About Cedar Swamp, FL

Located in the northeastern part of Florida is Cedar Swamp, one of the many water bodies of Duval County. This swamp is part of the 156 square miles of water surrounding Duval County. 

It connects to Possum Head Swamp and the JEA Waterleaf Substation, which supplies most of the freshwater consumed in Duval County. The name “Cedar Swamp” was derived from the once forest area filled with cedar trees surrounding the swamp. 

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the swamp, along with Duval County’s many bodies of water, was once part of a giant water body covering the state of Florida until sediments derived from the Appalachian Mountains drifted southwards to the state. That is why the location of Cedar Swamp is in between the Jacksonville beach communities and the town of Atlantic Beach. 

Despite being surrounded by urban areas with rapid land development, the water in Cedar Swamp is still viable for fishing. The JEA Company and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission work together to maintain good water quality and ensure a thriving marine ecosystem for Cedar Swamp. 

All About Fishing in Cedar Swamp, FL

The fish from Cedar Swamp often come from connected water bodies such as Pablo Creek, Jacksonville Beach, and Atlantic Beach, which are 6-10 miles away. Anglers can access Cedar Swamp through Atlantic Boulevard or East Arlington, Jacksonville. You can buy a Cedar Swamp Creek Fishing License in the fishing stores around the Jacksonville beach communities, and the swamp itself is open for public use. 

Since it connects to many saltwater and freshwater creeks and river systems, Cedar Swamp offers an abundance of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, red drum, and bluegill for anglers. These fish often hide in grass beds or ledges. Their schools are often visible in fast waters and underneath rock formations or dead grass as these create the best habitat for varieties of bass and bluegill. These fish give off many bites to baits consisting of rubber worms and even live shrimp. 

Although most of the old structures of Florida have been replaced by residential buildings, Cedar Swamp still offers beautiful scenery to anglers thanks to the nearby town of Maytown to the west and Ed Austin Regional Park to the north. 

Fishing Seasonality

Throughout the year, anglers have often reported that the window of 8 am up to 1 pm is when the fish become more active. Their visibility also increases due to the warmer temperatures. 

Although in the afternoon, the fish in Cedar Swamp become active too for a brief window from 4 pm to 7 pm. Fishing later in the night might not be that rewarding due to low visibility, which may cause anglers to inaccurately set up their baits or find a good fishing spot.

In the summer season, or from mid-June to late September, anglers in Cedar Swamp have reported increasing fish visibility and activity. If you want to maximize your catch during this season, it is recommended to start fishing as early as 4 am until 1 pm or when the sun is at its peak. Summer increases the water temperatures and makes the brackish waters of Cedar Swamp clearer to anglers. Vegetation such as seagrass or other underwater structures will be easier to recognize by anglers, and they can set up their bait and rods quickly. 

Fishing Seasonality

Throughout the year, anglers have often reported that the window of 8 am up to 1 pm is when the fish become more active. Their visibility also increases due to the warmer temperatures. 

Although in the afternoon, the fish in Cedar Swamp become active too for a brief window from 4 pm to 7 pm. Fishing later in the night might not be that rewarding due to low visibility, which may cause anglers to inaccurately set up their baits or find a good fishing spot.

In the summer season, or from mid-June to late September, anglers in Cedar Swamp have reported increasing fish visibility and activity. If you want to maximize your catch during this season, it is recommended to start fishing as early as 4 am until 1 pm or when the sun is at its peak. Summer increases the water temperatures and makes the brackish waters of Cedar Swamp clearer to anglers. Vegetation such as seagrass or other underwater structures will be easier to recognize by anglers, and they can set up their bait and rods quickly. 

All About Fishing in Cedar Swamp, FL

The fish from Cedar Swamp often come from connected water bodies such as Pablo Creek, Jacksonville Beach, and Atlantic Beach, which are 6-10 miles away. Anglers can access Cedar Swamp through Atlantic Boulevard or East Arlington, Jacksonville. You can buy a Cedar Swamp Creek Fishing License in the fishing stores around the Jacksonville beach communities, and the swamp itself is open for public use. 

Since it connects to many saltwater and freshwater creeks and river systems, Cedar Swamp offers an abundance of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, red drum, and bluegill for anglers. These fish often hide in grass beds or ledges. Their schools are often visible in fast waters and underneath rock formations or dead grass as these create the best habitat for varieties of bass and bluegill. These fish give off many bites to baits consisting of rubber worms and even live shrimp. 

Although most of the old structures of Florida have been replaced by residential buildings, Cedar Swamp still offers beautiful scenery to anglers thanks to the nearby town of Maytown to the west and Ed Austin Regional Park to the north.