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Harney River

Monroe County, Florida. Harney River midpoint in Homestead, Florida. Harney River ends in Homestead, Florida. 10.19 miles long (16.40 kilometers)

About The Harney River

About Harney River, FL

Anglers from Daytona Beach looking to explore more fishing holes can check out Harney River, which is just 25 minutes from the beach and is found in Monroe County, Florida.

Harney River is a 6,058-acre body of water filled with banks and lily pads. Like Daytona Beach, the Harney River has stained waters, but this does not mean it is dirty and no longer worth fishing over. In fact, it’s the opposite, and the brownish waters indicate that there is much organic matter thriving in the waters and that the fish there have nutrients to feed on. 

This river’s waters reach an average depth of 7 ft, with its deepest being recorded at 15 ft. There are shallow banks all over Harney River, making it easy for anglers to find their sweet fishing spot because this is where the fish usually come up to feed and are more visible even during the later hours of the day. 

Harney River Fishing Description

All About Fishing in Harney River, FL

Fishing in Harney River requires a Florida Fishing License. It is also imperative to follow the fishing ordinances of Monroe County so that anglers may continue to fish here, whether for sport or food. Anglers must also be aware that access to Harney River is limited, although the public can access boats in the Lemon Bluff pier just south of Osteen. 

Harney River is also connected to Tarpon Bay to the east and Ponce de Leon Bay to the west. As the name implies, Tarpon Bay is the home of tarpon that weighs more than 100 pounds. The tarpon drifts to the river most of the time, becoming a good catch for anglers. 

The weather of the Harney River ranges from 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit and can catch winds of up to 9.4mph. Anglers should be ready for slight currents once they leave the shore of Harney River and must prepare baits like redworms and crickets for the fish found here, such as red drum, spotted seatrout, goliath grouper, crappie, and bream. These species reside in shallow waters and form schools around vegetation. The best way to catch them is to do baitcasting near the vegetation and shallow waters, as these are the sweet fishing spots for Harney River. 

Harney River Seasonal & Other Description

Fishing Seasonality

During the early days of June up to late September, red drum move up near the shore to mate, and this is also the best time for anglers to visit Harney Reed to get big catches. 

The fish is more visible throughout the year during the later hours of the day. These fish often form schools in clear water so the bait can be easily set up for them.  

The recommended time to fish is around the late afternoon, from 1 pm to 5 pm, because this is when the fish are visible, and most of them come up to feed,  though be prepared for Florida's warm temperatures. May is also a good month for anglers because it is the spawning season for the fish species found in the Harney River. 

Temperature and Optimal Seasons

Fishing Seasonality

During the early days of June up to late September, red drum move up near the shore to mate, and this is also the best time for anglers to visit Harney Reed to get big catches. 

The fish is more visible throughout the year during the later hours of the day. These fish often form schools in clear water so the bait can be easily set up for them.  

The recommended time to fish is around the late afternoon, from 1 pm to 5 pm, because this is when the fish are visible, and most of them come up to feed,  though be prepared for Florida's warm temperatures. May is also a good month for anglers because it is the spawning season for the fish species found in the Harney River. 

Harney River Fish Species

All About Fishing in Harney River, FL

Fishing in Harney River requires a Florida Fishing License. It is also imperative to follow the fishing ordinances of Monroe County so that anglers may continue to fish here, whether for sport or food. Anglers must also be aware that access to Harney River is limited, although the public can access boats in the Lemon Bluff pier just south of Osteen. 

Harney River is also connected to Tarpon Bay to the east and Ponce de Leon Bay to the west. As the name implies, Tarpon Bay is the home of tarpon that weighs more than 100 pounds. The tarpon drifts to the river most of the time, becoming a good catch for anglers. 

The weather of the Harney River ranges from 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit and can catch winds of up to 9.4mph. Anglers should be ready for slight currents once they leave the shore of Harney River and must prepare baits like redworms and crickets for the fish found here, such as red drum, spotted seatrout, goliath grouper, crappie, and bream. These species reside in shallow waters and form schools around vegetation. The best way to catch them is to do baitcasting near the vegetation and shallow waters, as these are the sweet fishing spots for Harney River.