Steinhatchee Landing Fishing Resort

Between Port St. Joe and Homosassa, in the Big Bend of Florida’s Nature Coast, lies the sleepy fishing village of Steinhatchee. The Steinhatchee River shuffles through town, eventually emptying into the Gulf at Deadman Bay. Along the cypress and oak lined banks of the river lies the peaceful Steinhatchee Landing Resort, which sports an Old Florida style atmosphere and quick access to great fly fishing.

The resort was started in 1990 by owner and developer Dean Fowler, with the purpose of capturing the Old Florida feel of the area. Today, sixty-six Victorian and Florida Cracker style tin-roofed houses populate the narrow, twisting streets of the naturally landscaped and oak covered 35 acres that comprise the resort.

For those looking to fish, you’ve come to the right place. “The only reason Steinhatchee exists is fishing and scalloping,” said Dean. It’s a quick three mile jaunt down the river to the Gulf, where fly fishing for spotted trout is prime sport. Throw in some redfish, tarpon, mackerel and cobia, and the flats fishing is top notch.

If you happen to be at the Lodge between July 1 and September 10, you’re in store for a treat. That’s scallop season, and Steinhatchee is Florida’s scallop capitol. The normally sleepy town gets crowded as people come to catch the tasty mollusk. “It’s like an Easter Egg hunt under water,” said Dean. Scallop hunting usually takes place from a boat, but a snorkel and mask, fins and a mesh bag are all the gear required to stalk the creatures. “They’re normally found among the sea grass. You have to look and grab them. They’ll move and run from you,” explained Dean.

The Lodge has docking for up to 15 boats, and many anglers bring their own, Dean said. Local guides can also be arranged through the Lodge. The restaurants in town will cook your fish if you so choose. The Lodge also offers catering. There are plenty of other amenities for fly fishermen who bring the family, including tennis, basketball, croquet, ping pong, swimming, volleyball, cycling, archery and a children’s playground. Canoes and kayak are available for rent, and a pontoon boat that holds up to 12 people can be chartered for river or Gulf trips.

Along the paths that run through the property, you’ll find wooden bridges that cross a picturesque tidal creek, picket fences, gazebos and swings, a vegetable, herb and spice garden, croquet lawn and a petting zoo. And occasionally, you’ll even find amorous manatees. “We had several manatees come up the creek to mate a couple of years ago,” Dean related. Those aren’t the only animals that can be seen in the area. Wild turkeys, foxes and deer are regular visitors.

No matter if you’re a solo fly fisher, a group of friends or a large family, the Steinhatchee Landing Resort has a lot to offer . . . games, wildlife, good food and, of course, lots of great fishing!