Florida rivers

Kissimmee River Fishing

12 public launches in 3 counties.

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Florida rivers

Kissimmee River fishing and access

12 public launches line the Kissimmee River, with 12 on fresh water and 0 on brackish water. Launches sit in Highlands County, Okeechobee County and Polk County.

12public launches
3counties
3paddle launches
Access map

Public access on the Kissimmee River

Highlands County

  • Kissimmee River Public Use Area – Bluff Hammock Canoe/Kayak Access (CAUTION: Not usable during low water, see comments)paddle launch, free
  • Kissimmee River Public Use Area – 4 E's Canoe and Kayak Launchpaddle launch, free
  • Kissimmee River Public Use Area S-65D Gravel Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces
  • Kissimmee River Fishing Resort1 lane ramp, fee, 12 trailer spaces

Okeechobee County

  • Kissimmee River Public Use Area – Starvation Slough Airboat Launch1 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces
  • Kissimmee River Public Use Area S-65D Boat Ramp Facility1 lane ramp, free, 15 trailer spaces, composting toilet
  • Platt's Bluff Public Boat Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 30 trailer spaces

Osceola County

  • Kissimmee River Public Use Area S-65 North (aka. Highway 60 or KICCO)1 lane ramp, free, 5 trailer spaces
  • Kissimmee River Public Use Area S-65 South (aka. Highway 60 or KICCO)1 lane ramp, free, 8 trailer spaces

Polk County

  • Camp Lester Fish Camp1 lane ramp, fee, portable toilet
  • Camp Mack's River Resort3 lane ramp, fee, 10 trailer spaces, flush toilet
  • Lake Kissimmee State Park – Accessible Kayak Dockpaddle launch, fee, 27 trailer spaces, flush toilet

FWC Florida Boat Ramp Inventory, grouped by the water body name FWC gives each ramp. Checked October 2026.

Rules

Regulations, Kissimmee River

Nothing beyond statewide limits applies on the Kissimmee River.

FWC regulations checked October 2026. All Florida limits.

Nearby

Close to the Kissimmee River

Where to stay on the Kissimmee River

  • Buckhead Ridge

Tackle along the Kissimmee River

  • Lorida General Bait and Tacklebait and tackle, Lorida, 11 miles
  • Henderson's Fish Campmarina, Lake Placid, 17 miles
  • SFE kites Incbait and tackle, Sebring, 20 miles
  • Lake Istokpoga Marinamarina, Lake Placid, 21 miles
  • Pall Talesbait and tackle, Avon Park, 22 miles

More rivers near the Kissimmee River

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Answers

Quick answers for the Kissimmee River

How much public access does the Kissimmee River have?

12 launches in the FWC inventory: 12 fresh and 0 salt or brackish.

Where does the Kissimmee River flow?

Launches are in Highlands County, Okeechobee County and Polk County.

What can I catch in the Kissimmee River?

No FWC species list covers the Kissimmee River.

Is there a flow gauge on the Kissimmee River?

No USGS flow gauge is listed for the Kissimmee River.

Is the Kissimmee River regulated differently?

No river-specific FWC rule is listed for the Kissimmee River.

Are there canoe launches on the Kissimmee River?

Yes, 3 launches on the Kissimmee River are for paddle craft only.

What license do I need on the Kissimmee River?

Freshwater above the salt line on the Kissimmee River, saltwater below it.

Do Kissimmee River ramps charge a fee?

8 of 12 list no fee.

Where do I buy bait near the Kissimmee River?

Closest shops: Lorida General Bait and Tackle, Henderson's Fish Camp and SFE kites Inc.

Get on the Kissimmee River

Each named launch has its own page with lanes, parking and fees.