This 4,163-acre impoundment of the Withlacoochee River between the towns of Dunnellon and Inglis lies in parts of Citrus, Marion and Levy counties. This is an old reservoir filled with stumps. Hydrilla, water hyacinths, water lettuce and tussocks also may cause navigation difficulties. Despite these problems anglers still make their way to open water to drift shiners for bass; worms, crickets and grass shrimp for bluegill, shellcracker and warmouth; and minnows for speckled perch. Three public boat ramps and several fish camp ramps provide plenty of access. Bank fishing is available on the bypass channel on the northwest corner of the lake and near the main dam on the southwest corner of the lake. Access the eastern end of the lake via the Withlacoochee River at the U. S. Hwy 41 bridge in Dunnellon. A GFC ramp south of C.R. 40 on Bass Lane provides access to the western portion of the lake.

About nine miles of river downstream from Lake Rousseau. This portion of the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico at the western end of C.R. 40 near the community of Yankeetown. Bass, bluegill, shellcracker, and spotted sunfish (stumpknockers) are favorites with anglers. During cooler months trout, redfish, mangrove snapper and an occasional tarpon venture up the river. Bank fishing is available near the mouth of the river. C.R. 40 ends at a public boat ramp that provides access to the river and the Gulf.

courtesy of John Bradley - CC-By-SA-2.5

Crystal River Several springs form the headwaters of this coastal river that flows several miles west to the Gulf. The river is best known as an over-wintering area for manatee and tourists. The water is clear generally, and often anglers can see the fish they are after. Lots of small bass provide plenty of catch-and-release action in feeder creeks during the winter months. Redear sunfish, bluegill and spotted sunfish are abundant in the Kings Bay area of the headwaters. Marine species such as trout, redfish, mullet, and mangrove snapper are common in the river during cooler months. Great care should be taken while operating a boat in Kings Bay and the river. Idle zones and refuges have been established to protect manatees. A public ramp on U. S. Hwy. 19 and several marina ramps give boaters access.

Often called the Gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, it is similar to Crystal River in that springs form the headwaters and the river flows west to the Gulf. The water is not as clear as Crystal River, but fish species are much the same. Live baitfish are good for largemouth bass, redfish and trout. Earthworms, shrimp and small spinner baits are good for bream and mangrove snappers. Manatee are common in the winter months and care should be taken when operating a boat during this time. Public and private boat ramps are available.

Like Crystal and Homosassa rivers, this is a spring-fed stream that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Most of the river is shallow so navigation is limited to smaller fishing boats. Bass, bluegill and shellcracker fishing is best during the spring. As with other Citrus County coastal streams, marine sportfish are present during cooler weather, and manatees may use the area for thermal refuge. A public ramp near the headwaters provides boat access.

Saltwater fishermen can find grouper and snapper off reefs and coastal rock piles; sea trout and Spanish mackerel frequent grass beds. Cobia and sheepshead can be found around channel markers, redfish and whiting off oyster bars and tarpon on the flats.