What You'll Find at Arlington Lions Club Park

Arlington Lions Club Park sits on the north bank of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, offering a public boat ramp, picnic areas, and direct access to one of Florida's most productive warm-water fisheries. The park is small—roughly 5 acres—but well-maintained by the Lions Club, with a single concrete ramp that handles both trailered boats and hand-launched kayaks. The real draw is the location: you're launching into a section of the St. Johns that holds largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and occasional saltwater species depending on the tide and season.

The park has limited amenities. There's parking for roughly 20 vehicles with trailers, a few picnic tables, and portable restrooms. No fuel, no bait shop, no food service. You'll want to arrive with a full tank and any tackle you plan to use. The ramp itself is in decent shape but can get crowded on weekends, especially during spring when bass fishing peaks.

Key Takeaways

  • Arlington Lions Club Park provides the most direct public access to the St. Johns River's middle reach, where largemouth bass and bluegill are year-round targets.
  • The single concrete ramp works for both trailered boats and kayaks, but parking fills quickly on weekend mornings during spring and fall.
  • The park has no fuel, bait, or food vendors, so bring everything you need before arriving.
  • Water levels on the St. Johns fluctuate with rainfall and tidal influence, which affects where fish hold and how accessible shallow flats become.
  • Nearby tackle shops and restaurants are 10 to 15 minutes away in downtown Jacksonville or along San Marco Avenue.

Best Times to Fish and What Species to Target

Largemouth bass fishing peaks in spring (February through April) when water temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s. Fish move shallow to spawn, and topwater plugs and soft plastics work well around the docks, mangrove edges, and grass beds visible from the ramp. Fall (September through November) offers a second strong bite as water cools and bass feed aggressively before winter.

Bluegill and other panfish bite year-round, especially in summer when bass move deeper. Live crickets or small jigs under a bobber will catch them consistently around structure—fallen trees, dock pilings, and the deeper holes along the channel. Catfish are most active at night and in early morning; cut mullet or chicken liver works well if you want to fish after dark.

The St. Johns is tidal in this section, and water level can swing 2 to 3 feet between high and low tide. Fish tend to concentrate in deeper holes and channels during low water, making them easier to locate. High tide pushes them into flooded vegetation and shallow banks. Check tide tables before you go; a rising tide in the morning often produces better fishing than a falling one.

How to Use the Boat Ramp and Launch Area

The ramp is a single-lane concrete slope with a gradual grade, suitable for most center-console and bass boats up to about 20 feet. Kayaks and canoes can be hand-launched from the bank without using the ramp. Parking is first-come, first-served; arrive early on weekends or you may find the lot full. There is no launch fee, but donations to the Lions Club are encouraged.

The ramp area can get congested during peak hours. If you're trailering a boat, have your gear loaded and your crew ready before you back down. The park does not have a courtesy dock for loading or unloading, so plan to do that at the water's edge. High water can make the ramp slippery; wear shoes with good grip and move deliberately.

Once launched, the main channel runs north and south from the ramp. Heading north takes you toward the Shands Bridge and deeper water. Heading south leads to shallower flats and more vegetation—better for sight-casting to bass in clear water. Most anglers stay within a mile or two of the ramp to avoid long runs and to keep fuel consumption down.

Nearby Services and Facilities

The closest fuel dock is at Riverside Marina, roughly 3 miles south on the river. You can also fuel up at marinas along San Marco Avenue before heading to the park. Tackle shops include Orsborn's Tackle on San Marco and several big-box retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports) in the greater Jacksonville area, all 10 to 15 minutes away by car.

Food and drink options are limited at the park itself. The nearest restaurants and convenience stores are along San Marco Avenue or in the Riverside neighborhood, a short drive from the parking area. Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen; the park offers no shade except under the few trees near the picnic area.

Restrooms are portable units maintained by the Lions Club. They are basic but functional. There is no running water for rinsing fish or cleaning gear, so bring a bucket if you plan to clean your catch at the park.

Regulations and Seasonal Closures

Florida's freshwater bass season runs year-round, but there are size and bag limits. Largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches long, and you can keep five per day. Bluegill and other panfish have no minimum size but a 50-fish daily bag limit. Catfish have no size limit and a 20-fish daily bag. You'll need a valid Florida fishing license, available online or at any tackle shop.

The St. Johns River is subject to fish consumption advisories for mercury and other contaminants. Check the Florida Department of Environmental Protection website before you plan to eat your catch; some species and size classes are not recommended for frequent consumption, especially for children and pregnant women.

The park itself has no posted seasonal closures, but heavy rain can make the ramp unusable or unsafe. The St. Johns can rise several feet in 24 hours during summer storms, flooding the parking area and submerging the lower ramp. Call ahead or check local weather before making the drive during wet season (June through September).

Directions and Parking

Arlington Lions Club Park is located at 1701 Riverside Avenue in Jacksonville, on the north bank of the St. Johns River between the Riverside neighborhood and downtown. From Interstate 95, take Exit 358 (San Marco Avenue) and head east toward the river. Turn north on Riverside Avenue and follow it for about a mile; the park entrance is on your right, marked by a small sign.

Parking is in a gravel lot adjacent to the ramp. The lot holds roughly 20 vehicles with trailers, though it can overflow onto the grass during busy weekends. There is no reserved parking for disabled visitors, but the lot is relatively flat and the ramp is accessible. Arrive early (before 7 a.m. on weekends) to secure a spot during peak season.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a full tank of fuel, a cooler with ice, sunscreen, and a hat. The St. Johns has no shade once you're on the water, and sun exposure is intense, especially in spring and summer. Bring more water than you think you'll need; dehydration is a real risk on a full day of fishing.

Tackle should include topwater plugs and soft plastics for bass, small jigs and live bait for panfish, and cut bait for catfish. Bring extra line and hooks; the St. Johns has plenty of structure, and snags are common. A push pole or trolling motor is useful for working shallow flats without spooking fish. If you're kayaking, a small anchor and a dry bag for your phone and keys are essential.

Check the weather and water conditions before you go. The St. Johns can be rough if wind picks up, and shallow areas become impassable during low water. Local fishing reports and the NOAA tide tables are your best sources for real-time conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Arlington Lions Club Park?

No. You can hand-launch a kayak or canoe from the bank without using the ramp. Many anglers fish the immediate area around the park from a kayak, which is often more productive for sight-casting to shallow-water bass than running a larger boat.

Is there a launch fee?

No fee is charged, but the Lions Club accepts donations to maintain the park. A few dollars in the donation box helps keep the ramp and facilities in good condition.

Can I fish at night?

The park itself does not have posted hours, but it is not lit. Night fishing is possible, though you'll need a headlamp and should be cautious navigating the channel in the dark. Catfish are most active at night, so many anglers target them after sunset.

What's the water like in summer?

Summer water temperatures reach the mid-80s, and bass move deep into channels and holes. Panfish and catfish bite better than bass during this season. Water levels can also rise significantly during summer thunderstorms, making some shallow areas inaccessible.

How far can I run from the ramp?

Most anglers stay within 2 to 3 miles to conserve fuel and keep run times short. The river is navigable much farther, but fuel costs and time on the water increase quickly. Stick to the main channel if you're unfamiliar with the river; shallow flats and submerged obstacles are common away from the marked route.