Western Lake Boat Ramps |
Fishing Destin Guide© -
Western Lake - Grayton, FL
A local's guide to fishing around Destin and the Florida Panhandle
Western Lake - Grayton, FL
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 Western Lake Grayton FL |
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 lake is part of the Florida State Parks system. Grayton Beach State Park 357 Main Park Road Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459 (850) 267-8300 |
Rules & Regulations: You will have to have a Florida fishing license to fish the lake. You can get it online at this link: Florida Fishing License The lake is open to both electric and gas motor boats |
Fees: There is no fee to use the lake and there is a free boat ramp in the town of Grayton. (See Below). However, if you enter through the Grayton Beach State Park, there are fees. State Park Admission Fee: $5.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. $775.00 per week, plus tax, February 1-July 31. |
Fish species in Western Lake: Bass, bream, Redfish? |
| Nearby Bait & Tackle Stores Yellowfin Ocean Sports GRAYTON (Inside the GENERAL STORE) 32 E. County Road 30A Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 231-1717 Yellowfin Ocean Sports Seagrove Main Store 30 Herons Watch Way Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 850-231-9024 Yellowfin Ocean Sports Watercolor Store Publix Shopping Center 88 WaterColor Way, #111 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 850-231-2440 BJ's Bait & Feed 19323 Hwy 331 S Freeport, Florida (850) 835-9856 Copeland’s Gun Shop 17290 U.S. Hwy. 331 S Freeport, Florida 32439 (850) 835-4277 Half Hitch Tackle 621 Harbor Boulevard (Hwy 98) Destin, FL 32541 (850) 837-3121 |
Links Choctaw. Basin Alliance Dune Lakes Coastal Dune Lakes Powerpoint Hydrology of Coastal Dune Lakes Water Chemistry Western Lake - |
You Tube Videos |
Lodging & Restaurants |
Marinas None |
News & Fishing Reports: Western Lake Fishing - Feb 27, 2014 - |
| Last Updated: January, 2015 |
Camping: Camping Fee: Old campsites - $24.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity. New campsites - $30.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity. Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a social security disability award certificate or a 100 percent disability award certificate from the Federal Government are permitted to receive a 50 percent discount on current base campsite fees. Proof of eligibility Cabin Fees: $110.00 per night, plus tax, August 1-January 31. $705.00 per week, plus tax, August 1-January 31. $130.00 per night, plus tax, February 1-July 31. For more and current information, go to their website Grayton Beach State Park Camping - |
Miscellaneous Information |
Web Cams None |
WESTERN LAKE Description & location: Western Lake is a 214 acre natural lake located approximately 24 miles east of Destin, about a 35-45 minute drive. It is one of the "Coastal Dune Lakes" that are common to this area but are rare throughout the rest of the world. It is relatively shallow, being 8' deep at the best. The lake is primarily a freshwater lake but does have increased salinity from periodic overflows from the ocean during storms and seepage through the ground. It is fed by several small streams with no permanent outflow. When water levels are high enough, it will flow into the ocean. The beach overflow is at the south end of the western lake, next to the town of Grayton. The water in Western Lake is "tannic" . (As vegetation decays, tannins leach into the water, making a transparent, acidic water that is darkly stained, resembling tea or coffee) Although tea stained, it is still relatively clear and is a clean lake. The bottom of the lake is sand with no structure that I know of. There are several areas with lily pads and other floating vegetation if you want to fish a frog or other weedless lure. The lake is divided into four parts, separated by bridges. There is access between the four parts, but bridge heights vary with the water level. The section between the east and western portions of the lake is navigable by kayaks and small boats, depending on water levels. A bass boat would probably run aground. |
Grayton Beach State Park Boat Ramp: There is one boat ramp on the eastern part of Western Lake, within the state park. There is good parking, for over 20 vehicles. |
Holtz Ave Boat Ramp: This is a public, free county boat ramp located in the town of Grayton. Single concrete ramp with a wooden dock. Limited parking (3-4 vehcicles) |
