Everglades Canals

[Anthony Behr]

First post here.

 

I grew up in SE FL, but moved away when I was 14. I fished the glades from shore a lot and the canals once growing up. 

 

Several years later, I’m dragging my boat down from CT for the last week in August. I plan on fishing the canals, probably L67, L67C, and probably the Alligator Alley Canal. I’ve done hours of research using this site and others, so I’ve kind of got a basic plan,  but I’ve got a few questions.

 

Has much changed with the L67 in the last couple years? Am I going to be able to cross the weirs in a 17.5’ Tracker with a 60 Merc? Is it navigable from Holiday Park West to SR41? Any tips for this time of year? Definitely not trying to blow anybody’s spots or anything like that, but any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Dwight Hottle]

Welcome to BR Anthony. Somebody will get you some info. 

[geo g]

I fish the everglades all the time, and have for over 40 years.  Water levels are up so your not going to have the crazy 200 fish days that come with low water levels.  They are catching occasional big fish in the 6lbs and up size, usually early morning or late afternoon.  All canals at about the same as when you fished them.  Some top water, mostly plastics fished slow through these hot months.  

 

If your going to fish L67 I would put in along 41 out past the 20 mile bend, and run toward Holiday park and fish the cuts to the flats in the 3 pines area of L67.  Big fish hang by these cuts.  Also there are freshwater springs in this area with cooler water temps that attract bass all year round..

 

L67C is the small parallel canal next to the Big 67.  I have a friend that still fishes it and has had good catch rates.  They put a barrier about half way out with big rocks and a heavy chain across.  If you running in low light be very careful for it.  Also if you go you probably will not see another boat all day, so be aware if you have a problem.

 

Alligator Alley is easy access with good ramps.  I prefer the west side of the Miami River, and run toward the Indian Property to the west.  The morning and late afternoon have been good.

 

L28 is now blocked for access from 41, but you can access it from Alligator Alley with a new ramp.  That is a north/south canal.  

 

The Holey Land has a good ramp, and 20 miles of easy canal to fish.  If you find current flowing fish activity will be up.  Holey Land is on the border of Broward county and Palm Beach county, go west off of Us 27.

 

Loxahatchee Federal Preserve is west of US 441 at the end of Lox Road, on the Broward / Palm Beach line.  It is a massive swamp, 20 SQ. miles, with a rim canal all around it.  It has massive big fish, but you can only fish about 10% of it because of thick weeds.  You do need a powerful T/M or a push pole to keep from getting stuck.

 

There are many more locations but these are the ones I normally fish, that still hold decent fish and big fish in the hot summer months.  Good luck and let us know how you do!

 

I will warn you, take three times more water then you think you will need, just in case you have a problem out there.  Dehydration will happen quickly, and WATER will save you life.  Cell phone coverage is very good all over the glades, so have Florida Fish and Game #, and Florida Wildlife #, in case of needing assistance.  I know how important this is from experience!  Never leave home without these numbers!  Lol

 

 

[Robert Bagnall Jr]

Well written geo and spot on. One thing I have done and this applies to all on this site is I purchased a ResQ emergency beacon. They are not that expensive and could save your life. I too fish the Everglades but also Lake Okeechobee. We all like to buy those expensive rods, reels and high tech electronics but not something that in a true emergency could save you. Think about it. Bought mine on amazon for less that $250. Jmo

 

Good luck Anthony

[Jm526]

geo g hit it on the nose. The Alley has been good for afternoon and night fishing if you are interested. 

[Anthony Behr]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll be getting in tonight, and I’ll Probably have the boat in by 7:30. Planning on tossing topwater, ribbon tail worms, and probably a black spinner. Will report back. 

[geo g]

On 8/29/2018 at 2:40 PM, Anthony Behr said:

Thanks for the advice! I’ll be getting in tonight, and I’ll Probably have the boat in by 7:30. Planning on tossing topwater, ribbon tail worms, and probably a black spinner. Will report back. 

 

 

Good luck Anthony, let us know how you do.

[Anthony Behr]

Went out for a couple hours before a storm came in. We got several dinks and one at 1.6 pounds. Most came on a junebug gambler worm and a couple came on a drop shot casted to the edge of pads. Headed out to L67 now.

[geo g]

Any time there is a chance of lightning go to the Alley you have 12 bridges to tie up under and sit out a storm.  You are safe as you can be under them.

[soflabasser]

The Everglades canals are a great place to catch largemouth bass but most of the bass are dinks with few bass caught over 8 pounds. Yes you hear of the rare 10-13 pounder caught once every couple years but most of the Everglades bass catches are under 4 pounds with a 5 pounder being a ''big bass'' at this moment in time.You can check other online reports and you will see this as well.You will be better off fishing Lake Okeechobee, Lake Istokpoga,Stick Marsh,etc if your goal is to catch a bass over 8 pounds. With that said the Everglades canals are one of the few public bodies of waters where you can catch +100 bass from land in less than 6 hours of fishing when the conditions are right.