Description
As one of Jacksonville, Florida's premier fishing spots, Guana Lake has it all. Officially known as Lake Ponte Vedra, Guana Lake is located within the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve and also includes the Guana River Wildlife Management Area. Much of Guana Lake is less than two to four feet deep with plenty of prime foraging ground for Redfish, SeaTrout, Black Drum, and Flounder. Both artificial and live baits work well when fishing in Guana Lake. One of the most effective methods that I've found while fishing in Guana Lake is to slowly drift shrimp underneath a Cajun Thunder float rig in the open areas. The best time for Guana Lake fishing is in the mornings and in the evenings. During afternoon hours, the activity slows considerably. The northern half of Guana Lake is subject to closings between November through February for hunting. Periodic drawdowns are also ordered by the FWC which can drastically reduce the amount of fishing area in Guana Lake. During a drawdown, the southern end of Guana Lake is your best bet to fish; near the Guana Dam. Jacksonville fishing kayakers looking to fish the skinny waters of Guana Lake can use a stakeout pole to move around virtually undetected at Guana Lake. Quietly move into an area, toss a topwater plug or Cajun Thunder and get ready for your bait to get nailed. Don't be surprised to see a number of gators in Guana Lake. This area is FULL of them! Don't uses a stringer for your fish or you may have an encouter with a hungry gator.
Fishing is allowed 24 hours a day and can be accessed from Six Mile Landing and the Guana River Dam.
One interesting thing to note is that at the extreme north end of Guana Lake is freshwater.
Driving Directions:
Turn right to merge onto I-95 S
Take exit 344 for FL-202 E
Turn left at FL-202 E
Take the Florida A1A S exit toward Ponte Vedra/St Augustine
Merge onto 3rd St S/A1A N S
Continue to follow A1A N S
The turn will sneak up to you, lookout for a boat ramp sign on the left and the ramp is immediately on your right
Parking Situation:
Limited parking (approximately 12 vehicle/trailer spaces) at Guana Lake Six Mile Landing.
Ramps
Special Conditions
Guana Lake fishing in the northern half of the lake is closed from November 10th until about February 10th due to hunting activities.
Periodic drawdowns are carried out in the spring which lowers Guana lake’s depth and reduce the fishing area drastically. This makes it difficult to fish anywhere in Guana Lake but the southern end near of Guana Lake, near the Guana Dam.
Fishing Kayaks, canoes, and small boats are ideal. If you have a motor, you can only use one with less than 10HP.
Vessel Use Rating
Map
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