Dead Lake Fishing
Gulf County, FWC Northwest region, 6,700 acres.
- 0ramps
- 6,700acres
Photo: The Bushranger, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fishing Dead Lake
You will find Dead Lake in Gulf County and Calhoun County, part of the FWC Northwest region. Its FWC acreage is 6,700. The closest town is Wewahitchka, about 4 miles from the middle of the lake.
Expect Florida bass, yellow perch, bluegill and redear sunfish in Dead Lake, per FWC. FWC names no ramp on Dead Lake; see the closest launches below.
FWC notes on Dead Lake
How FWC says to fish Dead Lake
“There are no facilities at this boat ramp.”
“This lake enjoys an excellent reputation for its Bluegill (bream) and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) fishing in the spring.”
“West Arm Creek of the lake is accessible from Dead Lake State Park and Recreation Area, located off SR-71 just north of Wewahitchka.”
“Care should be taken when operating a motorboat in this lake because it is filled with cypress snags and stumps.”
“Follow Gary Rowell Road east into the park; turn right when the road splits past the pond; the boat ramp will be on the south side of the road.”
“This strangely beautiful 6,700-acre lake with dark tannic waters is located on the Chipola River near the town of Wewahitchka.”
“There are fish camps located around the lake.”
Quoted from the FWC site page: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
Current FWC forecast for Dead Lake
“Bream anglers should fish a wiggler on an ultra-light rod with a number 10 gold hook or a beetlespin around stumps, snags, along weed lines, and in deep holes.”
“Flathead Catfish can be caught in deep flowing areas and behind large snags using sunfish, but keep in mind live sunfish can only be used for bait if collected and fished using hook and line.”
“Florida bass fishing will pick up in the fall as bass move out of the deep holes and feed in shallow waters.”
“Fishing around dusk and dawn in 2 to 3 ft of water with worms, lizards, or live shiners is recommended.”
Quoted from the FWC fishing forecast: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
Launching at Dead Lake
- Iola Landing Public Boat Ramp2 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces, 3 miles southeast
- Dead Lakes County Park1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces, flush toilet, 4 miles south
- Nadine Stone Landing Public Boat Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 6 trailer spaces, 4 miles north
- Gaskin Park Public Boat Ramp2 lane ramp, free, 10 trailer spaces, flush toilet, 5 miles southeast
- Beards / Cox Landing Pay Ramp1 lane ramp, fee, 4 trailer spaces, 5 miles south
- Preacher Glass Park and Boat Ramp at Lake Alice1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces, flush toilet, 5 miles south
Source: FWC Boat Ramp Inventory, October 2026.
What bites in Dead Lake
Keeping fish from Dead Lake
Statewide freshwater limits cover Dead Lake; FWC lists nothing extra.
| Species | Statewide daily bag | Length rule |
|---|---|---|
| Florida bass | 5 | only one 16 in or longer |
| Black crappie | 25 | none statewide |
| Bluegill and other panfish | 50 combined | none statewide |
FWC freshwater regulations, 2026-27 season, checked October 2026. All Florida limits and license prices.
Nearby lakes compared with Dead Lake
| Lake | Distance | Acres (FWC) | Public ramps | TrophyCatch bass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Lake | 6,700 | 0 | ||
| Deer Point Lake | 25 miles west | 5,000 | 7 | 8 |
| Ocheesee Pond | 35 miles north | 2,225 | 1 | 4 |
| Merritt's Mill Pond | 40 miles north | 202 | 3 | |
| Lake Talquin | 41 miles northeast | 8,800 | 15 | 99 |
| Joe Budd Pond | 45 miles northeast | 15 | 1 |
Beyond Dead Lake
Neighboring lakes to Dead Lake
- Deer Point Lake25 miles west
- Ocheesee Pond35 miles north
- Merritt's Mill Pond40 miles north
- Lake Talquin41 miles northeast
- Joe Budd Pond45 miles northeast
Tackle shops close to Dead Lake
- Cook Bayou Marinamarina, Panama City, 19 miles
Communities near Dead Lake
- Mexico Beach21 miles
- Port St. Joe27 miles
- Panama City29 miles
Dead Lake by county
- Gulf Countyseat: Port St. Joe
- Calhoun Countyseat: Blountstown
Fishing Dead Lake: common questions
Where exactly is Dead Lake?
In Gulf County and Calhoun County, about 4 miles from Wewahitchka.
How large is Dead Lake?
FWC puts it at 6,700 acres.
Is there a boat ramp at Dead Lake?
No ramp carries the Dead Lake name in the FWC inventory.
What can I catch in Dead Lake?
Mainly Florida bass, yellow perch, bluegill and redear sunfish, per FWC.
Is Dead Lake good for big bass?
FWC posts no TrophyCatch tally for Dead Lake.
Is Dead Lake a Fish Management Area?
No special FWC rule covers Dead Lake.
Which license do I need for Dead Lake?
A Florida freshwater license, for anglers 16 and older unless exempt; resident annual is $17.
Has Dead Lake been stocked?
FWC lists no stocking at Dead Lake for the last three fiscal years.
What is the water level on Dead Lake?
There is no live gauge on Dead Lake; FWC forecasts note low water.
Head to Dead Lake
Limits and license prices are one click away.