Merritts Mill Pond is a large, deep body of water located in the Panhandle region of Florida. The pond is home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life, making it a popular spot for fishing and swimming. You can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking.
If you are in the mood to spend a day on the water and are looking for a place where you can kayak, Merritts Mill Pond is an excellent place to do so.
It is open year-round, and there are several access points, including the free launch at Hunter Fish Camp and the fee-based Arrowhead Campground.
The historical significance of the location is another reason to visit.
1. Water temperature
The water temperature at Merritts Mill Pond Florida is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Located in the Panhandle, this lake is famous for its trophy bass. It has clear, blue water.
The temperature at this lake can range from 68 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit. For more information about the temperature of the water at Merritts Mill Pond, read Florida Geological Survey Bulletin 66.
The spring that feeds Merritts Mill Pond is Blue Spring, one of 17 first-magnitude springs in Florida. It pumps up to 85 million gallons of water each day. The spring is home to rare species.
Visiting the spring requires proper permits. You can also scuba dive in the cave. Make sure to check the temperature of the water before entering the cave.
Before diving in the pond, check with local officials and ask them for the proper permits.
2. Access points
The 202-acre waterway of Merritts Mill Pond Florida is surrounded by multiple springs and has two public boat ramps. The paved boat ramp located at Hunters Fish Camp Landing is free and open year-round.
There are three named springs in the waterway. Access points to the waterway can also be found at Blue Springs Recreation Area, which is open Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends after July 31.
There are three main access points to Merritts Mill Pond Florida. The first access point is at the Hunter Fish Camp Road, while the second is at the Florida Caverns RV Resort at the southern end of the pond.
Blue Springs has ample parking, restrooms, and volleyball courts. During the summer season, there is a designated swimming area with lifeguards. Cave Adventurers provides dive equipment rentals and lodging for visitors.
3. Historical significance
If you have ever visited Marianna, Florida, you may have heard about the historic Waddells Mill Pond Site, a late prehistoric mound and village site.
In 1959 and 1960, excavations at this site revealed a large collection of ceramics and chipped stone artifacts.
The area was believed to have been abandoned before the Spanish arrived in 1674. Nevertheless, it is possible to view this fascinating archaeological site in person.
A first-magnitude spring is the source of water for Merritts Mill Pond, which has dozens of smaller springs surrounding it.
Visitors can explore the caves that surround the 202-acre pond, including the Gator Hole and the Shangri-la.
Cave divers from around the world flock to Blue Springs to experience the spring’s natural beauty and the caves in which they can swim.
4. Cormorants
If you are visiting Merritts Mill Pond Florida, you may be wondering what the birds do. These birds dive deep into the water to catch fish. Unlike other birds, cormorants dive from low perches rather than dramatically jumping out of the water.
You can spot them by their distinctive posture.
Cormorants do not always dive for food, however. They often sink to the bottom of the pond and suck the fish.
Although cormorants are not particularly sexy, the hopping of these birds was an exciting part of the morning. While we did not spot any large alligator gars, we were able to admire tall eelgrass and fish.
In fact, the large birds, which are so big, have earned the nickname “Marianna Manatees” in the local area.
5. Cave diving
In the city of Marianna, Florida, you can experience the thrilling sport of cave diving at Jackson Blue Cave. This manmade lake is fed by a magnitude one spring called Blue Spring.
It is a large, white cave with a main passage that extends almost 5000 feet.
Because the cave is unflowing, side mount divers can safely navigate the small passages. It is also easy to reach by swimming or by scooter.
Before going cave diving at Merritts Mill Pond Florida, you should be familiar with the basics.
There are two distinct areas: the drop-off and the cave entrance.
You should spend most of your time exploring the area around the entrance. The first 60 meters/200 feet of the cave contain some of the coolest things you’ll see.
However, the entire cave is worth exploring.
Common Questions about Merritts Mill Pond Florida
How long is Merritts Mill Pond?
Merritt’s Mill Pond is a beautiful spring-fed lake that meanders 4 miles long and has crystal clear water.
Where is Merritts Mill Pond?
Merritt’s Mill Pond is located in central Florida, just north of Orlando.
The pond is a popular spot for fishing and swimming and is also home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors to the pond can also enjoy picnicking and hiking in the nearby state park.
Are there alligators in Merritts Mill Pond?
Alligators, turtles, and snakes are all part of wildlife, as well as birds like hawks and kingfishers, swallows, and herons. Merritt’s Mill Pond is a well-known fishing spot.
Other fish include carp, bluegill, spotted, and largemouth bass.
How do you fish in Merritts Mill Pond?
- The first step is to find a good spot.
- You can use a boat or fish from the shore. Once you have found a good spot, it is time to start fishing!
- If you are fishing from a boat, you will need to anchor the boat so that it does not move. Then, you can start fishing! If you are fishing from the shore, you will need to find a good spot where you can cast your line.
- Once you have found a good spot, it is time to start fishing! You will need to bait your hook with something that fish like to eat, worms and minnows are two good options.
- Then, you will cast your line into the water and wait for a fish to bite. When a fish bites, you will need to reel it in.
Congratulations, you have caught a fish!
Merritts Mill Pond is a beautiful body of water located in the panhandle of Florida. It is fed by natural springs and is surrounded by cypress trees.
This makes it a perfect place to cool off on a hot day or to fish for bass, bream, and catfish.
The pond is also home to alligators, so be sure to keep an eye out!
