Hi, Heading for Welaka the end of April.  I see from various fishing reports the water level in the Ochalawaha river is low enough to suggest extreme caution when naviagating the river. How much is the St. Johns affected in that area? How much would it affect our fishing in the area as far as boating access?

Hi

I was there for a week early this month and the water levels were indeed low but not dangerous. If you go down to Lake George most of the pilings you could hit are far enough out of the water to not be a problem. When the water is higher some of the pilings are just sub-surface and can catch you by surprise. In the mouth of the Ochalawaha there is a tree in the middle, on the north side of it the water is about three feet deep and on the south side 8 to 10. If you rent the boat lift at the Welaka lodge it tends to hit bottom before your boat floats completely free, but it will still come off comfortably.

Enjoy