Lake Woodruff fishing charters
Guided largemouth bass trips on Lake Woodruff and the St. Johns River backwaters in the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge near DeLand. Book online through our St. Johns River DeLand trips or by phone.
Lake Woodruff sits in the 22,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge near DeLeon Springs, with the St. Johns River on its western edge. Largemouth bass are the main target. Book online through our St. Johns River trips from DeLand, which use the same ramp, or by phone.
Book your Lake Woodruff fishing trip
Book online through our St. Johns River trips from DeLand, which put in at the Ed Stone Park boat ramp, the same ramp used to reach Lake Woodruff, or call and we’ll set up your date, trip length and guide.
St. Johns River trips from DeLand
Live dates onlineBass trips of 4, 6 or 8 hours and crappie trips of 4 or 6 hours, from $325. They launch from the Ed Stone Park boat ramp near DeLand, the same ramp you use to reach Lake Woodruff. Tell your guide you’d like to fish Lake Woodruff.
Lake Woodruff bass trips · 4, 6 or 8 hours
Book by phoneCall (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. We’ll match you with a local guide, confirm the price for your date and length, and set up your trip.
Meeting spot: Ed Stone Park boat ramp near DeLand. Your guide confirms the spot and start time with you before the trip, based on conditions. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the guide cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
How do you book a Lake Woodruff fishing trip?
Book online through our St. Johns River trips from DeLand, which launch from the Ed Stone Park boat ramp used to reach Lake Woodruff, or call iOutdoors at (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, to book a guided largemouth bass trip of 4, 6 or 8 hours on Lake Woodruff near DeLand. The guide provides the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures, and each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
What's included and what's not
- Professional local fishing guide
- Boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (required for most anglers 16 and older)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Lake Woodruff
Lake Woodruff is in the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in Volusia County, near the community of DeLeon Springs. The St. Johns River forms the western boundary of the 22,000-acre refuge, which is made up of marshes, swamps, creeks, hammocks and uplands.
Fishing is allowed year round in the refuge’s lakes and streams, which you reach by boat, and every angler needs a Florida freshwater license. Trips fish Lake Woodruff and nearby waters for largemouth bass. Book online through our St. Johns River trips from DeLand (same ramp) or by phone. Trips meet at the Ed Stone Park boat ramp; your guide confirms the spot and start time with you.
Fish you can catch on Lake Woodruff
Know your fish →
Size limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Reviews from DeLand-area trips
5.012 reviews
Incredible Fishing Adventure on St Johns River
I had an amazing experience fishing with Robert Stumpe of St Johns River Fishing! From start to finish, the trip was well-organized, and Robert made sure everything went smoothly. The boat was clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything we needed for a successful day on the water. Robert’s…
John T. · July 2025
My son and I had an incredible super half day with Cpt Robert Stumpe on St Johns River. My son is a novice angler and I’m probably just shy of intermediate and Robert was extremely helpful and patient. He taught us so many things about river fishing and had us all over the river and put us on a lot…
Cary S Boyd Sr · June 2025 · Google
Great Day on St Johns River
Fishing with Capt. Robert on the St. Johns River was a fantastic experience! He knew the river inside and out and had us on fish quickly. His boat was clean, comfortable, and fully equipped for a great day on the water. Capt. Robert was friendly, professional, and made the whole trip relaxed and…
Santos Paul · April 2025
Fishing on the St Johns River with Capt Stumpe
Robert is a true professional — knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about what he does. He knew the river inside and out and put us right on the fish! The boat was clean, comfortable, and fully equipped with high-quality gear. Robert made sure everything was set up for success and went above and…
Debra Stone · April 2025
An Incredible Fishing Adventure with St Johns River Fishing Charters
I had an amazing experience fishing with Robert Stumpe of St Johns River Fishing Charters! From start to finish, the trip was well-organized, and Robert made sure everything went smoothly. The boat was clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything we needed for a successful day on the water…
Paul Christen · March 2025
Morning Session
St Johns River Palatka Fishing Trip - 6 Hrs
Richard Norris · December 2023
Long lost Treasure!
Being back in and around Lake Woodruff makes you found a long lost treasure. It's so Old Florida...great hideaway!
John Homes · December 2017
Informational
I've been fishing in Northeast Florida for nearly 3 decades and the website was very helpful and informative.
Brad · July 2017
Beautiful Place!
Astor is so beautiful, has a great access to St Johns river. I just love this place!
Mary Josephson · June 2017
Fish of a life time. Twice!!!
Every year I go down to Daytona for bike week. Last year I decided to take one day out of bike week to go bass fishing. Searched the Internet for places and guides. Found bass online and booked a trip on the St. John's river with Captn Steve. To make it short and sweet, caught the biggest large…
alex2494 · April 2016 · TripAdvisor
Bass trip on the St. Johns with Captain Steve
Had a great day with Captain Steve fishing out of Castaways in Astor. He had us around the bass all day. My friend and I both fish some tournaments and it's clear Steve knows his stuff. Looking forward to another trip with him in the future.
klt32 · February 2016 · TripAdvisor
Professionalism...
Bass Online Team, We just had a wonderful time with Capt Steve on the St. Johns River. Thanks for your professionalism for handling my last two trips with your guides service…the email notifications with instructions are great reminders!
Mike Twigg · November 2015
Lake Woodruff fishing: what you can catch
Lake Woodruff fishing is about largemouth bass in the refuge’s lakes, creeks and marsh edges off the St. Johns River, with bluegill and crappie too. Winter and early spring bring the spawn; in summer, the early-morning bite is best.
What's biting by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Bass spawn season and the best shot at a big fish
Spring Mar–May
- Late spawn and post-spawn bass
- Bluegill on beds
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning topwater bass, then deeper cover as it heats up
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Every angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Buy it online before the trip.
- Black bass: 5 per person per day, and only 1 may be 16" or longer. Some waters have special bass rules; your guide will tell you before the trip.
- Crappie: 25 per person per day, 10" minimum.
Source: FWC. Limits change; your guide has the current rules.
Lake Woodruff fishing guide
Lake Woodruff is in the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in Volusia County, near DeLeon Springs and DeLand. Largemouth bass are the main target.
Where you’ll fish
The Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge covers 22,000 acres of marshes, swamps, creeks and hammocks, with the St. Johns River on its western boundary. A boat is needed to reach the refuge lakes and streams. Trips meet at the Ed Stone Park boat ramp near DeLand; your guide confirms the spot and start time before the trip.
How the trips work
Trips run from a bass boat. Your guide provides rods, reels and artificial lures, and can set you up with live wild shiners, which are optional and cost extra. Most bass are photographed and released.
Best time to go
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish. In summer, go early before the heat and afternoon storms.
Tips for planning your trip
Buy a Florida freshwater fishing license online before the trip. Morning trips usually fish best, especially in summer.
Questions about Lake Woodruff trips
How much does a Lake Woodruff fishing trip cost?
St. Johns River trips from DeLand, which put in at the Ed Stone Park boat ramp, the same ramp used to reach Lake Woodruff, book online from $325 (bass 4, 6 or 8 hours; crappie 4 or 6 hours). For a Lake Woodruff price by phone, call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
What fish can I catch on Lake Woodruff?
Largemouth bass are the main target, with bluegill and crappie in the same waters.
What is included?
Your guide, the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels and tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. The Florida freshwater license, live shiners and the guide’s tip are not included.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.
How many people can come?
Up to 4 people on a bass boat. Tell us your group size when you call.
Which trip length should I book?
A 4-hour trip is a good first trip and fits families. Book 6 or 8 hours for more time on the water and a better shot at a big bass.
Where do we meet?
Trips meet at the Ed Stone Park boat ramp. Your guide confirms the spot and start time with you before the trip. Lake Woodruff is near DeLeon Springs, just north of DeLand.
What should I bring?
Your fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a light rain jacket, water and snacks, and a phone or camera in a dry bag.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule. You can also cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
When is the best time to fish Lake Woodruff?
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish; in summer, go early in the morning.
Nearby lakes and rivers
More guided trips on the St. Johns River and nearby lakes.
