering the water level. On the other hand, the lake can fill up as quickly as it disappears after large amounts of precipitation, since it lies within a hydrologically closed basin and is directly affected by rainfall.

MORE INFORMATION ON LAKE JACKSON

State Park

Native Americans inhabited the area around the lake north of Tallahassee for over eight centuries. This site was part of what is now called the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex. The area now encompasses six earthen temple mounds and one possible burial mound, which is why it is called Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park. The largest mound is about 36 feet tall, with a base of 278 feet by 312 feet.

Artifacts from pre-Columbian societies were found at the park, including copper breastplates, bracelets, necklaces, cloaks, and anklets. Park visitors can take a short hike past the remains of an 1800s grist mill or have a picnic on the open grassy area near the largest mound. There are many interpretive programs and guided tours available in the park.

Park Information

The park is located two miles from I-10 north of Tallahassee off U.S. 27. Take Crowder Road, then turn right onto Indian Mounds Road.

The park’s hours to operation are 8:00 AM to sunset. Driving Directions start at Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, located off U.S. 27, two miles north of I-10 in Tallahassee. Take Crowder Road to Indian Mounds Road.

The admission Fee is $3.00 per vehicle, using the honor box to pay the fees. The vehicle limit is 8 people. It’s a $2.00 fee for Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, and passengers in vehicles with the Annual Individual Entrance Pass holder.

Things To Do

Tallahassee is full of family-friendly attractions, including museums, kayaking, art, cuisine, the extensive city park, and incredible fishing. One of the most popular places to see is the temple mounds in the State Park. Another exciting area is the St. Marks Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Florida that survived the Civil War and the Second Seminole War in 1835. Other nearby things to do include shopping at Bradley’s Country Store, visiting Railroad Square State Park and the Goodwood Museum, strolling through the Downtown market, catching a performance at Cascades Park, and exploring Tom Brown Park.

Current North Florida Fishing Reports

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