Low water temperature is the most important 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 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.
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Best time of year for peacock bass fishing
Peacock fishing in Florida is generally good all year, for the biggest fish April-June 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 also can be caught alongside including 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 tackle store-bought shiners, they are quickly hit from multiple directions, they are 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 cities like Coral Springs Margate, and Pompano Beach. This canal then just 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 threw cities out west like Weston, Davie to like 441 and I-95, then meats the southern sections of the New River Canal. There is a spillway (lock) that separates fresh and saltwater areas of the canal west of Davie road, and another one 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-4) Tamiami Canal
(C-2) Snapper Creek Canal
(C-100) Cutler Drain 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 are located east of SW 127th Avenue.
