Lake History

Lake Talquin is an 8850 acre impoundment in the Ochlockonee river located just west of Tallahassee. The lake was made in the late 1920's to supply hydroelectric power to the surrounding areas. It was named for the cities the lake lies between, Tallahassee and Quincy. Lake Talquin was formed by the construction of the Jackson Bluff Dam.  The abundance of dead trees and stumps scattered about are the reminders of a rich floodplain forest that covered the area before the lake was formed.  Lake Talquin is known as one of Florida's finest fishing lakes.

Lake Talquin is known nationwide for it's large specks (crappie) and holds the State record at 3.83 pounds. The best crappie fishing is in the months of November through April, which is the prespawn and spawning period.  There is very little vegetation, but a lot of logs and tree stumps.  Spring fishing in the early morning and late afternoon is excellent for catching both bluegill and redear sunfish.  Try using earthworms, crickets and grass shrimp.  Largemouth bass fishing is also excellent in the spring, using crankbaits, topwater plugs and plastic worms.  Good areas for largemouth bass are the creeks and channels on the upper end of the lake.  Lake Talquin is also stocked with striped bass annually.  Fish for striped bass in the spring using deep-diving minnow-type lures.  Find stripers in the fall in large schools by watching the birds congregate to catch the shad pushing the surface.  Try fishing for white bass on small jigs and grass shrimp. 

Lake Talquin is deep for a Florida lake with an average depth of 15 feet and a maximum depth of 40 feet.  Lake Talquin also has outstanding wildlife including deer, turkey, birds of prey, wading birds, and lots of alligators.