Econlockhatchee River Confluenceon St. Johns River - Upper Basin
High water levels mean the river is spread out
- 01High water levels mean the river is spread out, offering expansive but challenging fishing opportunities.
- 02Warmer fall temperatures could still provide some exciting topwater action, particularly in calmer pockets.
- 03Focus on subsurface patterns that mimic common forage like leeches, crayfish, and grub/larvae, especially in the tannin-stained water.
- 04Opportunistic feeders like Bluegill and Crappie may be keying into smaller insect hatches, providing dry fly chances.
- 05Predatory Bass will be actively hunting larger baitfish, making streamers and crayfish patterns highly effective.
What to tie on at Econlockhatchee River Confluence
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Popping Bug (Bass)
On warmer fall days, topwater action can still occur in the St. Johns River. This popper creates an enticing surface disturbance, drawing aggressive strikes from sunfish and bass.
Crappie Jig Fly
Crappie are actively spawning around structure in the spring, making this a highly effective imitation of their preferred food sources.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, excellent for enticing predatory strikes from bass, bluegill, bream, and crappie in the warming spring waters.
Damsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs become highly active in late spring as they migrate to shore, providing an abundant food source for sunfish and bass foraging in weed beds.
Gurgler (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
As spring progresses and water temperatures warm, topwater action for bass and panfish increases, making this popper a great attractor in early mornings and late afternoons.
Crayfish (Fly)
Crayfish are a primary food source for bass and other predatory fish in rocky areas, and this pattern effectively mimics them when stripped along the bottom.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge (Black)
Midges are a consistent food source year-round, and a black midge imitation can entice finicky panfish and even bass in the clear water of the St. Johns.
Mop Fly
This grub/larvae imitation is a consistent subsurface producer, effective across various species including bass, bluegill, bream, and crappie, especially in stained or deeper water.
Gurgler (Bass)
With high summer temperatures and clear skies, topwater action for bass and panfish will be active, especially during early mornings and late afternoons. This popper creates an enticing disturbance to draw strikes.
Florida season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.