Kissimmee River

[West6550]

Looking to try Kissimmee River out soon. Planning to use the Hwy 60 ramp near the lock. Any tips or cautions?

[fishin geek]

The ramp is a little steep but generally no problem.  Last time we were there the second lock was closed so you could only go so far down the river.  You might want to find out who to call to make sure all the locks are working so you're not limited like that.

[West6550]

I planned on going under 60 and fishing just north of it. I have never been through a lock.. is there a charge or anything?

[BassinAl]

I live farther south, in Lake Placid so I put in in the Istokpoga canal off US98. Down here the Kissimmee has been restored to it's pre-canal state so it's not very deep, wide or straight. Instead the river meanders through the Florida wetlands. I am yet to catch a bass over 2 lbs in the river (as opposed to fishing Istokpoga where I caught an 8 lb 6 oz a week and a half ago)  but it is very relaxing. Check-out Google Earth. There may be a ramp farther up north from where you can reach the restored portion of the river.

[West6550]

I looked at the map. Looks like I will be putting in at the southern tip of Lk Kissimmee. Have you ever fished Stick Marsh 13 I believe it's called?

[tstone]

I fish tournaments out of Camp Mack on Kissimmee each month. We've locked into the river a few times when the bite or weather was rough on the lake, biggest I've caught out of the river was about 4 lbs, it wasn't too far down from the lock.

There's no charge at the lock, just pull the rope for the buzzer and wait for the lockmaster to open the lock, usually they ask for your last name.

This is the lock you'll be launching by

[West6550]

Good deal! I have stopped by there and looked around on the way back from Vero Beach once or twice. That ramp near the lock is about 45mins or so from the house.

[West6550]

Thanks for the tips. Had a great time out.
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