About Mitchell River, FL

Mitchell River is a 5.7-mile freshwater river on the south side of Walton County, Florida; it is located east of Choctawhatchee Bay, on top of the Choctawhatchee River. Lafayette Creek Wildlife Management Area, found north of the river, is a popular destination for weekend getaways. 

Exploring nature is one of the most popular activities around the Mitchell River. Boating, kayaking, paddling, and fishing can be done in the river. Bird watching, picnicking, camping, and wildlife viewing are among land activities that can be done in the area. Campsites are found around Mitchell River to offer space and a good view for families who come to picnic or camp overnight. Locals have also built several sheds and shelters, and even barbeque spots. Around Mitchell River, The Outpost RV Park and Calypso RV Park are among the many places where locals and visitors go camping, eat, and enjoy music. Windswept Dunes Golf Club is a nearby golf course for people that want the sport. The community around Mitchell River is tight but very friendly and welcoming to visitors.

All About Fishing in Mitchell River, FL

Mitchell River has a  very healthy ecosystem. Trees such as cypress and juniper are found along the river banks, some even bent over the water. These trees allow birds, especially wetland raptors like swallow-tailed kites, hawks, and ospreys, to perch on and look for prey. Other wetland birds also contribute to the food chain in the river. The trees also serve as a habitat for other land animals. During spring and summer, flowers and plants like spider lilies, pickerelweed, trumpet vines, and water lilies bloom along the sides of the river. There are several sloughs in the Mitchell River like its neighbor, Black Creek. Fish species found in the lake include redfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, sea trout, redear sunfish, snapper, crappie, and bluegill. Alligators occasionally appear in the banks, especially when looking for food. Fly fishing is the most common fishing technique in the river. The best baits used are live finger mullets and shad. Local anglers are mostly found in the river alone or with their picnicking families on weekends. When jigging, shad-like lures are recommended, along with other fish-colored ones. Colored jigs can also be used but are not as effective as natural fish-like ones.

Fishing Seasonality

Bass fishing is excellent during spring and fall. The best time to fish in Mitchell River is at 4 o’clock in the afternoon and when the water level is low. Out-going tide during dusk is a perfect opportunity to catch some snappers that went to the river’s surface to look for food. January is the coldest month averaging 36.7 degrees Fahrenheit, and the hottest is July, averaging 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid backwater slough areas when the weather is hot because fish will move out of these areas due to low dissolved oxygen levels. The highest precipitation falls in July, 7.67 inches, and the lowest in October, which is 3.23 inches. The river has very high precipitation levels on record. 

Fishing Seasonality

Bass fishing is excellent during spring and fall. The best time to fish in Mitchell River is at 4 o’clock in the afternoon and when the water level is low. Out-going tide during dusk is a perfect opportunity to catch some snappers that went to the river’s surface to look for food. January is the coldest month averaging 36.7 degrees Fahrenheit, and the hottest is July, averaging 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid backwater slough areas when the weather is hot because fish will move out of these areas due to low dissolved oxygen levels. The highest precipitation falls in July, 7.67 inches, and the lowest in October, which is 3.23 inches. The river has very high precipitation levels on record. 

All About Fishing in Mitchell River, FL

Mitchell River has a  very healthy ecosystem. Trees such as cypress and juniper are found along the river banks, some even bent over the water. These trees allow birds, especially wetland raptors like swallow-tailed kites, hawks, and ospreys, to perch on and look for prey. Other wetland birds also contribute to the food chain in the river. The trees also serve as a habitat for other land animals. During spring and summer, flowers and plants like spider lilies, pickerelweed, trumpet vines, and water lilies bloom along the sides of the river. There are several sloughs in the Mitchell River like its neighbor, Black Creek. Fish species found in the lake include redfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, sea trout, redear sunfish, snapper, crappie, and bluegill. Alligators occasionally appear in the banks, especially when looking for food. Fly fishing is the most common fishing technique in the river. The best baits used are live finger mullets and shad. Local anglers are mostly found in the river alone or with their picnicking families on weekends. When jigging, shad-like lures are recommended, along with other fish-colored ones. Colored jigs can also be used but are not as effective as natural fish-like ones.