Fishing is permitted year round. A valid state of Florida freshwater fishing license is required.
Bank fishing is available in the canals adjacent to the Refuge impoundments via hook and line only. The impoundments are accessible from the Live Oak Parking lot at the end of Mud Lake Road. You may walk the levees around Pools 1, 2, and 3 to find your perfect fishing spot.
Do not litter! Please clean up any fishing line, bait cans, food, or drink.
Bass, crappie, bream and sunfish are the most commonly caught species. Hook and line fishing is also allowed in Lake Woodruff and streams within the refuge boundaries, however a boat is needed to reach these sites. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates fishing in Lake Woodruff, St. John's River, and the surrounding streams and rivers within the refuge boundary. If you have any questions regarding boating or fishing in Lake Woodruff, St. John's River, or its tributaries, please contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Refuge waters include Pool 1 (50 acres), Pool 2 (150 acres), Pool 3 (245 acres), Lake Woodruff (2,200 acres) and Lake Dexter (1,400 acres). Rivers include Spring Garden Creek (approximately 100 acres), Norris Dead River (100 acres) and various boat-accessible tributaries. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and chain pickerel. Road access to the public use area at the end of Mud Lake Road is fair. The majority of the refuge is only accessible by boat. Local boat launching facilities are north of Deleon Springs State Park, Tedder's Fish Camp, south at Highland Park Fish Camp and Ed Stone State Park.