Chassahowitzka River

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The Chassahowitzka River is a pristine spring fed river located in southwestern Citrus County, Florida. The river is home to hundreds of species of birds including the Bald Eagle, and is a common refuge for the Florida Manatee. In 1941, approximately 31,000 acres (130 km²) of its saltwater creeks, freshwater tributaries, and hardwood hammocks were recognized as a National Wildlife Refuge ^[1]. It is accessible by boat from a nearby public boat ramp that is located at the campground that also bears its Indian name which means "land of hanging pumpkins;" a reference to a wild variety that once grew along the banks. The public campground located walking distance from the river offers camping, fishing, and canoe rentals.Chassahowitzka Campground

The main spring located upstream of (and visible from)the campground dock is a first magnitude spring, and a group of smaller sister springs are located in a creek just up from the main vent. Several of these sister springs are connected via underwater caves that snorkelers can dive through while holding their breath. Similar freshwater tributaries feed into the Chassahowitzka River further downstream, some of which mix with salt water as the river weaves its way toward the Gulf, creating brackish creeks and bays where it is quite common to catch fish species such as Spotted Sea Trout, Redfish, or Snook to name just a few. Other staples of the river include Striped Mullet, which can be seen in schools through the clear water or at times leaping out of the water, and the Blue Crab which is often netted or trapped by local fishermen. It is very common to see several species of herons and egrets, including the Great Blue Heron and the occasional large alligator, although they are often seen some distance from springs and boats. The river is well known for its navigational hazards, mainly due to large rocks hidden from the sight of fast moving motorboats that venture outside the narrow channel.

A friendly Grackle, on the way to Buzzard Bay.	Dog Island Recreational Area.	Sunset in a brackish estuary.	A view from Tom's Cabin showing a neighboring cabin.
Sunfish and pilchards inhabiting Beard Creek, a location now well known to weekend canoers, but at one time was less traveled.	A striped mullet caught by cast netting on the river.	Manatee speed zones run from the mouth of Buzzard Bay until John's Island during the summer.	Local boys being pulled behind a well boat near "Baldies."

There are cabins dotted along the outer portion of the river just before "Buzzard Bay," that are privately owned. Dog Island is a recreation area with a restroom and dock located off the main channel just before John's Island and the Gulf. The original pavilion on the small island once held the signatures of many visitors and locals dating back decades passed, but has recently been renovated.