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Fishing in Duval County, Florida
Seat: Jacksonville. FWC North Central region.
- 73launches
- 8lakes
- 14piers
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Duval County, Florida
Where to fish in Duval County
Duval County, with its seat at Jacksonville, is in the FWC North Central freshwater region. The Census Bureau puts Duval County at 763 square miles of land and 156 of water. FWC ramp records show 73 open public launches in Duval County: 26 on fresh water and 47 on salt or brackish water.
Duval County has 8 lakes with an FWC fishing page, the largest being Pope Duval Ponds. On the Duval County coast FWC lists 14 fishing piers, 10 beach accesses with fishing and 107 artificial reef deployments.
73public launches
8FWC lakes
14fishing piers
107reef deployments
Map
Fishing spots across Duval County
FWC boat ramp inventory, pier finder and lake sites, checked October 2026.
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Duval County lakes
- Pope Duval Ponds2 ramps
- Hanna Park Ponds27 acres, 2 ramps
- Baymeadows Lake0 ramps
- Bethesda Pond15.7 acres, 1 ramp
- St. Augustine Road Ponds2 ramps
- Oceanway Pond6.3 acres, 0 ramps
- Huguenot Pond2.7 acres, 0 ramps
- Crystal Springs Park Pond1.8 acres, 0 ramps
Launches
Duval County ramp list
Freshwater launches, Duval County (26)
- Alejandro Garces Camp Tomahawk Park Paddlecraft AccessGoodby's Creek, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Baymeadows Regional Park- Fish Management Area Primitive RampBaymeadows Regional Park, 1 lane ramp, free, flush toilet
- Chelsea Street Kayak Access at McCoy CreekMcCoy's Creek, paddle launch, free
- County Dock Hand Launch AreaSt. Johns River, paddle launch, free, portable toilet
- Curtis Lee Johnson Marina Park Public Boat Ramp (aka. Lighthouse Marina)Cedar River, 2 lane ramp, free, 15 trailer spaces
- Earl Johnson City Park – St. Augustine Road Fish Management Area North Hand Launch Ramp (No Gas Motors)St. Augustine Road Fish Management Area North Pond, paddle launch, free, 3 trailer spaces
- Earl Johnson City Park – St. Augustine Road Fish Management Area South Hand Launch Ramp (No Gas Motors)St. Augustine Road Fish Management Area South Pond, paddle launch, free, 6 trailer spaces
- Goodby's Creek Boat RampSt. Johns River – Goodby's Creek, 3 lane ramp, free, 38 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Hood Landing Public Boat RampSt. Johns River – Julington Creek, 1 lane ramp, free, 10 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Huguenot Park Fish Management Area Hand LaunchHuguenot Lagoon, paddle launch, free, 3 trailer spaces
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Fish Management Area- Kayak Launch DockHanna Park Lake, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Fish Management Area- Primitive Boat RampHanna Park Lake, 1 lane ramp, fee, 3 trailer spaces
- Lake Bethesda Park – Adaptive Kayak LaunchBethesda Pond, paddle launch, free
- Mandarin Park Boat RampSt. Johns River – Julington Creek, 2 lane ramp, free, 43 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Mandarin Park Kayak Launch DockJulington Creek, paddle launch, free, 14 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Nathan Krestul Park Paddlecraft AccessChristopher Creek, paddle launch, free
- Oceanway Fish Management Area Hand Launch Ramp (No Gas Motors)Oceanway Lake, paddle launch, free
- Palmetto Leaves Regional Park Canoe LaunchJulington Creek – Big Davis Creek, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Pope Duval Fish Management Area East Pond – Hand Launch Ramp (No Gas Motors)Pope Duval East Pond, paddle launch, free, 3 trailer spaces
- Ringhaver Park Kayak Launch (Long Portage!)Ortega River, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- River Oaks Park Paddlecraft AccessCraig Creek, paddle launch, free
- Seminole Park Paddlecraft AccessOrtega River, paddle launch, free
- Stinson Park Paddlecraft and Dinghy DockOrtega River, paddle launch, free
- Thomas Creek Preserve Boat RampThomas Creek, 1 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Thomas Creek Preserve Kayak Launch DockThomas Creek, paddle launch, free, 12 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Wayne B Stevens ParkOrtega River, 4 lane ramp, free, 39 trailer spaces, flush toilet
Saltwater launches, Duval County (47)
- Alimicani Unimproved Ramp (at Huguenot Memorial Park)Fort George River, 4 lane ramp, free, 15 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Arlington Lions Club Park & Boat RampSt. Johns River, 2 lane ramp, free, 32 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Arlington Road Public Boat RampSt. Johns River, 2 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Bee Street Park – Paddlecraft AccessSaint Johns River, paddle launch, free
- Bert Maxwell Boat RampSt. Johns River – Trout River (Jacksonville), 4 lane ramp, free, 40 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Betz-Tiger Point Preserve Edwards Creek Day Use Area Kayak LaunchEdwards Creek, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Big Talbot Island State Park Boat RampNassau Sound / Nassau River, 1 lane ramp, fee, 31 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Blue Cypress Park Canoe AccessSt. Johns River, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Castaway Island Preserve Kayak DockAtlantic Intercoastal Waterway, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Charles Reese Memorial Park Kayak LaunchSt. Johns River – Trout River (Jacksonville), paddle launch, free
- Cradle Creek Preserve Kayak Launch (Long Portage!)Cradle Creek – San Pablo Creek, paddle launch, free
- Dinsmore Boat LandingSt. Johns River – Trout River (Jacksonville), 2 lane ramp, free, 5 trailer spaces
- Dutton Island Park & Preserve – North Kayak LaunchPablo Creek, paddle launch, free, composting toilet
- Dutton Island Park & Preserve – South Kayak LaunchPablo Creek, paddle launch, free, composting toilet
- Fort George Island State Park Ribault Club Small Boat LaunchFort George Sound, 1 lane ramp, free, portable toilet
- Fulton Road Unimproved LandingSt. Johns River, 1 lane ramp, free, 2 trailer spaces
- Half Moon Island Preserve Boat RampNassau River, 1 lane ramp, free, 22 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Harbor View Public Boat RampRibault River, 2 lane ramp, free, 6 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Haulover Creek Undeveloped Launch SiteHaulover Creek, paddle launch, free
- Huguenot Memorial Park – Non-Motorized Boat Beach Access Points, JacksonvilleAtlantic Ocean, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Huguenot Memorial Park – Non-Motorized Boat Beach Access Points, JacksonvilleFt. George Sound, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Huguenot Memorial Park – Non-Motorized Boat Beach Access Points, JacksonvilleSt. Johns River, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Jim King Park at Sisters Creek – Boat RampSt. Johns River – Sisters Creek, 4 lane ramp, free, 50 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Jim King Park at Sisters Creek – Kayak Launch Dock, JacksonvilleIntracoastal Waterway, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Jim King Park at Sisters Creek – Kayak Launch Dock, JacksonvilleIntracoastal Waterway Creeks, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Joe Carlucci Sisters Creek Park – Boat RampSt. Johns River – Sisters Creek, 2 lane ramp, free, 34 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Joe Carlucci Sisters Creek Park – Paddlecraft Launch BeachSt. Johns River, paddle launch, free, 34 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Lake Bethesda Park – Primitive FMA Ramp (Electric Motors Only)Bethesda Lake, 1 lane ramp, free, 1 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Little Talbot Island State Park – Campround Paddlecraft Launch (Registered Campers Only), paddle launch, fee
- Little Talbot Island State Park – Kayak Amelia Non-Motorized LaunchSimpson Creek, paddle launch, fee, 4 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Lonnie Wurn Boat RampSt. Johns River, 1 lane ramp, free, 9 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- McCue Park and Boat RampAtlantic ICW (Duval County), 4 lane ramp, free, 35 trailer spaces, portable toilet, temporarily closed
- Michael B. Scanlon Mayport Boat RampSt. Johns River, 9 lane ramp, free, 75 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- New Berlin Public Boat RampSt. Johns River, 1 lane ramp, free, 2 trailer spaces
- North Bank River Walk – Gefen Park Paddlecraft AccessSaint Johns River, paddle launch, free
- North Shore Park Kayak LaunchSt. Johns River – Trout River (Jacksonville), paddle launch, free
- Oak Harbor Boat Ramp (Restricted to shallow draft boats)Atlantic ICW (Duval County), 1 lane ramp, free, 26 trailer spaces
- Palms Fish Camp Public RampSt. Johns River – Clapboard Creek, 1 lane ramp, free, 14 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Pottsburg Creek Public Boat RampPottsburg Creek, 2 lane ramp, free, 14 trailer spaces
- Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park Canoe / Kayak LaunchPumpkin Hill Creek, paddle launch, free
- Reddie Point Preserve Canoe AccessSt. Johns River, paddle launch, free, portable toilet
- Ribault River Preserve Canoe AccessRibault River, paddle launch, free, portable toilet
- Riverview Park Boat RampSt. Johns River – Trout River (Jacksonville), 1 lane ramp, free, 5 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- St Johns Marina (Downtown Jacksonville)St. Johns River, 2 lane ramp, free, 14 trailer spaces, temporarily closed
- T.K. Stokes Public Boat RampRibault River, 1 lane ramp, free, 20 trailer spaces
- Tide Views Preserve Canoe Landing (Long Portage!)Pablo Creek, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Timucuan Eco & Historic Preserve – Cedar Point Boat RampSisters Creek / Horseshoe Creek, 1 lane ramp, free, 6 trailer spaces, composting toilet
FWC Florida Boat Ramp Inventory, open and temporarily closed launches only.
Coast
Salt water in Duval County
Where to fish a pier in Duval County
- Arlington Lions Club ParkSt. Johns River
- Bert Maxwell Boat RampTrout River
- Blue Cypress ParkSt. Johns River
- Browns CreekSt. Johns River/Browns Creek
- County Dock Rd. Fishing PierSt. Johns River
- Dames Point ParkSt. Johns River
- Dutton Island PreserveSan Pablo Creek
- Helen Cooper Floyd ParkSt. Johns River
- Jacksonville Beach Fishing PierAtlantic Ocean
- Jim King Park at Sisters CreekSister's Creek
- Reddie Point PreserveSt. Johns River
- Rotary ParkSan Pablo Creek
- Trout River NorthTrout River
- Trout River SouthTrout River
Bay pages for Duval County
Inlets and jetties in Duval County
- Nassau Soundinlet
- Fort George Inletinlet
- St. Johns Riverinlet
- North Jettyjetty
- South Jettyjetty
FWC reefs off Duval County
Reef builders have sunk 107 deployments off Duval County, from 15 to 125 feet deep.
Duval County inshore limits, FWC Northeast region
| Species | Bag | Size | Season | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum | 1 a day | 18-27 in. TL | Open year-round | Northeast Region |
| Snook | 1 a day | 28-32 in. TL | Closed December 15 – January 31, and June 1 – August 31 | Northeast Region |
| Spotted seatrout | 3 a day | 15-19 in. TL | Open year-round | Northeast Region |
| Flounder | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | Closed annually Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 | Statewide |
| Sheepshead | 8 a day | 12 in minimum | Open year-round | Statewide |
| Black drum | 5 a day | 14-24 in. with one fish over 24 in. | Open year-round | Statewide |
FWC pier finder, artificial reef layer and saltwater regulations, checked October 2026.
Rivers
River access and gauges in Duval County
- St. Johns River26 launches in Duval County
- Nassau River1 launch in Duval County
- Ortega River4 launches in Duval County
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Julington Crk At Old St August Rd Nr Bayard, Fl | -136 cfs, 1.10 ft gage height | Nov 9 11:15 pm |
| Ortega River At Kirwin Road Near Jacksonville,fl | 23 cfs, 6.30 ft gage height | Nov 9 11:45 pm |
| Pottsburg Creek Nr South Jacksonville, Fla. | 11 cfs, 19.89 ft gage height | Nov 9 11:45 pm |
| Cedar River At San Juan Avenue At Jacksonville, Fl | 203 cfs, 12.94 ft gage height | Nov 10 12:00 am |
| Pottsburg Crk At Us90 Nr S. Jacksonville, Fl | 316 cfs, 1.82 ft gage height | Nov 9 11:30 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 10, 2026 12:33 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Stocking and records
What FWC stocks in Duval County
Hatchery releases in Duval County
| Water | Fish | Species |
|---|---|---|
| St. Johns River | 160,000 | Sunshine Bass Fingerlings (1 – 2 inches) |
| Bethesda FMA | 34,920 | Channel Catfish – Sub Adult (> 6 inches), Black Crappie Fingerlings (1 – 2 inches) |
| Hanna Park FMA | 24,615 | Channel Catfish – Sub Adult (> 6 inches), Striped Bass Hybrids (Sunshine Bass) |
| Pope Duval East FMA | 17,580 | Channel Catfish – Sub Adult (> 6 inches), Bluegill Fingerlings |
| Oceanway FMA | 15,105 | Bluegill Fingerlings (1 – 4 inches), Channel Catfish – Sub Adult (> 6 inches) |
| St. Augustine Road South FMA | 12,600 | Channel Catfish – Sub Adult (> 6 inches), Striped Bass Hybrids (Sunshine Bass) |
| Bay Meadows FMA | 9,030 | Channel Catfish – Sub Adult (> 6 inches), Atlantic Striped Bass Fingerlings |
| Crystal Springs FMA | 8,010 | Bluegill Fingerlings (1 – 4 inches), Channel Catfish – Sub Adult (> 6 inches) |
FWC Completed Stockings reports 2021-22 to 2023-24 and FWC freshwater state records.
Local help
Who to call in Duval County
Duval County bait and tackle
- Anglers Choice Taxidermybait and tackle, Jacksonville
- Arlington Bait-Tacklebait and tackle, Jacksonville
- B & M Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Jacksonville
- Brown Creek Fish Camp Incbait and tackle, Jacksonville
- C and H Luresbait and tackle, Jacksonville
- Jones Road Outpostbait and tackle, Jacksonville
- Rick's Bait Tackle & Marinebait and tackle, Jacksonville Beach
- Sierrabait and tackle, Jacksonville
- Steves Tackle Boxbait and tackle, Jacksonville
- Strike-Zone Fishingbait and tackle, Jacksonville
- T Allen Rods Incbait and tackle, Jacksonville
- Thrifty Bait & Tackle Centerbait and tackle, Jacksonville
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Jacksonville, 9041 Southside Blvdsporting goods store, Jacksonville
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Jacksonville, 11901 Atlantic Blvdsporting goods store, Jacksonville
- Arlington Marina Incmarina, Jacksonville
- Bill Dye Marinamarina, Jacksonville
- Black Fly Outfitterfly shop, Jacksonville
- Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurantmarina, Jacksonville Beach
- Cedar Creek Marinamarina, Jacksonville
- Clapboard Creek Marina Incmarina, Jacksonville
- DICK'S Sporting Goods Jacksonville, 14964 Max Leggett Parkway, Suite 300sporting goods store, Jacksonville
- DICK'S Sporting Goods Jacksonville, 10390 Midtown Parkwaysporting goods store, Jacksonville
- Fort George Island Marinamarina, Jacksonville
- Green Acres Sporting Goodssporting goods store, Jacksonville
- Harbortown Marinamarina,
- Jim King Marinamarina,
- Julington Creek Marinamarina, Jacksonville
- Julington Creek Pier #3 Marina and Dry Storagemarina, Jacksonville
- Lake Shore Dry Storagemarina, Jacksonville
- Mandarin Holiday Marinamarina, Jacksonville
Duval County guides and charters
- Adventures-North Florida Fishing Chartersinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 707-8328
- All Tackle Chartersinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 334-5265
- B & B Saltwater Chartersinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 463-3822
- Backwater Fishing Adventuresinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 996-8226
- Beaches Fishing Chartersinshore, Jacksonville Beach, (904) 343-3474
- Capt Cook Chartersinshore, Neptune Beach, (904) 710-7537
- Capt Johns Fishing Adventuresinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 545-9633
- Captain Bob's Fishing Chartersinshore, Neptune Beach, (904) 613-1639
- Clapboard Creek Fish Campinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 751-0094
- Fish Camp Marineinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 751-0094
- Fishbuster Chartersinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 838-7381
- Freedom Boat Clubinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 588-2417
- Hillbilly Luck Fishing Chartersinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 394-2205
- Hooker Charters & Guide Serviceinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 333-8684
- Howard James Fishinginshore, Jacksonville, (904) 651-9557
- Island Party Entertainment / Boat Chartersinshore, jacksonville, (904) 219-5904
- Jacksonville Fishing Tripsinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 866-8055
- Katy Fishing Chartersinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 982-4075
- Louie's Marine Servicesinshore, Jacksonville, (904) 210-3100
- Northeast Florida Anglinginshore, Neptune Beach, (904) 570-7878
Nearby
Beyond Duval County
Where to stay in Duval County
- Jacksonvillepop. 949,611
- Jacksonville Beachpop. 23,830
- Atlantic Beachpop. 13,513
Neighbors of Duval County
- Nassau County20 miles north
- Clay County27 miles southwest
- St. Johns County34 miles southeast
- Baker County39 miles west
Gallery
Shorelines close to Duval County
Photo: Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Javier Vidal, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
Photo: US Forest Service – Southern Region, Public domain
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Answers
Questions about fishing in Duval County
Are there boat ramps in Duval County?
There are 73 open launches (26 fresh, 47 salt).
What is the main fishing lake in Duval County?
Pope Duval Ponds.
Does Duval County have a coast?
It does, with 14 piers, 47 salt launches and 107 reef deployments.
Which FWC region covers Duval County?
The North Central region for fresh water, and the Northeast region for redfish, snook and trout.
Where do I get live bait in Duval County?
42 listings, such as Academy Sports + Outdoors Jacksonville, Academy Sports + Outdoors Jacksonville and DICK'S Sporting Goods Jacksonville.
Are there charters in Duval County?
36 guides give Duval County as home.
Where does FWC stock in Duval County?
Yes, at 20 sites in the years on file.
Where is the Duval County seat?
Jacksonville is the county seat.
Do I need a license to fish in Duval County?
Anglers 16 and up need a freshwater or saltwater license, matched to the water.
Go fishing in Duval County
Each launch, pier and lake has its own page with the details.