| Hurricane Lake South Campground Boat Ramp GPS: N |
| Hurricane Lake Centerline Road Primitive Boat Ramp GPS: N |
| Hurricane Lake Road 30 (South) Primitive Boat Ramp GPS: N |
Fishing Destin Guide©
Hurricane Lake
A local's guide to fishing around Destin and the Florida Panhandle
Hurricane Lake
A local's guide to fishing around Destin and the Florida Panhandle
Known as the "luckiest fishing village", Destin is the home to some of the best saltwater fishing in the United States. The 100 Fathom (600' depth) Curve of the Gulf of Mexico draws closer to Destin than any other spot in Florida. This, along with Destin's close proximity to the East Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, allows quick access to the Gulf of Mexico's fishing bounty. The purpose of this site is to acquaint a new fisherman to the Destin area - our local facilities, fish, waters and fishing methods. Tight lines and good fishing! |
Fishing Hurricane Lake |
This web site is updated as I have time from other things going on. As there are a 1000 + different ways to do things, this is only my way of fishing, nothing else, and it is not the last word in fishing the area. I am by no means an expert but if you would like my opinion on something related to fishing the area, please email me at FishingDestinGuide@cox.net. It may take a few days before I get to it, so be patient. Thanks..... © Copyright 2014 Fishing Destin Guide All rights reserved |
Controlling Agency: The area surrounding Hurricane Lake, to include the campgrounds and other recreational facilities, is part of the Blackwater River State Forest controlled by the Florida Forest Service. The headquarters for Blackwater River State Forest is 20 miles north of the town of Milton on State Road 191 in the community of Munson. Florida Forest Service Blackwater River State Forest 11650 Munson Hwy. Milton, FL 32570-9332 (850) 957-6140 (850) 957-6143 Fax The area has been named a Fish Management Area (FMA). This means that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) manages and enforces the wildlife regulations for the Hurricane Lake area for the Florida Forest Service. As such, you will need to comply with the state of Florida general fishing rules plus the specific rules for this FMA. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Blackwater Fisheries Research and Development Center 8384 Fish Hatchery Road Holt, Florida 32564 (850) 265-3676 |
Rules & Regulations: In addition to the Florida Freshwater Fishing Regulations, there are specific regulations that apply to Hurricane Lake. As of December, 2014, these are: Gasoline motors may not be used on boats. (Electric OK) Channel catfish bag limit: 6 No motor vehicles on dams, spillways and fishing fingers. Some points to remember . . . . As in any other waters you fish in Florida, you will need a Florida fishing license unless you do not normally need one, ie under 16, resident 65 and older, etc. Limits as of Dec 2014 are: 5 Black bass, only one of which may be 22 inches or longer in total length. Black bass less than 12 inches in total length must be released immediately. 50 Panfish (includes bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknocker), warmouth and redbreast sunfish, individually or in total. 25 Crappie (speckled perch) |
Fees: As of December, 2014, there are no fees required to use the boat ramps or the area surrounding the lake. |
Fish species in Hurricane Lake: Hurricane lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, hybrid striped bass and channel catfish. The FWC publishes an online Hurricane Lake Fishing Forecast that has some good recommendations. Fish attractors are placed in the lake in several locations. The lake receives a lot of visitors in the summer, so the fish are wary. |
| Nearby Bait & Tackle Stores Mickey's Grocery & Grill 6407 Florida 189 Baker, FL 32531 (850) 537-2566 Bitco Bait & Tackle 7106 Highway 90 Milton, FL 32583 (850) 626-3688 Avalon Bait & Tackle 4400 Avalon Blvd Milton, FL 32583 (850) 626-2151 |
You Tube Videos x |
Lodging & Restaurants |
Marinas None |
News & Fishing Reports: |
| Last Updated: December, 2014 |
| Lake Forums |
Boat Ramps & Launches: There are two improved concrete boat ramps at Hurricane lake and two primitive boat ramps. As of December 2014, there is no fee to use the boat ramps. |
Camping: There are two designated improved campgrounds at Hurricane Lake. The south campground is accessible from Kennedy Bridge Road off Beaver Creek Road north of SR 4. This campground contains primitive (no electric or water hookups) camping sites maintained by the Florida Forest Service. Restroom and picnic facilities are available. Several earthen fishing fingers are located in this area for use by bank fishermen. Construction of a fishing pier in the south campground is planned for the near future. An informational kiosk is located adjacent to the boat ramp. The north campground is accessible from Hurricane Lake North Campground Road off Beaver Creek Road north of Kennedy Bridge Road. A handicapped accessible fishing pier and an informational kiosk are located adjacent to the boat ramp. This campground has campsites with electrical and water hookups which are maintained by DOF. You can not make reservations. Camp sites are on a first-come, first serve basis. The kiosks by the boat ramps have instructions and envelopes for paying for the sites (Honor system). As of Dec 2014, site fees are: Electric & water hookup: $ 20.00 a day Electric only: $15.00 a day There is a 14 day limit. There should be a volunteer camper in one of the slots plus the rangers do come by periodically. For more information, call (850) 957-6140. No swimming is allowed. Alligators are present. Leashed Pets Allowed Camp fires are permitted but must always be attended. You can not cut any trees there so bring your own firewood. |
Miscellaneous Information |
Web Cams None |
HURRICANE LAKE Description & location: Hurricane Lake is a 318-acre man- made lake constructed in 1971 and opened to fishing in 1973. It is designated as a FWC Fish Management Area. It has an average depth of 7 feet and a maximum depth of 25 feet with the deepest areas located near the dam and along the old streambed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. Hurricane Lake is about 60 miles northwest of Destin and is a part of the Blackwater River State Fores. The forest borders the Conecuh National Forest to the north and extends southward toward Eglin Air Force Base. It takes around 1 1/2 hours to drive there from Destin using Hwy 85 and Hwy 4. The headquarters for Blackwater River State Forest is 20 miles north of the town of Milton on State Road 191 in Munson. (Source: FWC) |
| Hurricane Lake North Campground Boat Ramp GPS: N |
