The St. Johns River near Welaka is famous for bass. People come from all over the state to fish here. The good news is the bite is real all year long. The better news is that there are a few weeks that are extra good. Here is what to know before you book a trip.
A quick yes-or-no answer
You can catch largemouth bass on the St. Johns River near Welaka in every month of the year. There is no "off" season. But spring is the most exciting time. Mid-February through April is when the big bass move up to spawn.
Why Welaka is such a strong bass spot
A few things help:
- The St. Johns River runs slow and deep in this stretch. That makes it easy for bass to live and grow.
- Little Lake George is right next door. It is wide, shallow, and full of bait.
- Big Lake George is just a short run south. It is the second-biggest lake in Florida, at 46,000 acres. Lake George is famous for both largemouth and striped bass.
- The Ocklawaha River meets the St. Johns near Welaka. The mix of waters is full of fish.
That mix of river, lake, and creek mouths gives bass a lot of places to live and feed.
The bass year, month by month
Here is a simple look at how the bass year plays out near Welaka.
Mid-February to April: Spawning season (peak time)
This is the time most anglers wait for all year.
Mid-February is when largemouth bass on the St. Johns River start to spawn. Bass move from deep water into shallow water to lay eggs. They get fired up and they bite hard. The biggest fish of the year often come during these weeks.
What to expect:
- Big females in shallow water
- Aggressive bites near spawning beds
- Heavy bass tournament traffic on weekends
Best baits:
- Soft plastic worms (especially in green pumpkin and watermelon)
- Wacky-rigged stick baits
- Lipless crankbaits
- Live shiners (the local favorite)
May to early June: Post-spawn
After spawning, the bass move out of the shallows and back to deeper edges. They feed hard to recover.
What to expect:
- Steady but slightly slower bite
- Bass moving to creek mouths, drop-offs, and deeper grass edges
- Topwater action at sunrise and sunset
Best baits:
- Topwater lures early and late in the day
- Crankbaits
- Swim jigs
Mid-June to September: Wet season and high water
Florida's wet season runs late spring through summer. When it rains a lot, the river spreads out. Lots of bass leave the main river and move into nearby wetlands.
What to expect:
- Bass spread out across a big area
- Hot, sticky weather (be ready for it)
- Frequent afternoon thunderstorms
- Some great early-morning bites
Best baits:
- Frogs and topwater lures over grass mats
- Plastic worms in heavier cover
- Swim baits in creek mouths
You'll want to be off the water by mid-afternoon most days. Florida storms can pop up fast.
October and November: Fall transition
This is one of the best times to fish that nobody talks about. The water cools. The bass move back to the main river. The crowds are gone.
What to expect:
- Calmer water
- Less boat traffic
- Bass chasing bait near creek mouths
- Great striped bass action at Croaker Hole
Best baits:
- Spinnerbaits
- Crankbaits
- Soft jerkbaits
December to mid-February: Cold water bass
Bass slow down in cold water. They don't stop biting — they just take longer to chase a lure. Pre-spawn bass start staging in mid-February.
What to expect:
- Slower bites
- Big bass setting up for the spawn
- Cooler, comfortable weather
- Manatees in nearby springs
Best baits:
- Slow-moving plastics
- Jigs near deep edges
- Suspending jerkbaits
Best time of day
No matter the month, the first two hours after sunrise are the best for bass on the St. Johns. The water is calm. The bait is active. The sun isn't up high enough to send bass to deeper water yet.
The last hour before sunset is also strong. Topwater bites can happen all the way to dark.
Mid-day in the summer is the slowest time. The sun is high, the heat is heavy, and the bass move deep.
Where to fish
Here are some of the best-known spots near Welaka:
- Welaka Boat Ramp area. The confluence of the Ocklawaha River and the St. Johns is right here.
- Little Lake George. The wide, shallow lake just south of Welaka.
- Croaker Hole Spring. A deep spring in Little Lake George. Great for striped bass year-round.
- Lake George. A short run south. The western shore has many creeks full of bass.
- Grass edges along the main river. Anywhere you see thick aquatic grass, slow down and cast.
What you need to bring
A simple kit:
- A medium-heavy bass rod and reel
- Several lure types (soft plastics, crankbaits, topwater, jigs)
- Hooks, weights, and bobbers
- A Florida fishing license (anyone 16+)
- A measuring tape (Florida has size and bag limits)
- A landing net
- Sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Lots of water
Florida fishing license — quick note
Anyone age 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license to fish here. You can buy one online from the FWC. A short-term license is cheap and covers most visitors.
There are some special rules in this stretch of the St. Johns. Always check the FWC site for current limits before you go. Bag and size limits can change.
A word about safety
- Wear a life jacket. Florida law says you need one on board for every person.
- Watch the weather. Summer storms pop up fast.
- Watch for alligators. They live here. Give them a wide path. Do not feed them.
- Don't drink the river water.
- Tell someone your float plan. Where you launched, where you'll fish, and when you'll be back.
One last thought
People keep coming back to fish Welaka for a reason. The river is big, the lakes are wide, the bass are healthy, and the small-town feel makes the whole trip easy. Whether you pick spring for the spawn, fall for the quiet, or summer for the long days, you can find good bass fishing here.
Plan your trip, bring the right gear, and let the river do the rest. The St. Johns has been making anglers happy for a very long time.
Sources used for this post
- Welaka, FL Fishing — Guidesly
- Fishing in the St. Johns River — Fishingbooker
- St. Johns River Florida Bass Fishing — Bassonline
- Lower St. Johns River and Lakes — FWC
- St. Johns River Bass Fishing Report — SI / OnSI
- St. Johns River Fishing: Best Spots, Timing & Tips — Best Fishing in America
- Fishing & Boating — Visit Welaka
- Little Lake George Croaker Hole — Visit Welaka