Boating & Fishing Insiders

Part of an aquatic preserve, the North Fork of the St. Lucie is stunning. Credit: Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection

During the winter months, species such as speckled trout, redfish, snook, croaker, tarpon and bass move far upstream into the state's sublime rivers. Here's a list of rivers to enjoy, with some tips for fishing success.

Loxahatchee River: Florida's only federally designated Wild & Scenic River is located between Martin and Palm Beach counties, and flows through Jupiter and Tequesta. The upper portions run beneath towering cypress. Hit the pools below the weirs for largemouth bass, snook and tarpon. You'll catch more snook and tarpon farther down, around Trapper Nelson's and the mangrove reaches of the river.

North Fork and South Fork of the St. Lucie River: Much of the upper North Fork has been protected from development. The deep, narrow river between Stuart and White City holds good numbers of snook, tarpon and redfish, and some pompano in the lower reaches. The upper part -- best explored by canoe or kayak -- holds quite a few bass. It's much the same story for the South Fork, but the South Fork tends to hold quite a few really big snook.

St. Sebastian River: The river's lower reaches, up from the railroad bridge, hold lots of big trout and plenty of redfish. The upper portions enjoy of mix of tarpon, snook and bass. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.