Snake Creek Bridge, Islamorada Fishing

Snake Creek Bridge is the Overseas Highway drawbridge at about mile marker 86 in Islamorada. The narrow channel under it funnels bait and gamefish between the ocean and Florida Bay.

• A tidal channel under the last drawbridge in the Keys
• Snook, tarpon, jacks and mangrove snapper are the usual targets
• Strong current in a busy boating channel
• Informal access with limited parking; not a developed fishing spot

The bridge is on the Overseas Highway at about mile marker 86, between Plantation Key and Windley Key in Islamorada.

• Access is by the bank and bridge edges; we could not confirm a designated fishing area or sidewalk platform
• Parking: not confirmed; do not stop on the highway shoulder or block the bridge approach
• Marinas nearby are private; do not use their docks
• Hours and fees: not confirmed

Snake Creek is a narrow channel, so fish move through it with the tide.

• Spring (Mar-May): snook and tarpon begin to feed on bait around the span
• Summer (Jun-Aug): mangrove snapper and jacks, with tarpon at dawn and dusk
• Fall (Sep-Nov): jacks, snapper and seatrout
• Winter (Dec-Feb): seatrout and snapper in cooler water, with snook near the edges on warm days

Use medium spinning gear with 20 to 30 lb fluorocarbon leader, since the pilings and current are hard on light line.

• Snook and tarpon: a live pilchard or mullet on a circle hook, drifted with the flow
• Mangrove snapper: small live shrimp on a knocker rig near the footings
• Seatrout: a soft plastic on a jig head along the edges
• Jacks: small spoons or white jigs
• A landing net helps, since the bank is low and the current strong

Snake Creek connects the Atlantic and Florida Bay, so the Keys' two highs and lows a day push through it.

• The current runs hardest mid-tide; fish just after the turn when it eases
• Moving water brings bait and fish to the bridge shade
• Dawn and dusk are best in summer heat
• Light winds and clear water help; a strong wind against the tide makes the channel rough

This is not a developed fishing spot, and the water is fast and busy.

• Boat traffic is steady; keep your line clear when the bridge opens and boats pass
• The bridge approach is busy with highway traffic; stay off the roadway
• Strong current makes wading unsafe
• Mosquitoes bite hard at dusk in warm months
• Leave at the first thunder in summer storms

We confirmed no public facilities at the bridge.

• Marinas and bait shops are nearby along the Overseas Highway, but we could not confirm which sell to the public
• Restrooms: not confirmed
• Bring water, bait and sun protection
• Parking is limited and rules are not posted that we could confirm

• Check for a legal place to park before you set up; do not use private lots
• Fish the easing tide after the turn, not mid-flow
• Bring weight and a spare leader for the structure
• Expect a draw bridge opening to interrupt traffic and boats
• Read all posted signs; no managing body lists fishing here
• Consider the nearby Channel 2 and Channel 5 bridges for developed catwalks

The bridge is Florida Department of Transportation property over tidal salt water; we found no page listing fishing at this bridge, so read any posted signs.

• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Snook and tarpon have special rules; check FWC before keeping or handling either
• Shore-based shark fishing needs a free FWC permit
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything