Imperial River Fishing
5 public launches across 1 county.
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Fishing on the Imperial River
The Imperial River has 5 public launches in the FWC inventory (1 fresh, 4 salt). Launches sit in Lee County.
USGS runs 1 live gauge on the Imperial River; current readings are below.
Every public launch on the Imperial River
Lee County
- Bonita Springs Riverside Park Kayak Launchpaddle launch, free, flush toilet
- Imperial River Canoe & Kayak Launchpaddle launch, fee, 10 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Imperial River Public Boat Ramp4 lane ramp, fee, 15 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Bonita Springs River Park Kayak Launchpaddle launch, free
- Bonita Springs Nature Place – Collum's Trail Kayak Launchpaddle launch, free, flush toilet
FWC Florida Boat Ramp Inventory, grouped by the water body name FWC gives each ramp. Checked October 2026.
USGS readings for the Imperial River
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial River Near Bonita Springs, Fl | 50 cfs, 3.86 ft gage height | Nov 11 12:45 am |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Nov 11, 2026 1:32 am ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Rules for the Imperial River
Nothing beyond statewide limits applies on the Imperial River.
Tidal Imperial River, FWC Charlotte Harbor region
| Species | Bag | Size | Season | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
FWC regulations checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Around the Imperial River
Towns on the Imperial River
- Bonita Springs
Bait stops, Imperial River
- Back Bay Marinamarina, Bonita Springs, 1 mile
- Bonita Tacklebait and tackle, Bonita Springs, 1 mile
- West Marine Bonita Springssporting goods store, Bonita Springs, 1 mile
- Naples Marina & Excursions Incmarina, Bonita Springs, 2 miles
- Master Bait & Tackle Incbait and tackle, Bonita Springs, 2 miles
Rivers near the Imperial River
- Caloosahatchee River21 launches
- Myakka River8 launches
- Peace River21 launches
- Manatee River10 launches
Piscifun reels for this water
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Game fish around Imperial River
Photo: Steve Hillebrand, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
Photo: Bob Care – Florida Keys NMS, Public domain
Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
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What anglers ask about the Imperial River
How much public access does the Imperial River have?
5 launches in the FWC inventory: 1 fresh and 4 salt or brackish.
Where does the Imperial River flow?
Launches are in Lee County.
What can I catch in the Imperial River?
No FWC species list covers the Imperial River.
Is there a flow gauge on the Imperial River?
1 USGS gauge report to this page every hour.
Is the Imperial River regulated differently?
No river-specific FWC rule is listed for the Imperial River.
Are there canoe launches on the Imperial River?
Yes, 4 launches on the Imperial River are for paddle craft only.
What license do I need on the Imperial River?
Use a freshwater license on the upper Imperial River and saltwater near the coast.
Do Imperial River ramps charge a fee?
3 of 5 list no fee.
Where do I buy bait near the Imperial River?
Closest shops: Back Bay Marina, Bonita Tackle and West Marine Bonita Springs.
Get on the Imperial River
Each named launch has its own page with lanes, parking and fees.