About Hillsborough, FL

The Hillsborough River has been flowing for about 27,000 years. It begins in the Green Swamp area of Pasco and Polk Counties together with three other rivers: the Withlacoochee, Peace, and Ocklawaha. From its headwaters, the river flows in a southwesterly direction for about 54 miles. It then empties into Hillsborough Bay. As the river runs its course, it bisects Hillsborough County. Hillsborough passes through various landscapes which range from rural to suburban to urban settings.

Hillsborough River first appeared on a British map in 1769. Back then, the watershed of the river was a land covered by a luscious forest. There were majestic bald cypress, longleaf pine, and sand live oak that remained untouched for more than hundreds of years. Until 1913, the area of the river began to be logged. As a result, the ecosystems in this area were altered and trees such as water ash and water locust were able to grow rapidly. 

Today, the Hillsborough River remains home to many different species of land and water-dwelling animals. 

All About Fishing Hillsborough, FL

The wildlife in the Hillsborough River Corridor remains prevalent, both upstream of the dam and downstream of the lower river.  The river is home to various freshwater species, which are predominantly found upstream of the dam. It is also home to some saltwater fish that inhabit the river downstream the dam. The river also provides natural shores that open opportunities for nesting and juvenile aquatic animals. In addition, the water quality of the river is considered good and is tested periodically which makes the river a thriving habitat for different water-dwelling species.  Some of the species found in the river include black crappie, bluegill, bowfin, channel catfish, Florida gar, brown bullhead, longnose gar, redfin pickerel, redbreast sunfish, spotted sunfish, white catfish, warmouth, redear sunfish, chain pickerel, and blue tilapia. But the most popular species caught in Hillsborough River are largemouth bass, common snook, and red drum.

If you are wondering what the perfect fishing technique is when fishing in Hillsborough, you will never go wrong with jigging and fly fishing. Just like any other freshwater fishing, you might want to consider areas structured along the bank, such as sunken trees or overhanging branches as these are where most of your target will reside. In case the current in the river is strong, cast your bait upstream and allow your fly to drift down towards the calmer area as fish often seek refuge there. In addition, rock piles are also a good spot to land on some fish as they often rest on the downstream side of the rock pile when they travel upstream.

If you want to explore Hillsborough Rover, there are plenty of fishing charters operating in the area. These charters can guide you on which spots are best to cast your line on if you’re looking for a particular fish, especially if you are new in the area.

Fishing Seasonality

Hillsborough River is home to an abundant number of saltwater and freshwater species. This makes fishing in the Hillsborough River productive any time of the year. So, you can book your trip here anytime and expect to land a catch. However, angling in the Hillsborough River is best during the summer months of June to September when fish are active and aggressive. Likewise, casting your bait from 12:41 AM to 2:41 AM is recommended for some angling action. But, if this is too late for you, you may also opt to fish from &:30 am to 9:30 am, or from 1:00 Pm to 3:00 PM for a productive catch.

You have to remember though that fishing success in Hillsborough River will depend on the barometric pressure and weather changes. That is why it is important to check on the weather and river conditions when planning your trip to the Hillsborough River. 

Fishing Seasonality

Hillsborough River is home to an abundant number of saltwater and freshwater species. This makes fishing in the Hillsborough River productive any time of the year. So, you can book your trip here anytime and expect to land a catch. However, angling in the Hillsborough River is best during the summer months of June to September when fish are active and aggressive. Likewise, casting your bait from 12:41 AM to 2:41 AM is recommended for some angling action. But, if this is too late for you, you may also opt to fish from &:30 am to 9:30 am, or from 1:00 Pm to 3:00 PM for a productive catch.

You have to remember though that fishing success in Hillsborough River will depend on the barometric pressure and weather changes. That is why it is important to check on the weather and river conditions when planning your trip to the Hillsborough River. 

All About Fishing Hillsborough, FL

The wildlife in the Hillsborough River Corridor remains prevalent, both upstream of the dam and downstream of the lower river.  The river is home to various freshwater species, which are predominantly found upstream of the dam. It is also home to some saltwater fish that inhabit the river downstream the dam. The river also provides natural shores that open opportunities for nesting and juvenile aquatic animals. In addition, the water quality of the river is considered good and is tested periodically which makes the river a thriving habitat for different water-dwelling species.  Some of the species found in the river include black crappie, bluegill, bowfin, channel catfish, Florida gar, brown bullhead, longnose gar, redfin pickerel, redbreast sunfish, spotted sunfish, white catfish, warmouth, redear sunfish, chain pickerel, and blue tilapia. But the most popular species caught in Hillsborough River are largemouth bass, common snook, and red drum.

If you are wondering what the perfect fishing technique is when fishing in Hillsborough, you will never go wrong with jigging and fly fishing. Just like any other freshwater fishing, you might want to consider areas structured along the bank, such as sunken trees or overhanging branches as these are where most of your target will reside. In case the current in the river is strong, cast your bait upstream and allow your fly to drift down towards the calmer area as fish often seek refuge there. In addition, rock piles are also a good spot to land on some fish as they often rest on the downstream side of the rock pile when they travel upstream.

If you want to explore Hillsborough Rover, there are plenty of fishing charters operating in the area. These charters can guide you on which spots are best to cast your line on if you’re looking for a particular fish, especially if you are new in the area.