Blue Springs, located near Marianna, Florida, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and diverse fish species, making it a premier destination for anglers. The spring feeds into the 202-acre Merritt’s Mill Pond, offering exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Getting to Blue Springs and Merritt’s Mill Pond
Blue Springs is located approximately five miles east of Marianna in Jackson County, Florida. The area is easily accessible via several key access points:
- Jackson Blue Springs Recreation Area:
From US 90 in Marianna, turn north onto SR 71, go 1.2 miles, and then turn right onto Blue Springs Rd for 3.2 miles to reach the park entrance. The area is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the entrance fee is $4 per person. Canoe and kayak rentals are available during the operating season.
Learn more - Hunter Fish Camp Boat Ramp:
This free, paved boat ramp is open year-round. From US 90, head north on SR 71 for 1.2 miles, turn right on Blue Springs Rd for 1.6 miles, and then take a right onto Hunter Fish Camp Rd to access the ramp.
Learn more - Arrowhead Campground:
Located at the south end of Merritt’s Mill Pond off US 90, this private campground features a marina and offers a boat ramp for a fee.
Learn more
Fishing Licenses and Regulations
To legally fish in Florida’s freshwater areas, anglers between the ages of 16 and 65 are required to obtain a fishing license. These licenses are available for purchase online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at various local retailers throughout the state.
Fishing Regulations for Merritt’s Mill Pond
The following regulations are in place for fishing in Merritt’s Mill Pond:
- Largemouth Bass:
A daily bag limit of 5 fish, with only one exceeding 16 inches in length. There is no minimum size limit. - Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker):
A daily bag limit of 10 fish, with fish under 10 inches required to be immediately released.
More details here - Bluegill and Other Panfish:
Aggregate daily bag limit of 50 fish. - Black Crappie:
A daily bag limit of 25 fish. - Striped Bass and Hybrids:
A daily bag limit of 20 fish, with only 6 of these being allowed to exceed 24 inches in length.
For the latest and most accurate information, always refer to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s official regulations.
License-Free Fishing Days
Florida provides anglers with several license-free fishing days throughout the year, allowing you to fish without needing a fishing license. These days are a great opportunity to enjoy fishing in Florida’s waters without the usual license requirement. For 2025, these dates are:
- Freshwater Fishing Days:
- First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April: April 5–6, 2025
- Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June: June 14–15, 2025
- Saltwater Fishing Days:
- First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June
- First Saturday in September
- Saturday following Thanksgiving
On these days, all other fishing regulations, including bag and size limits, remain in effect. This means that while you don’t need a fishing license, you must still follow rules such as catch limits and size restrictions.
Learn more about license-free fishing
Best Fishing Spots at Blue Springs
Merritt’s Mill Pond, fed by the spring at Blue Springs, offers a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers targeting different species. Here are the best spots:
- Eastern Side of Merritt’s Mill Pond:
This area features abundant weed beds and fallen trees, perfect for fishing bass. Use soft plastics and weedless lures to avoid snagging in the dense vegetation. - Main River Channel:
Near the mouths of coves, you can find bass and crappie. This spot works well with deep-diving crankbaits or jigging spoons along drop-offs. It’s particularly effective for crappie during the cooler months. - Schooling Hybrid Striped Bass:
These fish often gather near the dam and spillway, particularly when chasing shad on the surface. Try using topwater plugs or lipless crankbaits to target these aggressive feeders. - Spring Run and Swimming Area:
While fishing is prohibited in the swimming area, the spring run 400 feet downstream is perfect for fly fishing and light tackle. Species like Suwannee bass, spotted sunfish, bluegill, and shiners are abundant here. Use small popping bugs, nymphs, or micro-jigs on a 4-6 lb test to avoid spooking fish in the crystal-clear waters.
Fishing Tips and Tactics
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, here are some effective fishing techniques to try at Blue Springs:
- Live Bait:
- Use crickets, red worms, and grass shrimp to catch panfish like bluegill and sunfish.
- For catfish, try earthworms, chicken liver, or cut shad.
- Artificial Lures:
- Soft plastic worms and creature baits in colors like junebug, watermelon red, or black/blue are great for targeting largemouth bass.
- Crankbaits and lipless plugs in shad or crawfish patterns work best around drop-offs and points for bass.
- Small jigs and minnows around brush piles can be particularly effective for crappie, especially in the spring when they are near spawning grounds.
Seasons and Conditions
Different seasons bring varied fishing conditions, so knowing when to fish will help maximize your catch:
- Spring:
This is the prime time for bass, bream, and crappie, as they move into shallower waters to spawn. Focus on bedding areas in coves and along shorelines with sandy or gravel bottoms. - Summer:
Fishing can become more challenging as the fish retreat to deeper waters to escape the heat. However, schooling bass and hybrid striped bass are often active in the early morning and late evening. Nighttime catfishing can also be quite productive during summer months. - Fall:
As the water cools, bass and crappie begin to school around points and drop-offs to feed on shad. This is another good time for spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and jigs. - Winter:
The slowest season for fishing, but crappie fishing remains steady. During warmer, overcast days, look for crappie suspended in deeper brush piles, and use minnows or jigs to fish vertically.
Guided Fishing Trips and Boat Rentals
If you prefer to fish with a guide or need a rental boat, there are several services available for Blue Springs anglers:
- Reel Habit Fishing Charters:
Offers guided trips on Merritt’s Mill Pond, targeting bass, bream, and crappie. They provide both half-day and full-day charters, ensuring you get the most out of your fishing adventure.
Visit Reel Habit Fishing Charters