--- title: "Tallahassee Fishing" url: https://www.heretallahassee.com/fishing-tallahassee-fl/ date: 2026-07-26T13:50:37-04:00 modified: 2026-07-26T14:05:44-04:00 author: "" site: "HERE Tallahassee" attribution: "HERE Tallahassee" --- # Tallahassee Fishing *Source: [HERE Tallahassee](https://www.heretallahassee.com/fishing-tallahassee-fl/) β€” July 26, 2026 by * HERE Tallahassee # Tallahassee FL Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, FWC regulations, and community fishing coverage for Leon County lakes and rivers. Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 0 Waters Profiled **0** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look β€’ Fishing Conditions πŸŒ’ Waxing Crescent Illumination: 69% Air Temp 66Β°F Est. Water 63Β°F Wind 0 mph Pressure 1019 as of 1:15 AM ET Good β€” increasing moonlight; fish feed actively in the morning and evening hours. 94 EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Leon County β€’ Big Bend FL Your Local *Fishing Resource* HERE Tallahassee is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and FWC regulations across Leon County. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip. Current Conditions β€’ Tallahassee Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass HOT Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate. **Top Bait**Crankbait, Swimbait, Jig **Depth**10-20 ft structure Smallmouth Bass FAIR River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie ACTIVE Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish ACTIVE Catfish feeding well in spring and fall. Target deeper holes and channel swings. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream FAIR Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout ACTIVE Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas β€” designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Leon County waters. Always verify FWC regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 66F Clear Feels like 66Β°F as of 1:15 AM ET Wind 0 mph N Humidity 93% Pressure 1019 hPa Est. Water Temp 63Β°F Moon Waxing Crescent Sunrise / Sunset 7:38 am / 7:06 pm Location Tallahassee, FL On-the-Water Tips - Water temps in the prime range β€” bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening. - Calm winds make for ideal casting conditions. Fish will be spooky in clear water β€” use light line and natural presentations. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 66Β°F Optimal Bite Wind Speed 0 mph Calm β€” Ideal Barometric Pressure 1019 hPa Stable β€” Active Moon Phase πŸŒ’ Good EXCELLENT Excellent bite conditions. Get on the water at first light. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TONIGHT Areas Of Fog 76Β° / 66Β° 0 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD FRI Areas Of Fog then Sunny 89Β° / 62Β° 3 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR SAT Sunny 72Β° / 54Β° 18 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD SUN Sunny 70Β° / 54Β° 18 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD MON Sunny 75Β° / 57Β° 15 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity GOOD Local Experts Field *Guides* No Tallahassee-area fishing guides are listed yet. Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Leon County and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days β€” Best deal in Tallahassee Reach all the Fishing traffic in Tallahassee β€” it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL β€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local Tallahassee anglers see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day β€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews I Fished *Here* Share Your Trip Fished a Tallahassee-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Water Body Fished * Select a water body... Other Lake / Pond Other River / Creek Your First Name * How Was the Fishing? * (280 characters max) Species Caught Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill / Bream Trout Multiple Species Other Lure / Bait That Worked Best Spot / Area on the Water Submit Review Community Here *We...* Reel Them *In...* Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from Tallahassee anglers. Your First Name * Where Did You Catch It? Species * Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill Trout Other Weight / Length / Details Tell Us About It * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Catch Cast Them *Cold...* Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage Fishing News *HERE* Presented by [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Local β€” Tallahassee and Big Bend FloridaOfficialTallahassee fishingNo new Tallahassee-area fishing stories this week. Check current Florida fishing rules from the state wildlife agency, and watch this page for the next local report. [View All Tallahassee Fishing Coverage β†’](https://www.heretallahassee.com/?s=fishing) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Tallahassee and Big Bend FL [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the Tallahassee angler β€” rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Big Bend FL waters. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=heretallahassee-20 Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews β€” Tested for Big Bend FL Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=heretallahassee-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $26.96 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=heretallahassee-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=heretallahassee-20 HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B… Lure Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $22.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=heretallahassee-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=heretallahassee-20 Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in… Reel Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $129.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=heretallahassee-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=heretallahassee-20 Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an… Fish Finder Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $159.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=heretallahassee-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=heretallahassee-20 Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS … Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=heretallahassee-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=heretallahassee-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=heretallahassee-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network β€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) Florida DNR FWC *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Leon County waters. Always verify current regulations at myfwc.com. SC Fishing Licenses FL Resident Annual Age 16+ required to fish all public waters $10.00 FL Resident Senior (65+) Reduced rate for FL residents age 65 and over $5.00 Non-Resident Annual Required for all non-SC residents age 16+ $35.00 Non-Resident 3-Day Short-term license for visiting anglers $11.00 Free Fishing Days May 25 (Memorial Weekend) and July 4 β€” no license required FREE Boating Permit (Lakes) Tallahassee municipal water authority permits may be required on select lakes β€” check locally Varies Bag & Size Limits β€” Tallahassee Waters Largemouth Bass 5 combined black bass **Min Size:**Consult FWC β€” statewide minimum may vary; select lakes carry larger minimums Per FWC eRegulations. Combined limit includes smallmouth, redeye, spotted. Smallmouth Bass See black bass limit **Min Size:**12" minimum statewide Per FL fish and wildlife code. Consult FWC for water-specific creel rules. Crappie (Black & White) 20 per day **Min Size:**8" minimum statewide Per FL Code 50-13-220. 8-inch size limit effective 2012. Blue Catfish 25 per day **Min Size:**Only 2 fish over 32" per person Per FWC eRegulations. Select lakes enforce reduced catfish creel limits. Bluegill / Bream 30 per day statewide **Min Size:**No minimum Per FWC eRegulations. Select lakes enforce reduced bream/panfish creel limits. Redbreast sunfish may be counted separately β€” verify locally. Trout (all species) 5 per day trout season **Min Size:**No minimum (stocked) Stocking schedule posted by FWC each season Special Rules & Alerts for Tallahassee Waters - **Municipal Lakes:** Boating permits may be required from Tallahassee Water. Gas motor HP restrictions may apply β€” check current municipal-water rules before launching. - **Select-Lake Rules:** Some lakes enforce larger minimum sizes for black bass or combined daily limits. Verify closures with FWC before fishing. - **Electric-Only Lakes:** Some state-park and municipal lakes prohibit gasoline engines and enforce reduced creel limits. Verify with FWC. - **Free Fishing Days 2026:** May 25 (Memorial Day weekend) and July 4 β€” no fishing license required on these two days. - **Rivers:** Statewide creel limits typically apply. Boating permits generally not required. FWC fishing license required for anglers 16+. Regulations shown are for general reference. Always verify current rules with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at **myfwc.com** or by calling the FWC Wildlife Helpline. Regulations may change each season. Municipal reservoir rules (Tallahassee Water) may be set separately from FWC. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* Feb – Mar Crappie Pre-Spawn Begins Crappie begin staging near structure in 6-10 ft. Bridge and dock pilings are prime staging areas. All Lakes Late Mar – Apr Crappie Spawn Peak Peak spawn in shallows 2-6 ft. Late March through April. Best crappie fishing of the year. All Lakes Mar – May Largemouth Bass Spawn Bass move shallow when water reaches 60Β°F+. Docks and brush piles are top targets. All Lakes Apr – May Bluegill / Bream Spawning Bream spawn in gravel shallows. Easy catching near boat ramps and fishing piers. All Lakes May (FWC) Spring Trout Stocking FWC stocks select Tallahassee area waters. Check stocking schedule at https://myfwc.com/. Select Waters May 25, 2026 Free Fishing Day β€” Memorial Weekend No FL fishing license required. All public waters. Great day to introduce new anglers. Statewide June – Aug Summer Bass & Catfish Peak Fish early/late for bass. Catfish bite all night in summer heat on major lakes and rivers. All Waters July 4, 2026 Free Fishing Day β€” Independence Day No FL fishing license required. All public waters. July 4 Family Fishing Day. Statewide Sep – Oct Fall Bass Turnover & Feed Lake turnover triggers aggressive bass feeding. Topwater produces in early morning on all Tallahassee lakes. All Lakes Oct – Nov Fall Crappie Run Second best crappie window. Fish deeper 12-18 ft as water cools. Main-lake points hold fish. All Lakes Nov (FWC) Fall Trout Stocking FWC fall trout stocking program. Check https://myfwc.com/ for Leon County schedule. Select Waters Dec (TBD) Tournament Season Begins Local bass club tournaments. Check HERE Tallahassee for local tourney dates. Local Lakes Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Leon County water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. FWC trout stocking schedules are published annually β€” visit myfwc.com for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the Tallahassee area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in Tallahassee FL? Yes. All anglers age 16 and older need a FL fishing license to fish public waters in Leon County. FL residents get a resident license; non-residents pay a higher fee. Licenses are available at myfwc.com or at local sporting goods and tackle shops. Two Free Fishing Days β€” May 25 (Memorial weekend) and July 4 β€” require no license. - What are the best fishing lakes near Tallahassee FL? Leon County has multiple public fishing lakes. Consult FWC for a full lake-by-lake breakdown covering largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bream. Municipal lakes may require a boating permit from Tallahassee Water β€” check locally before launching. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in Tallahassee? The best crappie fishing in Leon County is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools. - Can you kayak fish on Leon County lakes? Yes β€” kayak fishing is well-suited for Tallahassee lakes, especially smaller electric-only water bodies. State-park lakes often offer kayak and canoe rentals and allow human-powered craft without a boating permit. Local rivers frequently offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. Consult FWC for blueway maps and put-in/take-out points. - What species can I catch in the local rivers? Rivers near Tallahassee typically hold a diverse bass fishery β€” largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, flathead) are common. Consult FWC for stocking history and fly-fishing recommendations. Wade fishing at road crossings and kayak floats are the most productive approaches. - Do Tallahassee lakes get trout stocked? FWC stocks select Leon County waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the FWC website at https://myfwc.com/ β€” search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current FWC schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near Tallahassee. ITS ALL HERE! Fishing News Near You![THE HERE CITY NETWORK](https://www.herecity.com)[Jacksonville, FL](https://www.herejacksonville.com/fishing/) [Tampa, FL](https://www.heretampa.com/fishing/) [St. Petersburg, FL](https://www.herestpetersburg.com/fishing/) [Orlando, FL](https://www.hereorlando.com/fishing/)