Book Your Fishing Charter in Welaka, FL

Tucked in between the cities of Palatka and Deland, Welaka is a small town that will instantly take you back to what you might imagine Old-World Florida looked like. It sits on the eastern banks of St. Johns River, one of Florida’s most important bodies of water, and is well-known among bass anglers as a must-fish destination.

Very little is known about the prehistory of the town before Western settlers came in the 1800s. Archeological findings suggest that it was settled by the Timucua tribe circa 1500 AD and that it may be connected to the town of Enacape, an important area or center for the Utina tribe. Its current name is supposedly the term the natives used for St. Johns River, so it’s apparent that the river has long held great importance to the town.

If you’re looking for the perfect small town to enjoy some challenging but peaceful bass fishing, or if you’ve always wanted to fish St. Johns River and its main tributaries, find opportunities for both at Welaka. Amidst its charming country roads, lush riverbanks, and beautiful lakes and streams, you’ll be guaranteed a fishing trip of a lifetime.

Welaka Fishing: Topnotch Bass in Northeast Florida

Bass anglers in the know will tell you that St. Johns River is the water of body to fish if you’re looking for the bass fishing experience of your life. It’s the longest one in the state, so you can fish it and its tributaries in a number of counties. But if you’re looking to escape from the usual Florida crowds, then perhaps, heading to the backcountry roads of Welaka will be worth your while. At Welaka, you can easily access many of St. Johns River’s important tributaries, so it’s a great place to start.

Challenge yourself with fishing the broad and shallow waters of Lake George, one of the biggest tributaries of St. Johns River flows through the town and the second-largest lake in the state, next to Lake Okeechobee. Its waters are brackish, making it conducive for species such as Atlantic stingray, striped bass, sunfish, largemouth bass, and mullet. The most popular way to access Lake George is via Ninemile Point. Its eastern shoreline has a bit of structure and is protected from the wind, making casting easier. The western stretch, on the other hand, has proven to be more productive, with fish species such as striped bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, and sunfish, though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of fishing access in the area.

Ocklawaha River is St. Johns River’s largest tributary and is home to fish species such as largemouth bass and black crappie. Migratory fish such as shad, mullet, and striped bass can be found migrating up and down the river as well. You can access the river via Highway 40 near Silver Springs and Highway 316 near Eureka. Downstream of Rodman Dam, you can target channel and white catfish.

Ocala National Forest is a seven-mile drive from Welaka and is a fantastic destination filled with many fishing spots. It has more than 600 rivers, lakes, and ponds, many of which offer great fishing. Some of the species you can catch here include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, and black crappie. Some of the best bodies of water you can access from the forest include the Rodman Reservoir, Doe Lake, and Orange Lake. 

Discover the Natural Wonders of Welaka

Hike through Welaka State Forest

Welaka State Forest has several hiking trails for different levels of expertise. The most popular are the Mud Spring Trail and John’s Landing Trail. On the eastern part of the forest, there are 18 miles of multi-use trails that are quite popular among equestrians.