Low water temperature is the most crucial factor for peacock bass fishing in Florida. Laboratory temperature studies have documented that peacock bass dies in water colder than 60 degrees.
The first attempt to study butterfly peacock bass was in the 1960s failed when all peacocks died due to low pond water temperatures. In the early 1980s, it was discovered that canals of coastal southeast Florida were warmer than other waters during the winter, and some rarely dropped below 65 degrees.
The main reason for this is the Biscayne Aquifer that lies just a few feet below the ground. During winter, the warmer water flowing from this aquifer into canals creates the warm temperatures critical to the survival and success of many exotic fishes.
The peacock bass fish in Florida is no exception. In fact, of all Invasive fish currently established in Florida, the butterfly peacock is the least tolerant of low water temperatures. You can find the best Peacock bass spots and locations guide below.
I have personally caught fish in these Florida freshwater peacock bass locations. Would you like to do some everglades peacock bass fishing? My recommendation is to visit the C-111 Aerojet canal. Fly fishing is a popular and fun method of fishing; many anglers say it’s more challenging. Visit our Best Fly Tying Vises Guide for our recommendation on the best on the market.
Best time of year for peacock bass fishing
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Peacock fishing in Florida is generally good all year; April-June’s most significant fish are great to fish for the next peacock bass world record. There is excellent peacock bass fishing in south Florida, focus on fishing around Dade county, Broward county, and Palm beach county. Florida offers a great variety of other game fish that can be caught alongside snook and tarpon. The fastest and most efficient way to catch some Peacock fishing is heading down to your local bait and tackle shop and picking up a couple of dozen live shiners. Peacock bass cannot resist store-bought tackle shiners; they are quickly hit from multiple directions and simply candy to fish.
Best Peacock Bass spots and locations
Below you will find the best and Hottest Peacock Bass fishing locations; I have personally caught fish over 5 pounds in all these canals fishing South Florida for over 15 years.
(C-14) Pompano Canal
(C-14) Pompano Canal – This Peacock Bass fishing location represents the northern boundary of the South Florida peacock bass range. This canal runs from the Sawgrass Expressway and cuts eastward through Coral Springs Margate and Pompano Beach. This canal then snakes around eastward towards the intercoastal. There is a spillway (lock) east of Dixie, which separates fresh and saltwater areas of the canal.
(C-13) Middle River Canal
(C-13) Middle River Canal – Peacock Bass fishing location, The Middle River canal runs by Wilton Manors, Sunrise, Lauderhill, and Oakland Park. The C-13 cuts off south of Oakland park boulevard, not far from Hiatus Road. This canal runs about 3-4 miles. There is a spillway (lock) between NW 21st Ave, NW 31st Ave, which separates fresh and saltwater areas of the canal. Eastward towards the intercoastal. There is a spillway (lock) east of Dixie, which separates fresh and saltwater areas of the canal.
(G-15) North New River Canal
G-15) North New River Canal – Peacock Bass fishing location; this canal runs along SR84 east of US 27 and runs through cities out west like Weston, Davie to like 441 and I-95, then meats the southern sections of the New River Canal. A spillway (lock) separates fresh and saltwater areas of the canal west of Davie Road and another east of US 27. Fort Lauderdale canal fishing is very productive in these areas.
(C-11) South New River Canal
(C-11) South New River Canal – Peacock Bass fishing location, This section of the canal is a part of the New River Canal system. This canal runs alongside Griffin road from ever Everglades Holiday park at the western end and crosses through Weston and Davie to the east of 441 on the east side. There is a spillway (lock) west of 441, which separates fresh and saltwater areas of the canal.
(C-9) Snake Creek Canal
(C-9) Snake Creek Canal – Peacock Bass fishing location, shares the Dade/Broward county line. The canal starts way back in the water conservation area; I believe it’s No.3 in the Florida Everglades. This canal goes east through Broward, Miramar and crosses the line. When it does, it crosses cities like Carol city, then heads towards North Miami Beach. There is a spillway (lock) east of US1, which separates fresh and saltwater areas of the canal.
(C-6) Miami Canal
(C-6) Miami Canal -Peacock Bass fishing location. This canal starts a bit west of Krome Avenue in North Dade, then heads southeast through cities like Hialeah Gardens, Hialeah, Miami Springs, Medley, then empties into the Miami River on Okeechobee Road US27. There is a spillway (lock) east of State Road 112, which separates fresh and saltwater areas of the canal.
(C-4) Tamiami Canal
( C-4) Tamiami Canal – Peacock bass fishing location, This canal starts way into the Florida Everglades and, I believe, runs eastward for about 35-40 miles. There is a pipe (culvert) bit east of Krome Avenue. The canal then runs east to Tamiami trail US41, Sw 8th st. The canal keeps on going and goes through Dade county until it reaches palmetto 826.
(C-2) Snapper Creek Canal
(C-2) Snapper Creek Canal – Peacock bass fishing location. This canal is located around the Kendall area, starts off south of 836, the dolphin expressway. This canal connects with the Tamiami canal then keeps going south and a bit east of SW 57th Avenue. There is a spillway (lock) that separates this freshwater canal area which empties into Biscayne Bay.
(C-100) Cutler Drain Canal
(C-100) Cutler Drain Canal – Peacock Bass fishing location, This canal is located between the Kendall and Homestead cities. C-100 goes southeast direction from SW 137 Avenue and ends near the east side of old cutler Road. There you will find a spillway (lock) that separates freshwater and saltwater areas of the canal.
(C-1) Black Creek Canal
(C-1) Black Creek Canal – Peacock Bass fishing location This canal runs through southern Dade county. I believe this canal starts at a spillway (lock) somewhat west of Krome Avenue near Kendall Drive and Coral Reef Drive. This canal empties into Biscayne Bay at Black Point Park. The Spillway separating fresh and saltwater areas is located east of SW 127th Avenue.
(C-111) Aerojet Canal (everglades)
(C-111) Aerojet Canal – Peacock Bass fishing everglades, This canal is located in the Homestead area. The canal can be found off the road on US1 heading south; there are two spillways (locks) on each side of the canal. The spillway on the eastern side separates the freshwater side from saltwater.
