What You'll Find at Sims Park

Sims Park sits along the Pithlachascotee River in New Port Richey and holds largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill in a setting that feels removed from the main tourist corridors. The park itself is small—a few acres with a boat ramp, picnic tables, and direct river access—but the fishing can be solid, especially if you time it right and know what the river holds at different seasons.

The Pithlachascotee is a slow, tannic river that winds through coastal Florida scrub. The water clarity varies with recent rain; after a dry spell it runs clear enough to sight-fish, but heavy rain turns it the color of strong tea. That tannin doesn't hurt the fishing—it actually concentrates the fish in certain spots because they rely more on lateral line detection than sight.

Most anglers fish the deeper holes and channel bends near the park, where bass hold during the day. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, and the river fishes better in fall and winter when water temperatures drop and bass move into shallower feeding zones.

Key Takeaways

  • Sims Park has a public boat ramp and direct river access to the Pithlachascotee, making it the easiest entry point for small boats and kayaks in New Port Richey.
  • Largemouth bass and catfish are the primary target; bass fishing is strongest in fall and winter, while catfish bite year-round on live shiners or cut mullet.
  • The river runs narrow and shallow in most places, so a shallow-draft boat or kayak works better than a deep-V hull.
  • Tannin-stained water means fish rely on vibration and scent, so topwater lures and live bait outperform sight-fishing presentations.

Getting There and What to Bring

Sims Park is located at 8500 River Road in New Port Richey. From US 19, head east on River Road and follow it until you see the park entrance on your right. Parking is free, and the lot holds about a dozen vehicles. The boat ramp is concrete and well-maintained, though it can get soft after heavy rain.

Bring a shallow-draft boat or kayak. The Pithlachascotee averages 4 to 6 feet deep in the channel but has sandbars and shallow flats that can trap a deep-V hull. A 16-foot center-console or a kayak gives you the mobility to work the bends and holes without running aground. If you're wading, wear a life jacket and watch for drop-offs; the bottom changes fast.

Bring sunscreen, water, and a headlamp if you plan to fish early or late. The park has no facilities beyond the ramp and picnic area, so plan accordingly. Mosquitoes are heavy in summer and after rain, so insect repellent is essential.

Bass Fishing the Pithlachascotee

Largemouth bass in the Pithlachascotee respond to the same patterns that work across Florida's coastal rivers: they hold in deeper water during the day and move shallow to feed at dawn and dusk. The river's narrow channel and dense vegetation create natural funnels where bass concentrate. Fish the outside bends where the current has carved deeper holes, and work the edges of grass beds and fallen timber.

Topwater lures work well because the tannin-stained water makes bass rely on sound and vibration. A walking-style topwater plug or a popper fished early in the morning can produce explosive strikes. Soft plastics—4-inch worms or crawfish patterns in natural colors—work throughout the day if you fish them slowly along the bottom in the deeper holes.

Fall and winter are the best seasons. Water temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s, and bass feed more aggressively. Spring can be good too, especially during the pre-spawn period in March and April when bass move into shallower water. Summer fishing is slow; the water warms and bass go deep or inactive during the day.

Catfish and Other Species

Channel catfish and flatheads inhabit the Pithlachascotee year-round and bite consistently on live bait. Fish live shiners or mullet on the bottom in the deeper holes, especially at night or during overcast days. Flatheads are nocturnal and grow larger than channels; they prefer live baitfish and will take shiners or small bluegill. Set your rod in a holder and wait for the run.

Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and make for good action if bass aren't cooperating. Small jigs, inline spinners, or live crickets will catch them around the vegetation and in the shallows. They're not trophy fish, but they're reliable and fun on light tackle.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Fall (September through November) is the prime season. Water temperatures drop, bass feed aggressively, and the river is less crowded than in winter. Early morning topwater fishing can be exceptional.

Winter (December through February) brings cooler water and consistent fishing, though the bite can be slower midday. Fish early and late, and don't skip the deeper holes where bass stack up during cold snaps.

Spring (March through May) offers good pre-spawn and spawn fishing in March and April, but May can be slow as water warms. Summer (June through August) is tough; fish deep or fish at night for catfish.

Practical Tips for Sims Park

The river can be crowded on weekends, especially in winter when visiting anglers arrive from out of state. Weekday mornings are quieter and often more productive. The park itself has limited shade, so bring an umbrella or fish early to avoid the midday heat.

Watch the tide if you're fishing near the river mouth. The Pithlachascotee is tidal, and a falling tide can concentrate fish in the deeper holes. A rising tide pushes fish into the shallows and flats. Check a tide table before you go.

The river has a no-wake zone near the park, so respect posted signs and keep noise down. Other anglers and wildlife benefit from a quiet approach, and fish bite better when the water isn't churned up by boat traffic.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Sims Park is crowded or the bite is slow, the Pithlachascotee continues upstream and downstream with similar habitat and fish. The river mouth near US 19 holds saltwater species like tarpon and snook during summer and fall, though that's a different fishery. Anclote Key and the Gulf flats are a short drive away if you want to switch to saltwater.

Lake Panasoffkee, about 45 minutes inland, holds larger bass and is worth the drive if you want a different environment. The lake is shallower and more open than the river, with different seasonal patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Florida fishing license to fish Sims Park?

Yes. Florida requires a saltwater or freshwater license depending on what you're fishing for. A freshwater license covers bass, catfish, and bluegill. You can purchase a license online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores.

Can I fish from shore at Sims Park?

Yes, there is shore access along the river, though it's limited. Most productive fishing requires a boat or kayak to reach the deeper holes and channel bends. Shore fishing works best at dawn and dusk when bass move shallow.

What's the best bait for catfish in the Pithlachascotee?

Live shiners and cut mullet are the most reliable. Shiners work for both channels and flatheads, while flatheads prefer live baitfish. Fish on the bottom in the deeper holes, especially at night or during low-light conditions.

Is the water safe to fish in?

The Pithlachascotee is generally safe for fishing, though water quality varies with rainfall and upstream conditions. Avoid swallowing river water, and wash your hands after handling fish. Check local advisories if there have been recent heavy rains or algae blooms.

What size boat works best for Sims Park?

A shallow-draft boat 16 to 18 feet long works well, or a kayak if you prefer a quieter approach. The river averages 4 to 6 feet deep in the channel, so avoid deep-V hulls that draw more than 2 feet. A kayak gives you access to shallow flats and tight spots where motorboats can't go.