About New River, FL

Located in Broward County is New River, which despite its name, is not a river but a tidal estuary connected to tributary canals, waterways, and wetlands such as Everglades, Intracoastal Waterway, and Lake Okeechobee. 

The Seminoles, people of the Glades culture, and the Tequesta people first occupied the area around New River. But, nowadays, there are many residential and urban developments around the extensions of the estuary. One of the most notable extensions was Lock No. 1, the North New River extension, on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places list. 

New River got its name from the Seminole word, “Himmarshee,” which means new water. According to writers of the Work Projects Administration and the history of Seminoles, an earthquake that collapsed the underground river formed the North River estuary. As time passed, the entry point of New River changed every time it was charted due to its shifting sand barrier island. Since then, early explorers of Florida charted this waterbody and named it “New River.”

All About Fishing in New River, FL

Anglers can access the New River either by kayak, motorboat, or any fishing vessel registered with a Florida Fishing License. It has an average depth of 6 feet. Based on the 12,597 water samples conducted by the Tampa Bay Salas, New River’s ecosystem has a good rating with a score of 43.83, based on the scale of 0 (Good) to 60 (Poor). 

Anglers have reported an abundance of freshwater and saltwater fishes in the New River. While fishing, anglers can indulge in the scenery of old Indian settlements and Florida tobacco farms. 

New River is known for its bluegill, largemouth bass, trout, flounder, redfish, and sheepshead. These fish species thrive on vegetation and underwater structures such as seagrass, ledges, and weeds. 

Aside from vegetations, you may find big rock ledges and humps across the New River. These two create a perfect habitat for varieties of bass and trout. Furthermore, slow stretches and water drop-offs near the dams filled with grass beds can also be a sweet spot for fishing.

Outdoor recreational activities are also open to the public in New River. Such activities include cycling, horseback riding, and camping. Of course, these activities are within a designated area only to allow marine life to thrive and for anglers to set up their fishing spots. 

Fishing Seasonality

In the Winter, or from December to February, saltwater fish from the connected rivers of Carrabelle and Crooked River run up to the New River. Anglers can catch varieties of bass and panfish during this season. These fish species can weigh between six to 350 kilograms when seen during the winter. 

Anglers have reported that the best time to fish in New River is during the 4:00 am to 7:00 am window, known as the Lunar Transit, when the moon is coming down. The window of 5 pm to 8 pm can be a good time for fishing, as this is when the moon is coming up. 

Fishing Seasonality

In the Winter, or from December to February, saltwater fish from the connected rivers of Carrabelle and Crooked River run up to the New River. Anglers can catch varieties of bass and panfish during this season. These fish species can weigh between six to 350 kilograms when seen during the winter. 

Anglers have reported that the best time to fish in New River is during the 4:00 am to 7:00 am window, known as the Lunar Transit, when the moon is coming down. The window of 5 pm to 8 pm can be a good time for fishing, as this is when the moon is coming up. 

All About Fishing in New River, FL

Anglers can access the New River either by kayak, motorboat, or any fishing vessel registered with a Florida Fishing License. It has an average depth of 6 feet. Based on the 12,597 water samples conducted by the Tampa Bay Salas, New River’s ecosystem has a good rating with a score of 43.83, based on the scale of 0 (Good) to 60 (Poor). 

Anglers have reported an abundance of freshwater and saltwater fishes in the New River. While fishing, anglers can indulge in the scenery of old Indian settlements and Florida tobacco farms. 

New River is known for its bluegill, largemouth bass, trout, flounder, redfish, and sheepshead. These fish species thrive on vegetation and underwater structures such as seagrass, ledges, and weeds. 

Aside from vegetations, you may find big rock ledges and humps across the New River. These two create a perfect habitat for varieties of bass and trout. Furthermore, slow stretches and water drop-offs near the dams filled with grass beds can also be a sweet spot for fishing.

Outdoor recreational activities are also open to the public in New River. Such activities include cycling, horseback riding, and camping. Of course, these activities are within a designated area only to allow marine life to thrive and for anglers to set up their fishing spots.