Ocklawaha & Silver River News & River Reports

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us once again!  Nature has a way to bring the world back in focus, and a trip up the Silver River to see the Springs can definitely remind us of what we have to be grateful for.

The Springs of the Silver River have been inspiring visitors for many generations.  Your trip up the River will take you to Mammoth Spring, the largest of the spring vents.  Within a short distance of this vent you will also cross many other smaller springs.  Their symbolic names are often indicative of the stories that have been handed down through the years.

The Bridal Chamber Spring has one of the most fabeled stories originating in an ill fated early Indian romance (think Romeo and Juliet).  The names of the other springs are just as colorful: Jacobs Well Spring; Catfish Reception Hall Spring; Oscar Spring; Ladies Parlor Spring; Devils Kitchen Spring; Alligator Hole Spring; Mastodon Bone Spring; Geyser Spring; Blue Grotto Spring; Christmas Tree Spring; Garden of Eden Spring; Indian Cave Spring; First Fishermans Paradise; No Name Cove Spring; Turtle Meadows Spring; Second Fishermans Paradise Spring; Catfish Hotel Spring; Turtle Nook Spring; Raccoon Island Spring; Shipwreck Spring; Catfish Convention Hall Spring; and Timber Spring.

We have the Floridan Aquifer to thank for the beautiful clarity of the water and the constant water temperature that draws the birds and other wildlife to the Silver River.  Once they find this gem of Mother Nature they have no need to leave it.  Well, a few Rhesus Monkeys have decided to tour Florida, but that is more than likely due to being kicked out of one of the many troops!

This week we spotted one of the largest Bald Eagles I have seen on the Ocklawaha River while on a fishing trip.  It seemed to be quite interested in the wild shiners we use for bait.  The River Otters are also being spotted frolicking in the water.

Through fall and winter the middle of the day is the best time to see the Rivers.  The wildlife is more viewable when the sun is high and the temperatures warm up.

‘Til next time…see you on the Rivers!

On every trip we take up the Silver River we see something different.  The gators, birds, turtles, and fishes are a constant along the River, and on almost every outing we watch the never ending antics of the Rhesus Monkeys.  Each season brings with it changes to the wildlife and scenery on the River.

As fall arrives the trees drop their leafs, and foggy mornings give a surreal atmosphere to the Silver River.  If you leave early, the cooler temperatures give way to the fog rising from the water.  Take your trip on one of those mornings when you depart the dock immersed in the heavy fog, and have the sun break through to the wildlife beginning their day along the water.  Just one of the special things about a special place.

Autumn is one of the best times for those who want to see these waterways.  The temperatures become a little more friendly, and the wildlife become more visible.  Many of the birds that migrate this way so enjoy the unique eco-system that only spring fed rivers offer that they take up permanent residence.  The calls and songs of different birds fill the air as the bird population swells with both the permanent residents and the ‘snow birds’.

Manatees are continuing to be spotted along the lower Ocklawaha near Eureka, and the Mullet are jumping in both the Rivers.  To spot the Mullet, keep an eye out for that flash of silver jumping out of the water ahead of your boat.

Currently the water level is low, and as always use caution when boating.

‘Til next time…see you on the Rivers!

The hot days of summer are almost upon us and there is no better place to cool down than on a boat ride down a river.  Memorial Day weekend signals the start to enjoying all the many lakes and rivers around the Ocala National Forest.  BE SAFE OUT THERE!  Keep the small ones in life jackets and give Mother Nature her respect.

The manatee sightings around the area this year have given us hope that we will be able to continue to enjoy these gentle giants as we boat the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers.  That they are still in the area toward the end of May indicates promise that they are content to be here. 

The Rhesus Monkeys have been at it again, showing up in different parts of Florida.  HAVE BANANA…WILL TRAVEL!  You can see the monkeys on almost every tour we take down the Rivers, however, they are wild and have their own appearance schedule.  Think twice about feeding them as it can result in aggressive action on their part.

Saturday afternoons on the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers are getting busier each weekend.  The docking area at Ray Wayside Park/Ocala Boat Basin can develop a waiting line. If you need to check on water levels to see if your boat is suitable for the current level, just drop us a line or give us a call. 

Have a safe Memorial Day Weekend as we show our appreciation for all that have given their lifes to keep us safe and to ensure our freedoms.  May God Bless them and their families.

Until next time…see you on the Rivers!

Want to see some Gators? Well, Ocala/Marion County is Gator Country.  To the north we have the University of Florida Gators, and in our lakes and rivers you will find the Florida Alligator.  Orange and Blue or reptilian green, you are in Gator Country.

Boating or kayaking the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers you will find these big boys (and girls), and we are heading towards their favorite time of year.  As our temperatures start reaching the 90’s they spend a lot of time basking in the Florida sunshine.  They also enjoy this time of year as they spend a bit of their day hanging out under the birds nests along the river, hoping perhaps that a fledgling Cormorant may take a tumble.

The Alligators along our Rivers are used to their many visitors.  As they find their spots in the sun, you can boat or kayak  within good camera range.  It is never a good idea to get too close, and it is always against the law to feed them.  Gators will defend their eggs or hatchlings,  and care should be taken when kayaking along the banks of the Rivers where they will nest in spots of overgrowth for protection.

With the warmer temperatures you can best enjoy the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers with early morning or late afternoon departures.  From spring to fall the Rivers busy up on the weekends with boat traffic.  You will want to keep that in mind when planning your trip on these Rivers.

The draw down at the Rodman Reservoir is finally over.  The water level on the Ocklawaha River from the Moss Bluff Lock and Dam to Rodman Dam has been coming up over the past few weeks.  Although the higher water levels are a welcome sight on the Rivers, it comes at a price.  There are several new snags from fallen trees in several locations.  Use extreme caution when boating on the Ocklawaha.

Until next time…see you on the Rivers!