The Turner River is a scenic waterway located in Collier County, Florida, flowing through Big Cypress National Preserve and the western Everglades. This diverse ecosystem transitions from freshwater cypress forests and sawgrass prairies in the upper sections to saltwater mangrove habitats near its mouth at Chokoloskee Bay. Historically significant, the area was home to Calusa Indians who built shell mounds along its banks between 200 BC and 900 AD. The river was named after Captain Richard Turner, who settled near its mouth in 1874 after initially leading military operations during the Third Seminole War. Today, the Turner River offers exceptional fishing opportunities in a pristine natural setting, attracting anglers seeking a variety of freshwater and saltwater species depending on which section they fish.
Learn what type of fish are at Turner River and what's needed to catch them.
Learn how to get on Turner River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Turner River, and when to apply.
Everglades National Park
Reservation permit · Overnight trips · Required year-round
Camping overnight in the Everglades backcountry, Wilderness Waterway included, needs a permit released 90 days ahead.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Everglades National Park
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Youth under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license, although they must abide by all other fishing regulations such as gear type, bag and size limits. They may, however, be asked to provide proof of age.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Florida access law holds pretty close to the federal definition of navigability, but some state cases suggest that it’s a bit more lenient, and recognizes recreation as a determinant of what’s navigable. The public may use navigable waters up to the high water mark so long as they access through public lands. There are, however, some exceptions where submerged land was either granted into private control before statehood, or sold by the state into private hands.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Turner River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Turner River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Turner River and check the forecast before you go.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
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