“Since its creation in 1968, Rodman Reservoir has become one of the nation’s most celebrated largemouth bass destinations. Frequently found on the list of “Hall of Fame Club” waterbodies producing 13-pound fish or larger in FWC’s TrophyCatch program, it stands as a jewel for anglers. Over its long history, the reservoir has provided countless families and outdoor enthusiasts with unforgettable experiences, whether from a kayak or a bass boat. Removing it would erase local heritage and well-established economic benefits to area businesses such as bait shops, hotels, rental properties, restaurants, and more.”

Further, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, freshwater fishing in Florida has a $1.7 billion impact. Additionally, Florida’s anglers generate over $64 million in funding for conservation through the “user pays, public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding. Rodman Reservoir is a key piece of freshwater fishing in Florida, so removing it would result in not only a negative impact to the recreational fishing industry itself, but also state and local economies.

My PB came out of Rodman. It's a special place.

It’s about time!

If Rodman wasn’t worth saving nothing was. 
It’s a special place and not just to the fishing industry down here. 

It never got as much of the national headlines or respect as a world class fishery as much as Okeechobee, Toho, Kissimmee, St John’s River and others have, but it’s definitely been one of the top fisheries for generations. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike
 

 

It is a special place but with issues.

 

One issue being researched now is how the reservoir is affecting the aquifer.

 

Before the dam was constructed the Oklawaha river had some 22 springs pumping out water into river.

 

After dam was built and water levels got higher this created immense water pressure on those springs.

 

Scientists are now saying that water pressure is now reversing the water flow. So instead of springs some are now drains as polluted water is now flowing down into aquifer.

 

This may change how high the reservoir water levels are set at.

 

This came from a recent documentary.

There have been plans in the works for years to at the very least relieve some the pressure to moderately acceptable levels. 

I haven’t kept up with all the latest research and studies so maybe things have changed. 
So glad it did for many reasons. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

All you have to do is look at the Florida's Trophy Catch program submissions from Rodman to realize how prolific a fishery it is. 

Exactly right!

It should be on everyone’s bucket list. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

Adding it to the bucket list.

FM

On 7/1/2025 at 8:06 AM, Mike L said:

It’s about time!

If Rodman wasn’t worth saving nothing was. 
It’s a special place and not just to the fishing industry down here. 

It never got as much of the national headlines or respect as a world class fishery as much as Okeechobee, Toho, Kissimmee, St John’s River and others have, but it’s definitely been one of the top fisheries for generations. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike
 

 

Amen.....

I probably lost the biggest bass I ever hooked in there.

All I know is that the Ocklawaha river south and east  of the dam is FULL of fish of all kinds.