About Mitchell River Island, FL          

Mitchell River Island is a 956-acre swamp formed along three surrounding large rivers: Choctawhatchee, Indian, and Mitchell River. It is along the Emerald Coast, and the water from the Gulf of Mexico flows through the swamp, making its vegetation thrive. Unlike most wetlands in Florida with saltwater, Mitchell River Island has freshwater because of the stream flowing from its connected rivers. The swamp is famous among locals and tourists who want to fish or bird watch—many local and visiting anglers in the early hours of the morning fishing in the swamp's waters.        

Beside Mitchell River Island are famous landmarks such as Opossum Island, Bunker Island, Nancy's Cut Island, and Indian Island. Mitchell River Island is under the territory of Freeport City in Walton County, with a population of 75,305 people. The locals have built shelters, pubs, and grilling areas for anglers or tourists to stop by for the night.

All About Fishing in Mitchell River Island, FL       

It is best to consult with local fishing authorities for fishing reports and weather status before planning a fishing trip. A Florida Fishing License is necessary for anglers to fish in the swamp. Coordination with the locals and strict observation of local fishing rules and regulations will help your fishing trip be smooth and enjoyable.  

Makeshift camping and picnic set-ups fill the banks of Mitchell River Island, so it might be hard for anglers to pick an exclusive spot to fish. That is why anglers fish off the sloughs along the swamp, as these are quiet places to stop by and set up fishing equipment. The water on the swamp is not that fast compared to other wetlands in Florida, so bait and lures are easily caught up by the fish.            

While paddling or finding a spot to fish, anglers can enjoy picturesque scenery from the trees found on the swamp. The swamp offers an abundance of flowers such as spider lilies, pickerelweed, water lilies, and trumpet creepers. These flowers make a perfect habitat for wetland raptors and fish. Anglers have reported that catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and spotted seatrout are abundant in this swamp. Juniper and cypress trees stand tall on the land and banks over the water. Birds and other wetland raptors perch upon these frequently.  

Fishing Seasonality     

According to fishing reports, fishing from 1:00 am to 6:00 am is best. This time frame is when the moon comes down, and the sun starts rising. At this time, fish have increased activity and move up towards banks. Fish are grouping up and forming schools to find food and dead organic material from the foliage.       

In the late afternoon or from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, anglers can also get a good catch. The temperature of the swamp is warmer during this time frame, and fish are more visible in the waters.       

During Summer or from early May up to late September, the temperature of the swamp ranges from 85 degrees to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer heat brings in warmer waters and increased activity from the fish. Anglers who want to maximize catch can start as early as 1:00 am and end at 10:00 am or when the sun starts to come down. 

Fishing Seasonality     

According to fishing reports, fishing from 1:00 am to 6:00 am is best. This time frame is when the moon comes down, and the sun starts rising. At this time, fish have increased activity and move up towards banks. Fish are grouping up and forming schools to find food and dead organic material from the foliage.       

In the late afternoon or from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, anglers can also get a good catch. The temperature of the swamp is warmer during this time frame, and fish are more visible in the waters.       

During Summer or from early May up to late September, the temperature of the swamp ranges from 85 degrees to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer heat brings in warmer waters and increased activity from the fish. Anglers who want to maximize catch can start as early as 1:00 am and end at 10:00 am or when the sun starts to come down. 

All About Fishing in Mitchell River Island, FL       

It is best to consult with local fishing authorities for fishing reports and weather status before planning a fishing trip. A Florida Fishing License is necessary for anglers to fish in the swamp. Coordination with the locals and strict observation of local fishing rules and regulations will help your fishing trip be smooth and enjoyable.  

Makeshift camping and picnic set-ups fill the banks of Mitchell River Island, so it might be hard for anglers to pick an exclusive spot to fish. That is why anglers fish off the sloughs along the swamp, as these are quiet places to stop by and set up fishing equipment. The water on the swamp is not that fast compared to other wetlands in Florida, so bait and lures are easily caught up by the fish.            

While paddling or finding a spot to fish, anglers can enjoy picturesque scenery from the trees found on the swamp. The swamp offers an abundance of flowers such as spider lilies, pickerelweed, water lilies, and trumpet creepers. These flowers make a perfect habitat for wetland raptors and fish. Anglers have reported that catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and spotted seatrout are abundant in this swamp. Juniper and cypress trees stand tall on the land and banks over the water. Birds and other wetland raptors perch upon these frequently.