Pretty much any river in southern Florida is liable to hold a winter population of snook. Tactics outlined in the February 2005 article, “River Snookin’” (page 52) apply to all these waterways—not just the featured Myakka.

Some of our perennial favorites include:

EAST COAST RIVERS

Tomoka River, northern Volusia County – Pretty far north to be snook habitat, but in some years there’s a good run of fish here.

Sebastian River, Brevard and Indian River County – Dark water, lots of mangroves, and some big fish lurking along shorelines.

St. Lucie River, Martin County – Fish jigs deep around bridges in this largely residential river setting; topwaters can produce along points and seawalls.

Loxahatchee River, Palm Beach County – Lower stretch is a bridge and docklight fishery; farther up, it’s downer timber.

Earman River, Palm Beach County – Urban canal setting produces some of the biggest snook around.

Miami River, Dade County – This and other urbanized tributaries to Biscayne Bay holds snook to 40 pounds. Jig deep at night with flare hawk bucktail or plastic grub.

GULF COAST RIVERS

Hillsboro River, Tampa Bay – Lowry Park Dam, 7 miles upstream, is a great spot to throw a crankbait or live shiner in winter.

Alafia River, Tampa Bay – Try jigs in the shipping basin west of U.S. 41.

Little Manatee, Tampa Bay – Residential docks productive; “Ski Alley” below I-75 can be good for trolling.

Manatee, Tampa Bay – Good fishing around bridges between Bradenton and Palmetto. Fish roam upstream all the way to Lake Manatee dam.

Peace River, Charlotte County – Plug shorelines as far upstream as Wauchula. Very similar to Myakka, featured in the February issue.

Cape Coral Canals, Lee County – Troll crankbaits slowly or fish large live baits.

Caloosahatchee River, Lee County – Bridges and seawalls can produce fish during a warming spell. Upstream, Orange River powerplant discharge brings warm water and good fishing.

Turner, Chatham, Lostmans and other Everglades Rivers – All famous winter snook fisheries. Remote wilderness setting adds to the appeal. Snook range far upriver in coldest months, often well into fresh water margin. Great spots for pluggers and fly casters.

Don’t forget to sign up! Get the Top Stories from Florida Sportsman Delivered to Your Inbox Every Week