Redfish Hole (Crystal River Preserve State Park) Fishing

Redfish Hole is one of the named fishing areas of Crystal River Preserve State Park: an old borrow pit off Fort Island Trail that is tidally influenced and, the park says, a good winter spot.

• The half-mile walk from the road thins out the crowds
• The park names redfish, trout, snook and flounder as the winter catch
• Free and quiet, in the preserve that surrounds the lower Crystal River
• No restroom or drinking water, so it suits anglers who travel light

The entrance is on the left, heading west, off Fort Island Trail near mile marker 4, between the town of Crystal River and Fort Island Gulf Beach.

• Getting there: follow Fort Island Trail west from US 19 in Crystal River and watch for the park entrance near mile marker 4
• Parking: at the trailhead; no fee
• The walk: about half a mile along the gravel Redfish Hole Trail from the entrance to the fishing area
• Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year
• Carry your tackle in a backpack or bag so your hands are free on the walk

The park describes the Redfish Hole as a winter fishery, and that is when it shines.

• Winter (Dec-Feb): redfish, spotted seatrout, snook and flounder, the park's named targets, plus black drum and sheepshead
• Spring (Mar-May): trout and redfish linger as the marsh warms, with ladyfish arriving
• Summer (Jun-Aug): the park only describes it as a winter spot; expect slower fishing, with ladyfish early and late
• Fall (Sep-Nov): redfish and trout build again as the water cools and bait moves through the marsh

Travel light: one 7-foot spinning rod with 10-15 lb braid and a 20-25 lb fluorocarbon leader.

• Live or fresh shrimp on a 1/8 to 1/4 oz jighead worked slowly along the bottom in cold water
• Soft plastic shrimp or paddle-tails for trout and redfish
• Cut mullet or crab on the bottom for redfish and black drum
• A shrimp under a popping cork along the edges when fish are shallow
• Slow everything down on cold days; winter fish rarely chase fast lures
• A small landing net and pliers in the bag

The pit is tidally influenced, and the Crystal River area gets two high and two low tides most days, usually one bigger than the other, with a range of about 2 to 3 feet.

• Moving water brings bait in and out of the pit and switches the fish on
• After a winter cold front, fish the sunny afternoon when the water has warmed a little
• Very low tides after strong north winds can concentrate fish in the deepest water
• Calm, clear days are best for spotting redfish along the edges
• Avoid summer afternoons, when heat and thunderstorms make the walk hard work

This is a remote, walk-in spot with no services, so plan ahead.

• There is no restroom or potable water; carry plenty of water, especially in warm weather
• The half-mile walk each way rules it out for many anglers with limited mobility
• Summer thunderstorms build fast and the car is a long walk away; head back at the first thunder
• Wear insect repellent, sun protection and closed shoes
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back
• Watch your footing at the water's edge

The park lists no facilities at the Redfish Hole beyond trailhead parking.

• Parking at the trailhead
• No restroom or potable water
• Plan around daylight: the park closes at sunset and there is no lighting
• A hat and polarized glasses help for spotting fish along the edges
• The nearest restrooms in the park are at the headquarters on Sailboat Avenue
• Bring bait, water, food and a bag for your trash

• Save it for winter, the season the park itself points to
• A backpack, one rod and a small tackle box make the half-mile walk easy
• Pack out everything you bring, including old line and bait bags
• Combine a morning here with an afternoon at Fort Island Gulf Beach, farther west on the same road
• If it is slow, the park's Mullet Hole on Sailboat Avenue is another option with restrooms nearby

The Redfish Hole is part of Crystal River Preserve State Park, managed by Florida State Parks; state park rules apply.

• Open 8 a.m. to sunset; no fee
• The park says all fishing must follow state rules on size, number, method of capture and season
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Snook and redfish have FWC rules and seasons for this region
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything