Fishing spots in Taylor County

Taylor County has the longest stretch of the Big Bend's quiet Gulf coast, a line of marsh, tidal creeks, spring-fed rivers and small fishing communities running from the Aucilla River to the Steinhatchee River south of Perry. The water off it is some of the shallowest and most fertile in Florida: endless seagrass flats and oyster bars full of speckled trout and redfish, with summer scallop season drawing crowds to Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee. Shore access is limited, because most of the coast is private land, state wildlife management area or marsh, and the county was hit directly by Hurricanes Idalia in 2023 and Helene in 2024, which destroyed most homes at Keaton Beach. Come prepared for reduced facilities, and fish the public waterfronts at Keaton Beach and on the Steinhatchee River.

Keaton Beach

• Character: small public park and beach on shallow grass flats, still rebuilding after two hurricanes
• What it suits: wade fishing for trout and redfish, sheepshead around structure
• Access: Hodges Park at the end of CR 361; the pier's condition after Helene is uncertain

Steinhatchee River

• Character: tidal river through a working fishing village, spilling into Deadman Bay
• What it suits: winter trout run, redfish year-round, sheepshead and drum on seawalls and rocks
• Access: the county ramp and waterfront on 1st Avenue South; most of the riverbank is private

Big Bend coast north of Keaton

• Character: marsh, creeks and small coastal settlements such as Dekle Beach and Adams Beach, plus Econfina River State Park and state wildlife management land
• What it suits: kayak and small-boat anglers chasing redfish and trout in creek mouths
• Access: public ramps and a few road ends; little bank fishing, lots of private land

Season	Likely species (shore)	Notes
Spring (Mar–May)	Spotted seatrout, redfish, sheepshead, cobia (occasional)	Fish flood onto the flats; sheepshead peak on structure
Summer (Jun–Aug)	Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, redfish, trout, mangrove snapper	Scallop season crowds; fish at first light
Fall (Sep–Nov)	Spotted seatrout, redfish, flounder	The best season on the flats
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Trout and redfish up the rivers, sheepshead, black drum	The Steinhatchee River's famous winter trout run

• 7-foot medium-light spinning rod, 10–15 lb braid, 20–25 lb fluorocarbon leader
• Popping cork and live shrimp for trout
• 1/8–1/4 oz jigheads with soft plastics, fished slowly in winter
• Weedless gold spoons and cut mullet for redfish
• Fiddler crabs or shrimp on a 1/0 hook for sheepshead
• Small silver spoons for Spanish mackerel
• Wading boots and a long-handled net

• Tides are mixed with a range of a few feet, enough to empty the flats at low water
• The rising tide pushes fish onto the grass close to shore; the falling tide concentrates them at creek mouths
• North winds in winter blow water out and chill the flats; fish the rivers then
• After heavy rain the Steinhatchee and other rivers run tea-colored; fish nearer the Gulf
• Calm, clear mornings are best for sight-fishing

• Most of the coast is private or marsh; fish only on public land or with permission
• Keaton Beach and nearby communities are still rebuilding after Idalia and Helene; expect debris, closures and few services
• Summer thunderstorms and lightning come in quickly over the flats
• Oyster bars and stingrays when wading
• Busy ramps in scallop season; never block the lanes
• Heat and insects are intense in summer

• Stock up on bait, ice, food and fuel in Perry before heading to the coast
• Ask at Steinhatchee's bait shops where the trout are; locals are helpful
• In winter, fish the middle of the day when the rivers warm a few degrees
• Summer scallop season packs the water; fish early or pick weekdays
• Check Taylor County announcements for the Keaton Beach pier and park before you go
• County boat ramps charge a daily or annual launch pass
• The Jena ramp on the Dixie County bank is an alternative when Steinhatchee is busy

• Dixie County – south across the Steinhatchee River: Jena, Horseshoe Beach and Suwannee
• Jefferson County – north, a short roadless stretch of refuge marsh
• Wakulla County – further west: St. Marks Lighthouse and Shell Point

• Do I need a fishing license to fish from shore here?
  • Yes, a Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt. Check the current license rules and exemptions with FWC (myfwc.com) before you go.
• Is the Keaton Beach pier open?
  • Its condition after Hurricane Helene is uncertain. Plan to fish from the beach and shoreline at Hodges Park and check with Taylor County before relying on the pier.
• Where can I fish the Steinhatchee River from shore?
  • Around the county boat ramp and waterfront on 1st Avenue South. Most riverbank at the mouth is private, so fish only where access is public.
• When is the best time for trout?
  • Fall on the flats and winter in the Steinhatchee River, when trout move upriver to escape the cold.
• Can I go scalloping here?
  • Yes, Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach are famous scallop towns. FWC sets the season and rules, so check them before you go.

Area	Coast character & access	Best species	Prime season	Go-to methods	Key safety notes	Facilities
Keaton Beach	Small beach park on grass flats; rebuilding	Trout, redfish, sheepshead	Fall, spring	Wade with cork and shrimp, spoons	Debris, oyster bars, lightning	Reduced; check what is open
Steinhatchee River	Tidal river and seawalls; county ramp	Trout, redfish, sheepshead, drum	Winter, fall	Slow soft plastics, cut bait, fiddlers	Boat traffic, strong current	Bait shops, food, lodging in town
North coast creeks	Marsh and creek mouths; mostly boat access	Redfish, trout	Fall	Weedless spoons, soft plastics	Remote, private land, tides	Minimal