Caloosahatchee River bass fishing charters
Guided largemouth bass trips on the freshwater Caloosahatchee River, upriver from Fort Myers.
The Caloosahatchee River runs 76.6 miles from Lake Okeechobee toward Fort Myers and the Gulf, with oxbows of the old river along the way. Largemouth bass are the main target. Book 4-, 6- or 8-hour trips online with live dates.
Book your Caloosahatchee River fishing trip
Every calendar below shows live availability. Choose your number of guests, a date and a time, then book.
4-hour bass charter
6-hour bass charter
8-hour bass charter
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. 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 Caloosahatchee River fishing charter?
iOutdoors books 4-, 6- and 8-hour guided largemouth bass trips on the Caloosahatchee River, upriver from Fort Myers, with live dates online. 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
Caloosahatchee River
The Caloosahatchee River is the 76.6-mile western section of the Okeechobee Waterway, running from Lake Okeechobee toward Fort Myers and the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers calls it the most scenic part of the waterway, thanks to off-channel oxbows of the old river.
Bass trips fish the freshwater river above the W.P. Franklin Lock for largemouth bass, which share the water with bluegill, black crappie and catfish. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
Fish you can catch on the Caloosahatchee
Know your fish →
Size limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Reviews from Caloosahatchee River trips
5.01 review
Fun Place to Fish
One of the many place you can catch big bass, Snook and tarpon on the same trip if your lucky. River provides a great experience to do that!
Chris Shepard · January 2020
Caloosahatchee River fishing: what you can catch
Caloosahatchee River bass fishing near Fort Myers is about largemouth bass along the river and its oxbows. Bluegill, black crappie and catfish live here 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.
Caloosahatchee River fishing guide
The Caloosahatchee River is the western part of the Okeechobee Waterway, running from Lake Okeechobee toward Fort Myers. Bass trips fish its freshwater stretch for largemouth bass.
Where you’ll fish
The Caloosahatchee River is 76.6 miles long and the most scenic part of the Okeechobee Waterway, with off-channel oxbows of the old river. Bass trips fish the freshwater river above the W.P. Franklin Lock. Your guide confirms the boat ramp 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 Caloosahatchee River trips
How much does a Caloosahatchee River fishing charter cost?
Trips start at $350 for 4 hours, $400 for 6 hours and $475 for 8 hours. The live calendar shows the price for each date.
What fish can I catch on the Caloosahatchee River?
Largemouth bass are the main target. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lists largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie and catfish among the most sought-after fish on the waterway.
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 the bass boat. Choose your number of guests in the calendar.
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?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Trips fish the river east of Fort Myers; your guide tells you which ramp.
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 the Caloosahatchee River?
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 canals
More guided bass trips in Southwest Florida.
