Lake Talquin

Lake Talquin was formed by the construction of the Jackson Bluff Dam in the late 1920s to supply hydroelectric power to the surrounding areas. The abundance of dead trees and stumps scattered about are the reminders of a rich floodplain forest that covered the area before the lake was formed. 

The state of Florida assumed ownership of the dam and lake in 1970 and created Lake Talquin State Park. Lake Talquin is known as one of Florida's finest fishing lakes where you might catch bluegill, crappie, red ear sunfish, and both large mouth and striped bass. The site is also a point of pride for conservationists as it has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water.

The surrounding highlands, bluffs, forests, lowlands and swamps extending from it are part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System. Approximately 400 plants have been documented growing in the nine communities within the park, including trout lilies, heart-leaf and pyramid magnolia.

The lake has outstanding wildlife including deer, turkeys and alligators. It also hosts birds of prey, wading birds and more than 100 species of birds that nest along the Talquin and Ochlockonee. Included in the list are Carolina chickadee, the tricolor heron and the Acadian flycatcher.