Big Bend WMA - Jena Unit

About This Spot

This is a remote coastal wildlife management area — fishing here is mostly by boat or kayak from the ramps, not from a walk-up pier. Here’s what to expect.

Big Bend Wildlife Management Area – Jena Unit:

The Jena Unit is the southernmost piece of the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area — a vast, undeveloped stretch of Florida’s Nature Coast managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The full WMA spans about 90,000 acres and 60 miles of coastline across five units; the Jena Unit sits near Steinhatchee in Dixie County, between the Steinhatchee River and Horseshoe Beach.

This isn’t a pier — it’s wild salt marsh and tidal creeks meeting the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing happens mostly from boats and kayaks launched at the unit’s ramps (including a double ramp at the Jena launch), working the creeks, flats and nearshore Gulf. It’s also a destination for hunting, paddling the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail, and birding.

Plan like you’re heading into the backcountry: you’ll need the appropriate Florida fishing license and a WMA access permit, and there are few facilities out here. What you get in return is some of the quietest, most unspoiled coast left in the state.

Area Facts

Before You Fish

• There is no traditional fishing pier here — access is primarily by boat or kayak from the ramps.
• You’ll need a Florida fishing license and a WMA access permit; hunting seasons also run here, so check FWC rules and dates.
• Facilities are minimal — bring everything you need, including water and bug protection.
• The town of Steinhatchee nearby has marinas, bait, lodging and seafood.
• Great for paddling (Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail), birding and wildlife viewing.

Plan Your Visit

End of Sand Ridge Rd, Steinhatchee, FL 32359

A remote 90,000-acre coastal wildlife management area on Florida’s Nature Coast. Fishing is by boat or kayak from the ramps — no pier. FL license + WMA permit required.

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