Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest covers 607 miles of North Central Florida and is located east of Ocala and southeast of Gainesville. It was established in 1908 and receives more visitors than any other national forest in Florida. There are over 600 natural lakes and ponds and the forest helps replenish the Florida Aquifer. Ocala National Forest also has an abundance of wildlife such as the Florida black bear, west Indian manatee, alligators, wild hogs, eastern gray squirrels, river otters, and many more. In my opinion, what makes the Ocala National Forest most popular is its natural springs located along the Ocklawaha River.
Ocklawaha River
The Ocklawaha River flows through the Ocala National Forest until it joins the St Johns River near Palatka Florida. The Ocklawaha is 74 miles long and has a few major springs that feed it. Silver Springs is one of these major springs that forms the Silver River and then flows into the Ocklawaha.
Fishing the Ocklawaha River
You can fish in the Ocklawaha River and catch many different kinds of fish species such as Large Mouth Bass, Crappie (spec), Small Mouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, Bowfin, and Blue Tilapia. Just be sure you have your fishing permit because the game wardens like to check for these things.
Springs in the Ocala National Forest
Below are natural springs which flow into the Ocklawaha River located in the Ocala National Forest.
