Fishing near Gainesville, Florida
Alachua County, population 141,085.
- 8 milesto nearest lake
- 7launches nearby
Angler pickPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo: spakattacks, CC BY 2.0
Fishing near Gainesville
Gainesville sits in Alachua County with 141,085 residents in 2020. The nearest lake with an FWC fishing page is Newnans Lake, 8 miles east of town. The closest named launch is Earl P. Powers Park Boat Ramp, 7 miles away.
Lakes closest to Gainesville
- Newnans Lake8 miles east, 5,800 acres
- Lake Santa Fe17 miles east, 5,850 acres
- Lochloosa Lake17 miles southeast, 5,700 acres
- Orange Lake18 miles southeast, 12,700 acres
- Lake Sampson20 miles northeast
- Lake Rowell20 miles northeast
Moving water near Gainesville
- Santa Fe River26 miles
Map of spots near Gainesville
- Earl P. Powers Park Boat RampNewnans Lake, 7 miles
- Palm Point Park Kayak Access (Limited Parking)Newnans Lake, 7 miles
- Prairie Creek – Camps Canal Take Out Point (Potano Paddling Trail)Prarie Creek – Camp Canal, 9 miles
- Owen-Illinois Park at WindsorNewnans Lake, 9 miles
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (No Gas Motors)Lake Wauburg, 11 miles
- Waldo Canal ParkLake Alto, 13 miles
- Lake Alto ParkLake Alto, 14 miles
Straight line distances from the census center of Gainesville.
USGS gauges near Gainesville
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe River At Worthington Springs, Fla. | 897 cfs, 15.78 ft gage height | Oct 12 5:15 pm |
| Santa Fe River At Us Hwy 441 Near High Springs,fl. | 435 cfs, 31.95 ft gage height | Oct 12 4:45 pm |
| Santa Fe River At River Rise Nr High Springs, Fl | 399 cfs, 2.97 ft gage height | Oct 12 5:00 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Oct 12, 2026 5:35 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Tackle and charters in Gainesville
Where to buy bait near Gainesville
- Parks Placebait and tackle, Gainesville, 1 mile
- DICK'S Sporting Goods Gainesvillesporting goods store, Gainesville, 4 miles
- Bass Pro Shops Gainesvillesporting goods store, Gainesville, 5 miles
- Alachua Farm & Lumberbait and tackle, Alachua, 12 miles
Near Gainesville
Towns around Gainesville
- High Springs17 miles
- Keystone Heights20 miles
- Fort White28 miles
- Chiefland34 miles
Where Gainesville sits by county
- Alachua Countyseat: Gainesville
Gainesville and nearby water, pictured
Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Mwanner, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: LittleT889, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: LittleT889, CC BY-SA 4.0
Questions about fishing near Gainesville
Which lake is nearest Gainesville?
Newnans Lake, 8 miles east.
Where can I launch a boat near Gainesville?
Earl P. Powers Park Boat Ramp, about 7 miles off.
Which piers are near Gainesville?
No saltwater pier within 25 miles of Gainesville.
Where can I get live bait near Gainesville?
Try Parks Place, the nearest listing.
Who guides out of Gainesville?
No listed guide is based in Gainesville; try the county page.
Which county is Gainesville in?
Alachua County.
Are there reefs off Gainesville?
Gainesville has no reef within 25 miles.
What river can I fish near Gainesville?
Santa Fe River, roughly 26 miles from town.
How do visitors get a license for Gainesville?
Yes; a 3-day non-resident freshwater license is $17.