Sleeping Turtles South Entrace Sign

As with most waterfront preserve areas, wildlife is abundant. There have been recent sightings of Bobcat, Deer, River Otter, and Gopher Tortoise - Red Shouldered Hawk, Osprey and Swallow-Tailed Kite - and the ever abundant Feral Pig, Raccon, Squirrel and Opossum.

Approximately 5 miles of both improved and simple plowed dirt trails, service roads, and firebreaks crisscross throughout the Sleeping Turtles Preserve South.  A variety of Hiking distances and directions are  available based on your trail choices.  One of the north side trails runs the perimeter of a lake of about 10 acres and includes a couple picnic tables and and benches for respite. Though the preserve actually borders a great distance along the Myakka River,  only one of the many varied trails offer direct access or views of the river.

Sleeping Turtles South Rules Post

There are no restroom or water facilities on site. Prepare yourself with water, sunblock, and seasonally appropriate clothing and footwear. Also note that wetland areas of the preserve may overflow and flood some trail areas during during heavy rainfall periods.

Sleeping Turtles Preserve South
2800 North River Road
Venice, FL 34292
(941)861-5000

The Myakka River is largely in a natural state with miles of floating and submerged vegetati0n to feed upon. The dark waters (from various tannins) of the Myakka River also tend to stay warmer than local gulf and bay temperatures. Add to that a lower traffic level than seen in most waterways, and it becomes a very attractive winter hide away for the Florida Manatee.

The Florida Manatee is a sub species of the West Indian Manatee. Their reproduction rate is quite low, with births normally occurring from 2 to 5 years apart after they reach maturity of about 7 years.  A single calf is gestated in just over 12 months, and twins are very rare. A new calf will weigh around 60 pounds, will nurse and eat vegetation, and be dependent upon it’s mother for up to 2 years.

The Myakka River is a safer place than most for the Florida Manatee. Unmolested a manatee will enjoy a normal lifespan of up to 60 years. Most manatee deaths that have been recorded are attributed to encroachment (taking away habitat and food sources) or direct human contact (watercraft collision, fishing nets, hooks, lines). Regardless of the reason, manatee population is last reported around 2500 individuals in the entire United States.

The majority of the Myakka River’s length is Freshwater. Beginning from it’s headwaters to about three quarters of its’ span. The area south of I-75 is officially regarded as salt water. So it would seem that North of I-75 a Fresh Water license would be needed, South of I-75 you would need a Salt Water license, and in most cases that is fairly accurate. However - a recent call to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and first hand knowledge from a local Department of Natural Resources officer elicited the friendly advice that the ultimate decision of licensing compliance rests with the judgment of the official issuing a citation. In layman’s terms - there’s a gray area about where exactly you stop requiring a fresh water license and begin to require a salt water license.

Brackish water is that gray area, and it’s considered the mix between fresh and salt waters. On the Myakka River it comprises that approximate area between I-75 and CampVenice Retreat. But again - gray area it is. Good intentions and knowledge of the actual terms and conditions of your license can go a long way toward compliance with current regulations.

Common sense plays a large part therein. For instance - If you are holding only a salt water license you should be using salt water gear, baits & lures, and keeping only species that are covered under the license you carry. Holding a salt water only license and using a bait caster with 6lb test and a plastic worm is somewhat questionable. That along with a freshwater fish on board will get you fines, penalties, and headaches you don’t want! If you’re not sure exactly what area you’ll be fishing or what species you’ll want to keep, consider purchasing a dual-use license covering both fresh and salt water.

Keep in mind that your purchase of a fishing license puts most all the monies involved in the hands of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision. The research and management provided by the commission has bouyed back the populations of many fish species that were at times in danger of extinction. Those funds also help to safeguard against all of the environmental impacts that can effect our fishing resources.

Copies of the official FLORIDA FISHING REGULATIONS are available in a pdf format at the links below.
Florida Fishing Regulations - Fresh Water Edition (approx 6 mb)
Florida Fishing Regulations - Salt Water Edition (approx 6mb)

Now lets go fishing!

Re-treat: (noun) A place affording peace, quiet, privacy.

Located along Florida’s Gulfcoast in Venice just a few miles from the beach you’ll find CampVenice Retreat. A year-round camping facility located in an old-growth oak hammock along the Wild & Scenic Myakka River. Seperate Waterfront areas occupy RV Sites, Tent Sites, and Rental Cabins. Miles of tropical waterfront and serene shaded areas greet their guests. You’ll find on-Site Canoe Rentals, a Heated Pool, Recreational Provisions, and Clean HomeStyle Facilities along an old growth oak lined stretch of the Myakka River.

CampVenice is the only Camping Facility offering ‘Actual Waterfront’ Cabin Rentals, RV Site, and Tent Sites on the Myakka River. A true getaway on a beautifully natural section of the Myakka. As a Retreat-Style facility, some restrictions apply regarding number of guests. Group reservations are not accepted, but individual families and couples may book accommodations up to a year in advance. Please contact them directly for further information.

You may contact CampVenice at:

CampVenice Retreat
4085 East Venice Avenue, Venice FL 34292
941.488.0850
www.campvenice.com

There are currently two public access and two private access locations on the Northern Freshwater areas of the Myakka River. The areas furthest North on the river provide the most scenic and least inhabited areas.

The Locations open to the public are:

• Myakka State Park
  13208 State Rd 72
  Sarasota, FL
  Provides hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, picnicking,  airboat rides, horse trails, and concessions. $User Fee for ramp.
  

• Snook Haven
  5000 East Venice Avenue
  Venice, FL
  Provides a boat ramp, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, picnicking, restrooms, and a restaurant. $User Fee for ramp.
• Marina Park
  7030 Chancellor Blvd.
  North Port, FL
  Provides a boat ramp, fishing, picnicking facilities. Has ADA accessible facilities and a floating dock. FREE ramp.
  
• El Jobean Park
  4333 Kerrigan Circle
  El Jobean, FL
  Provides a boat ramp, Bait Shop, and Citco Marine Fueling Station. $User fee for ramp.
  

The Private Locations are:

• CampVenice Retreat
  4085 East Venice Avenue
  Venice, FL
  Provides a private waterfront camping retreat for RVs, Tents, Cabins, concrete boat ramp, canoe&kayak launch, rental canoes, propane.

• Ramblers Rest
  5000 N River Road
  Venice, FL
  Provides RV sites, Park Model Sites, concrete boat ramp, canoe&kayak launch.

• Myakka River Oyster Bar
  121 Playmore Dr.
  Venice, FL
  Provides a boat ramp, restaurant, bar.
  

River Height

River Flow

Rainfall

The Myakka River gauge is located at Lat 27°14′25″, long 82°18′50″ - One Half mile upstream from the bridge on State Highway 72 - Site Data is provided by US Geological Survey (usgs.gov) and managed by the Florida Integrated Science Center, Tampa.

Myakka River Oyster Bar
121 Plamore Dr.
Venice, FL 34293
941-423-9616

Located on the South side of the US41 (South Tamiami Trail) bridge crossing the Myakka River.  A quiet place overlooking the serene Myakka River. They offer a large screened patio for your choice of outdoor or indoor dining. The food comes highly recommended by area locals, specifically the Black & Blue Grouper and rice, and the raw oysters. Fish is served cleanly and simply in reusable baskets with plastic forks. Priority seating available if you call ahead.

Snook Haven
5000 E Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34292
941-485-7221

Located at the far east end of Venice Ave in Venice, where the road meets the Myakka River.  You’ll find an old-Florida atmosphere away from the paved streets and downtown distractions. There’s an open deck outdoor eating area with an excellent view of the Myakka River, and indoor dining with bought air to beat the summertime heat. And yes - of course they have ‘Gator Bites’!

There’s only one current location to get Fuel on the Myakka River. Gulf Coast Marina’s dockside fueling station is located right next to the public El Jobean Boat Ramp.  And it’s open 7 days a week! They’re located up Frizzell Canal (which runs parallel to Frizzell Rd.). You can spot the entrance by the bright blue roof on the condos at the canal entrance. Mind the navigation markers there - the channel is narrow and appropriate for drafts up to 3.5 feet.

View Larger Map

For Bait there are only 2 current locations.
One of the locations is right beside the above mentioned fueling facility and the El Jobean Boat Ramp. The Port O’ Call Bait & Tackle Shop is  open 7 days a week from about 6am to 7pm.  They carry Bait, Tackle, Ice and Beer - Just the important stuff!

The only other bait shop is located at the concession station inside the Myakka River State Park. They provide ice, food, drinks, photo supplies, camp supplies, bait & tackle, firewood, and a gift shop for souvenirs.

As with all wildlife, they aren’t likely to bother you if you don’t bother them. So, stay safe and watch from a distance.

Alligators are nocturnal feeders and will eat about anything but they prefer to dine on birds, turtles, fish, snakes, and other prey found in their environment. While they are not officially considered man eaters, they are animals of opportunity and have been known to take prey many times their own size, including humans. Once a gator grows to be an adult, any animal in or near the water is a potential target.

Feeding alligators is extremely dangerous and is a violation of state law (prosecution results in stiff penalties). If you do feed them not only do you wildly increase your chances of being attacked by a cold blooded dinosaur relative, you also get the $500 fine and two months in jail. Feeding alligators makes them lose their fear of people, leading to the necessity of their eventual removal and destruction. If you enjoy seeing alligators and other wildlife in the river area please don’t feed them.

Trails are for hiking only along a changing sand, forest floor, and grassland terrain. Picnic Tables and Benches are scattered around the outer loop trail. There are NO restroom facilities, Fresh Water supplies, or Garbage collection, so please pack out whatever you pack in and plan your trip accordingly. There are many secondary trails running between the outer loop which offer a myriad of switchbacks to choose from, allowing a great variety of hiking distances based upon your trail choices. A variety of South Florida wildlife is present, and the preserve is considered and excellent birding location.

The Jelks Peserve is open daily from:

7:30 AM – 8 PM
(April – October)
7:30 AM – 6 PM
(November – March)

The Jelks Preserve is located on the Myakka River at 2300 North River Road in Venice, FL. Take Exit 191-River Road on I-75 and South 1.5 miles, between Venice Avenue and Center Road.
GPS Coordinates (lat, long): 27.090479, -82.337995

The following are PDF brochures:

• The Jelks Preserve Brochure
• Audubon Society “Birds Of The Jelks Preserve”