When is the best time to fish on Lake Talquin?
Whenever you can!
Lake Talquin: Tallahassee’s Hidden Gem
“Shh!” Lake Talquin is a sleeping giant on the outskirts of Tallahassee, FL. The reservoir was born nearly 100 years ago when a hydroelectric dam was constructed on the Ochlockonee River. The majority of the shoreline borders picturesque Lake Talquin State Park, the Joe Budd wildlife management area , and nearby hiking trails. Electricity is no longer generated at the dam. Solar is the power company’s new green energy of choice. This results in the state’s lake management plan focusing entirely on wildlife preservation and outdoor recreation.
A Bird’s Eye Point of View
A few humans and a bunch more migrating birds spend their winters here. Notably bald eagles, white pelicans, cormorants, and your occasional snowbird. So, If your adventure migrates toward fishing, paddling, boating, biking, hiking, or hunting, Lake Talquin has something for you. Gear up for some authentic Florida fun and come experience this hidden gem for yourself.
A Lake That’s Deep in Character
How deep is Lake Talquin? Well, it’s not your typical Florida frying pan-shaped lake. The average depth is 10 feet, but the main river channel boasts a respectable 35-40 feet. With its myriad of feeder creeks, lake points, and submerged timber, Lake Talquin is a haven for fish and a prime spot for anglers. From trophy bass to record size black crappie, the fishing here is exceptional. But, in addition to the great fishing. Simply experiencing the scenery, sounds, and sightings of Florida’s native wildlife makes catching a fish just a bonus!
Alligators and Photo Takers
Oh yeah, Lake Talquin does have alligators. They’re part of the authentic Florida experience, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready. Photographer’s Tip – for the best outcome use a zoom lens. They value their space as much as the next reptile.
Bass Fishing
on Lake Talquin
Lake Talquin Largemouth Bass
Spring and Fall seasons on Lake Talquin bring the largemouth bass to the shallow banks. While Summer and Winter, months send the angler’s pursuit offshore to the deeper points and ledges. An abundant threadfin shad population results in a healthy bass population. Locate the shad and get yourself ready for an enjoyable day at the lake. Largemouth bass over 14 pounds have been landed on Talquin. Not every outing produces a trophy catch, but this lake promises to both challenge and expand upon your skill-set. Oh yeah, striped bass have been known to make a reel sing and peel off a little drag here, too.
Lake Talquin Crappie Fishing
Florida State Record
Lake Talquin Black Crappie
Talquin is well known throughout the southeastern USA for its excellent black crappie fishing. Known locally simply as specks, fish above two pounds are quite common. Anglers spider rig, shoot docks, use their forward facing sonar, and long line troll throughout the year. With, the Fall and Winter seasons being the best. By early Spring, February, March, and April they move to shallow water to spawn and can hardly ever resist a live minnow. Night-time and submerged structure fishing are also effective. The state record crappie was caught on Lake Talquin – 3.81 pounds Wow!
Bream Fishing
on Lake Talquin
Lake Talquin Panfish
For anglers in pursuit of bluegill, red bellies, and shellcracker the bream fishing turns on a little later in the Spring. Generally, the bite picks up in April and remains steady throughout the Summer months. Catch these frisky panfish on live crickets, worms, beetle spins, and popping bugs. Don’t be surprised if you hook a nice channel cat on your light action bream pole, too. This can be great fun for kids from age 5 to 95. No screen scrolling or trolling required. Just keep a close eye on your cork and when it disappears, well you know what to do.
Whippoorwill Outpost on Lake Talquin
Whether you’re chasing schools of crappie, suspended bass, bedding bluegill, or simply enjoying a day at the water, Whippoorwill Outpost stocks an assortment of fishing baits and outdoor essentials chosen specifically for Lake Talquin. Visit our Bait & Tackle Store on-line or stop on in when your fishing Talquin.
” A young soul, the curious one, guides the journey. An old soul, the enlightened one, is the journey.”