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Fishing in Lee County, Florida
Seat: Fort Myers. FWC Southwest region.
- 76launches
- 0lakes
- 19piers
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Lee County, Florida
Lee County for anglers
Lee County sits in FWC’s Southwest region; Fort Myers is the county seat. The Census Bureau puts Lee County at 781 square miles of land and 734 of water. FWC ramp records show 76 open public launches in Lee County: 21 on fresh water and 55 on salt or brackish water.
On the Lee County coast FWC lists 19 fishing piers, 36 beach accesses with fishing and 136 artificial reef deployments.
76public launches
0FWC lakes
19fishing piers
136reef deployments
Map
Ramps, lakes and piers in Lee County
FWC boat ramp inventory, pier finder and lake sites, checked October 2026.
Lakes
Closest FWC lakes to Lee County
No lake inside Lee County has its own FWC fishing page, so these are the nearest ones to Fort Myers.
- Webb Lake17 miles northwest of Fort Myers
- Marl Pits18 miles northwest of Fort Myers
- Lake Trafford25 miles southeast of Fort Myers
Launches
Where to launch in Lee County
Inland launches in Lee County (21)
- Alva Public Boat RampCaloosahatchee River, 1 lane ramp, fee, 17 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Bonita Springs Nature Place – Collum's Trail Kayak LaunchImperial River, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Caloosahatchee Regional Park – Kayak LaunchCaloosahatchee River, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- City of Cape Coral – BMX Strausser Park Public Boat RampCape Coral Canal System, 2 lane ramp, fee, 15 trailer spaces, composting toilet
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 1208 Academy BoulevardCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 6 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 1519 NW 8th TerraceBurnt Store Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 1609 NE 12th StreetCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 1624 NE 33rd LaneCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 5 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 2111 NE 5th TerraceCape Coral Canal System – Cleveland Canal – Cement Pond, 1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 2119 NE 12th AvenueCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 520 SE 23rd PlaceCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 720 SW 31st TerraceCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 24 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 802 SW 7th TerraceCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 4 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 845 Gleason ParkwayCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 921 NW 27th StreetCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces
- City of Cape Coral – Primitive Boat Ramp – 939 Wilmington ParkwayCape Coral Canal System, 1 lane ramp, free, 24 trailer spaces
- Estero River OutfittersEstero River, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Franklin Lock North Recreation AreaCaloosahatchee River, 2 lane ramp, free, 16 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Galt Nature Preserve Kayak LaunchGalt Lake, paddle launch, free, 4 trailer spaces, composting toilet
- Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park – Kayak Launch – Half Mile Long PortageCaloosahatchee River, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Sentinela Boulevard Primitive AccessCanal, 1 lane ramp, 6 trailer spaces
Tidal ramps in Lee County (55)
- Bay Park North Primitive Boat Ramp (Limited Parking)Big Hickory Pass, 1 lane ramp, free, 2 trailer spaces
- Big Hickory Island Water Tower – Bay Side Kayak AccessEstero Bay, paddle launch, free
- Big Hickory Island Water Tower – Gulf Side Kayak AccessEstero Bay, paddle launch, free
- Big Hickory Pass Kayak AccessEstero Bay, paddle launch, free
- Bocilla Island Seaport and Fishing PierCharlotte Harbor – Pine Island Sound, 1 lane ramp, fee, 24 trailer spaces
- Bonita Beach – Melody Lane Right of Way (Not Recommended – No Parking)Estero Bay, 1 lane ramp, free
- Bowditch Point Park Kayak LaunchMatanzas Pass, paddle launch, fee
- Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve Canoe LaunchCaloosahatchee River – Popash Creek, paddle launch, free, 3 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- City of Cape Coral – Burnt Store Public Boat RampCape Coral Canal System, 2 lane ramp, fee, 19 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- City of Cape Coral – Horton Park Public Boat RampCaloosahatchee River, 2 lane ramp, fee, 31 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- City of Cape Coral – Rosen Park Public Boat RampCaloosahatchee River, 4 lane ramp, fee, 55 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- City of Cape Coral – Sirenia Vista Park Kayak LaunchWest Burnt Store Canal System, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- City of Cape Coral – Yacht Club Park Public Boat RampCaloosahatchee River, 2 lane ramp, fee, 31 trailer spaces, flush toilet, temporarily closed
- D & D Matlacha Bait, Tackle and RampMatlacha Pass, 1 lane ramp, fee, 36 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Davis Public Boat RampCaloosahatchee River, 1 lane ramp, fee, 11 trailer spaces
- Franklin Lock South Recreation AreaCaloosahatchee River, 1 lane ramp, fee, 11 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Frizzell-Kontinos Boat Ramp at Punta RassaSan Carlos Bay, 4 lane ramp, fee, 93 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Imperial River Canoe & Kayak LaunchImperial River, paddle launch, fee, 10 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Imperial River Public Boat RampImperial River, 4 lane ramp, fee, 15 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Wildlife Drive Kayak Site EastSanibel Bayou, paddle launch, fee
- J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Wildlife Drive Kayak Site WestHardworking Bayou, paddle launch, fee
- Judd Community Park Kayak LaunchCaloosahatchee River – Hancock Creek, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Lavender's Landing / Bokeelia Public Boat RampCharlotte Harbor – Pine Island Sound – Matlacha Pass, 2 lane ramp, fee, 22 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Lee County Manatee Park Kayak LaunchCaloosahatchee River – Orange River, paddle launch, fee, 10 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Lovers Key State Park – Little Carlos Pass Kayak AccessEstero Bay, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Lovers Key State Park – Main Lagoon Kayak LaunchEstero Bay, paddle launch, fee, composting toilet
- Lovers Key State Park – Motor Boat LaunchEstero Bay, 4 lane ramp, fee, 20 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Matlacha Park Boat RampMatlacha Pass, 2 lane ramp, fee, 28 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Matlacha Park Paddlecraft LaunchMatlacha Pass, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Monroe Canal MarinaSan Carlos Bay – Pine Island Sound, 1 lane ramp, fee, 12 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Mound House Kayak Launch (Limited Days and Hours)Estero Bay, paddle launch, fee, temporarily closed
- Mullock Creek MarinaMullock Creek, 1 lane ramp, free, 10 trailer spaces, flush toilet, temporarily closed
- New Pass – Big Hickory Island Kayak AccessEstero Bay, paddle launch, free
- New Pass – Dog Beach – Bayside Kayak AccessEstero Bay, paddle launch, free, portable toilet
- North Shore Park Kayak Beach (North Ft. Myers – Caloosahatchee River)Caloosahatchee River, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Pine Island Commercial Marina (Weekends and Holidays Only)Pine Island Sound, 1 lane ramp, fee, 30 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Pineland Monument Park Paddlecraft LaunchPine Island Sound, paddle launch, free
- Riverside Park Kayak Launch – Ft. MyersCaloosahatchee River, paddle launch, free, portable toilet
- Russell Park Paddlecraft LaunchCaloosahatchee River, paddle launch, free
- Safe Harbor Pineland Marina, Boat Ramp, Kayak Launch and Ships StorePine Island Sound, 1 lane ramp, fee, 30 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Salty Steve's MarinaSan Carlos Bay – Pine Island Sound, 1 lane ramp, fee, 2 trailer spaces, temporarily closed
- San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach Preserve Paddle Craft LaunchSan Carlos Bay, paddle launch, fee, composting toilet
- Sanibel Bayview Park Kayak Access (Resident Parking Only)San Carlos Bay, paddle launch, free, temporarily closed
- Sanibel Bock Peace Park Kayak Access (Resident Parking Only)San Carlos Bay, paddle launch, free, temporarily closed
- Sanibel Bowman's Beach Kayak LaunchOld Blind Pass, paddle launch, fee, flush toilet
- Sanibel Causeway Islands Park – Island A Paddlecraft AccessSan Carlos Bay, paddle launch, free, portable toilet
- Sanibel Causeway Islands Park – Island B Paddlecraft AccessSan Carlos Bay, paddle launch, free, portable toilet
- Sanibel Island Public Boat RampSan Carlos Bay, 2 lane ramp, fee, 42 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Shady Oaks Park (Ft. Myers) Kayak LaunchCaloosahatchee River – Billys Creek, paddle launch, free, flush toilet
- St. Jude Nature Trail – St. James Creek Preserve – Kayak Access (Long Portage)St. James Creek Preserve, paddle launch, free
- Stringfellow Road Right-of-Way Jug Creek Kayak AccessJug Creek, paddle launch, free
- Tarpon Bay ExplorersTarpon Bay, paddle launch, fee, 5 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Tarpon Street Fishing Pier and Kayak LaunchCaloosahatchee River, paddle launch, free, portable toilet
- Telegraph Creek Primitive Paddlecraft LaunchCaloosahatchee River – Telegraph Creek, paddle launch, free
- Tropical Point Park Kayak LaunchMatlacha Pass, paddle launch, free, portable toilet
FWC Florida Boat Ramp Inventory, open and temporarily closed launches only.
Coast
Saltwater fishing in Lee County
Fishing piers in Lee County
- Caloosahatchee Regional ParkCaloosahatchee River
- Centennial ParkCaloosahatchee River
- Four Mile Cove Ecological PreserveCaloosahatchee River
- Gasparilla Public PierGasparilla Sound
- Lake Kennedy Community ParkCadman Canal
- Lynn Hall Memorial ParkGulf of Mexico
- Matanzas Bridge Fishing PierMatlacha Pass
- Matlacha ParkMatlacha Pass
- North Shore ParkCaloosahatchee River
- Pineland Monument ParkPine Island Sound
- Riverside Park and Community CenterCaloosahatchee River
- Rotary Park, Glover Bight TrailCaloosahatchee River
- Royal Palm ParkCaloosahatchee River
- San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach PreserveSan Carlos Bay
- Sanibel Island Fishing pierSan Carlos Bay/Gulf of Mexico
- Seaport Bocilla IslandCharlotte Harbor
- Tarpon Street PierCaloosahatchee River
- W. P. Franklin North CampgroundCaloosahatchee River
- Yacht Club Community Park Fishing PierCaloosahatchee River
Bays and sounds in Lee County
- Gasparilla SoundCharlotte Harbor system
- Charlotte HarborCharlotte Harbor system
- Pine Island SoundCharlotte Harbor system
- Matlacha PassCharlotte Harbor system
- San Carlos BayCharlotte Harbor system
- Estero Bay
Lee County inlets
- Boca Grandeinlet
- Captiva Passinlet
- Redfish Passinlet
- Unnamed (Lee county)inlet
- San Carlos Bay Entranceinlet
- Estero Passinlet
- Matanzas Passinlet
- Big Carlos Passinlet
- New Pass (Lee Co.)inlet
- Big Hickory Passinlet
- Blind Pass (Lee Co.)inlet
Reef sites off Lee County
Reef builders have sunk 136 deployments off Lee County, from 10 to 90 feet deep.
Lee County inshore limits, FWC Charlotte Harbor region
| Species | Bag | Size | Season | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum | 1 a day | 18-27 in. TL | Open year-round | Charlotte Harbor Region |
| Snook | 1 a day | 28-33 in. TL | Closed December 1 – end of February, and May 1 – September 30 | Charlotte Harbor Region |
| Spotted seatrout | 3 a day | 15-19 in. TL | Open year-round | Charlotte Harbor 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
Moving water in Lee County
- Caloosahatchee River20 launches in Lee County
- Imperial River5 launches in Lee County
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Caloosahatchee River At S-79, Nr.olga, Fla | 2,110 cfs, 2.10 ft gage height | Nov 10 11:45 pm |
| Orange River Near Buckingham, Fl | 11 cfs, 0.72 ft gage height | Nov 10 11:30 pm |
| Imperial River Near Bonita Springs, Fl | 48 cfs, 3.80 ft gage height | Nov 10 11:45 pm |
| Telegraph Creek At State Highway At Olga, Fl | -13 cfs, 0.71 ft gage height | Nov 10 11:30 pm |
| Tenmile Canal At Control Near Estero, Fl | 53 cfs, 5.72 ft gage height | Nov 10 11:45 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 11, 2026 12:32 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Stocking and records
Stocked waters and records in Lee County
Hatchery releases in Lee County
| Water | Fish | Species |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral Park Pond | 11,500 | Bluegill Fingerlings (1 – 4 inches), Redear Sunfish Fingerlings (1 – 4 inches) |
| Flint Pen WMA – East Pond | 10,000 | Bluegill Fingerlings, Redear Sunfish Fingerlings |
| Flint Pen WMA – West Pond | 4,000 | Bluegill Fingerlings, Redear Sunfish Fingerlings |
FWC Completed Stockings reports 2021-22 to 2023-24 and FWC freshwater state records.
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Supplies and guides, Lee County
Shops and marinas in Lee County
- Anderson's Tackle Incbait and tackle, Fort Myers
- Bait Stationbait and tackle, Fort Myers Beach
- Bait-N-Waitbait and tackle, Fort Myers Beach
- Bass Addiction Gear Incbait and tackle, Lehigh Acres
- Big Boys Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Cape Coral
- Bobber's Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Bokeelia
- Bonita Tacklebait and tackle, Bonita Springs
- Cape Tool & Tacklebait and tackle, Cape Coral
- Captain Rob's Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Cape Coral
- Catchum Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Fort Myers
- Cattle Dock Bait Companybait and tackle, Fort Myers
- Center Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Bokeelia
- Chatham Associates Incbait and tackle, Boca Grande
- Chiquita Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Cape Coral
- Crazy Lure Bait and Tacklebait and tackle, Cape Coral
- Estero River Outfittersbait and tackle, Estero
- Feelin' the Mojo Fishing Chartersbait and tackle, Fort Myers
- Fisherman's Worldbait and tackle, Fort Myers Beach
- Fishin Tackle Outletbait and tackle, North Fort Myers
- Flats Fish'r Chartersbait and tackle, Fort Myers
- G3Sportsbait and tackle, Cape Coral
- Great for Baitbait and tackle, bokeelia
- Half Hitch Tackle, 11831 Bayshore Rdbait and tackle, North Fort Myers
- Handy Pantrybait and tackle, Fort Myers
- Jammin Fishing Chartersbait and tackle, Bonita Springs
- Kathy's Bait and Tacklebait and tackle, Fort Myers
- L & L Discount Tacklebait and tackle, Fort Myers
- Lovers Key Bait and Adventurebait and tackle,
- MacAttack Chartersbait and tackle, Fort Myers Beach
- Marinatown Ship Storebait and tackle, North Fort Myers
Hire a guide in Lee County
- Capt Terry Pitz Bait & Fly Fishingfly, Saint James City, (239) 282-9243
- A Fishin Missioninshore, North Fort Myers, (239) 565-2486
- A Jack or Better Charter Serviceinshore, Bonita Springs, (239) 495-9921
- Acme Charter Companyinshore, Fort Myers, (239) 895-8925
- Adrenalin Fishinginshore, north fort myers, (239) 209-1091
- Affordable Guide Serviceinshore, Cape Coral, (239) 209-6741
- All 4 Chuck Fishing Chartersinshore, Cape Coral, (239) 940-4901
- Always Fun Fishing Captain Jim Wheelerinshore, Bonita Springs, (239) 398-3620
- Andrews Fishinginshore, Sanibel, (239) 410-7194
- Aqua Breeze Fishing Chartersinshore, Cape Coral, (239) 244-4887
- Backlash Chartersinshore, Fort Myers, (239) 466-4565
- Blue Line Fishing Chartersinshore, Cape Coral, (239) 560-2469
- Boats And Funinshore, Cape Coral, (800) 991-3259
- Bobby B Fishing Chartersinshore, Fort Myers Beach, (239) 229-9783
- Bonita Fishing Chartersinshore, Bonita Springs, (239) 204-3810
- Caloosa Charters of Floridainshore, Fort Myers, (239) 292-9355
- Calusa Fishing Adventuresinshore, Fort Myers, (941) 677-3474
- Cape Chartersinshore, Cape Coral, (239) 549-5629
- Capt Arthur Schmidt Chartersinshore, Matlacha, (239) 464-9610
- Capt Bob's Sunrise Chartersinshore, Cape Coral, (239) 945-3098
Nearby
In the area of Lee County
Places in Lee County
- Cape Coralpop. 194,016
- Lehigh Acrespop. 114,287
- Fort Myerspop. 86,395
- Bonita Springspop. 53,644
- Sanibelpop. 6,382
- Fort Myers Beachpop. 5,582
- St. James Citypop. 3,876
- Bokeeliapop. 1,855
- Matlachapop. 598
Counties near Lee County
- Charlotte County24 miles north
- DeSoto County45 miles north
- Collier County47 miles southeast
- Hendry County51 miles east
Know your fish
Fish worth targeting at Lee County
Photo: Bob Care – Florida Keys NMS, Public domain
Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC, Public domain
Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
Answers
What anglers ask about Lee County
Are there boat ramps in Lee County?
There are 76 open launches (21 fresh, 55 salt).
What is the main fishing lake in Lee County?
No lake in the county has an FWC fishing page; Webb Lake is the closest.
Does Lee County have a coast?
19 piers, 55 salt launches and 136 reef sites.
Which FWC region covers Lee County?
The Southwest region for fresh water, and the Charlotte Harbor region for redfish, snook and trout.
Where do I get live bait in Lee County?
121 shops and marinas are listed, including Academy Sports + Outdoors Fort Myers, Bass Pro Shops Ft. Myers and DICK'S Sporting Goods Fort Myers.
Are there charters in Lee County?
122 guides are based in Lee County.
Where does FWC stock in Lee County?
Stocking reports list 3 sites.
Where is the Lee County seat?
Fort Myers is the county seat.
Do I need a license to fish in Lee County?
Anglers 16 and up need a freshwater or saltwater license, matched to the water.
Go fishing in Lee County
Each launch, pier and lake has its own page with the details.