About Alafia River, FL

The Alafia River is a blackwater river situated in Hillsborough County, Florida. Two prongs form the river: the north prong and the south prong. The north prong starts south of Mulberry and continues for 23.9 miles until it meets the south prong in Lithia. Meanwhile, the south prong begins south of Bradley Junction and continues for 28.7 miles until it reaches Lithia and meets with the north prong. It then flows 24.7 miles west into Tampa Bay, Florida. 

The 25-miles long river has a watershed of 335 square miles which contains ten named lakes and ponds and 29 named rivers, streams, and canals. Though multiple water bodies are situated in the watershed, most part of it is rural farmland, and the rest is primarily parcels of wilderness and suburban residential developments. In addition, the watershed also holds urban centers, phosphate mines, and the restored/reclaimed sites of former mines. 

Despite being one of the hottest destinations for angling, the river also faced a hard time. In 1997, a dam atop a gypsum stack at a Mulberry Phosphate Plant for fertilizers broke. This caused a spillage of about 56 million gallons of acidic wastewater into the North Fork of the Alafia River, killing everything in the 42 miles distance between Mulberry and Hillsborough Bay. In addition to the millions of fish and acres of vegetation, the spill dumped 350 tons of nitrogen into Tampa Bay. Alafia then recovered after years of rehabilitation.

All About Fishing in Alafia River, FL

The Alafia River is a popular angling location for locals and tourists due to multiple and productive fishing opportunities. Despite the river being fed by numerous springs, the Alfia River is considered blackwater. Its waters are filled with leaf detritus, organic materials, and tannins. Until recently, a prolonged drought paired with Tampa’s water needs has placed heavy demands on Hillborough and its watershed, making the Alafia River the one with the largest outflow of any river in the bay. The most popular species caught in the river are red drum, common snook, crevalle jack, and largemouth bass.

Though fishing in the river might be productive, local anglers have not specified any fishing spots. They recommend one use their best judgment when determining where they can fish. For beginning anglers, following where the local fish also work. In addition, researching the behavior of the fish in its natural environment might also lead to a productive catch. With this, you will know where to find certain fish species. Your search area will now be limited to rocks, trunks, and other piles of deterrence as fish use these to rest when traveling against the current, spawning, and for protection against predator species. Likewise, fishing under the docks might also help you land on redfish of various sizes. 

Some experienced anglers from the area recommend using the riptide mullet in shad flash shad on a ⅛ oz gray jig head to be used in fishing in the area as this is proven to attract more fish. This is quite true when fishing between 10 in the morning and noon. Patience is needed, though, especially when fishing in this stream. This is because you may go on a long stretch for hours without getting a bite. For a better chance of landing a catch, try skipping some jigs up under the docks and putting the lure in front of them.

Fishing Seasonality

Alafia River is found in Florida, making fishing accessible, possible, and productive throughout the year. However, the most productive catch will be from April to September. While fishing during these months is abundant, other factors need to be considered. One of which is the moon phases. This has a significant impact on fishing, especially in the Alafia River. Fishing during a Waning Cresent phase is less optimal, especially when planning to fish at night. 

If you are a visiting angler, you might want to get your fishing license first before you can enjoy the quality catch of fish in the Alafia River.

Fishing Seasonality

Alafia River is found in Florida, making fishing accessible, possible, and productive throughout the year. However, the most productive catch will be from April to September. While fishing during these months is abundant, other factors need to be considered. One of which is the moon phases. This has a significant impact on fishing, especially in the Alafia River. Fishing during a Waning Cresent phase is less optimal, especially when planning to fish at night. 

If you are a visiting angler, you might want to get your fishing license first before you can enjoy the quality catch of fish in the Alafia River.

All About Fishing in Alafia River, FL

The Alafia River is a popular angling location for locals and tourists due to multiple and productive fishing opportunities. Despite the river being fed by numerous springs, the Alfia River is considered blackwater. Its waters are filled with leaf detritus, organic materials, and tannins. Until recently, a prolonged drought paired with Tampa’s water needs has placed heavy demands on Hillborough and its watershed, making the Alafia River the one with the largest outflow of any river in the bay. The most popular species caught in the river are red drum, common snook, crevalle jack, and largemouth bass.

Though fishing in the river might be productive, local anglers have not specified any fishing spots. They recommend one use their best judgment when determining where they can fish. For beginning anglers, following where the local fish also work. In addition, researching the behavior of the fish in its natural environment might also lead to a productive catch. With this, you will know where to find certain fish species. Your search area will now be limited to rocks, trunks, and other piles of deterrence as fish use these to rest when traveling against the current, spawning, and for protection against predator species. Likewise, fishing under the docks might also help you land on redfish of various sizes. 

Some experienced anglers from the area recommend using the riptide mullet in shad flash shad on a ⅛ oz gray jig head to be used in fishing in the area as this is proven to attract more fish. This is quite true when fishing between 10 in the morning and noon. Patience is needed, though, especially when fishing in this stream. This is because you may go on a long stretch for hours without getting a bite. For a better chance of landing a catch, try skipping some jigs up under the docks and putting the lure in front of them.