Arbuckle Creek

General data

Name: Arbuckle Creek
Water system: Caloosahatchee River
Water type: River
Source: Lake Arbuckle
Progression: Lake Istokpoga -> Istokpoga Canal -> Kissimmee River -> Lake Okeechobee -> Caloosahatchee River -> Charlotte Harbor -> Gulf of Mexico -> Atlantic Ocean -> Planet Earth
Climates: Subtropical
Continents: North America
Countries: United States of America

Arbuckle Creek is a blackwater stream in Highlands County, Florida, United States.

The creek originates at Lake Arbuckle and flows south for approximately 25 miles (40 km) before emptying into Lake Istokpoga. It is one of the few remaining relatively natural streams in central Florida and passes through the Arbuckle Wildlife Management Area, offering a scenic corridor of cypress swamps, oak hammocks, marshes, and native wetlands.

Unlike many canals in South Florida, Arbuckle Creek retains much of its natural character, with winding channels, overhanging cypress trees, and abundant wildlife. The creek is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, wildlife observation, and freshwater fishing. Its slow-moving blackwater provides excellent habitat for numerous fish species and other aquatic wildlife.

Arbuckle Creek supports a diverse fish community. Popular sport fish include Florida Bass (Micropterus salmoides), Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), Chain Pickerel (Esox niger), Bowfin (Amia calva), and Florida Gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus). The creek is particularly attractive to anglers seeking a quiet, natural setting away from Florida's larger lakes and developed waterways.

As the principal natural inflow to Lake Istokpoga, Arbuckle Creek plays an important role in the lake's ecosystem and the greater Kissimmee River watershed. Its combination of unspoiled scenery, rich biodiversity, and excellent fishing makes it one of central Florida's most valuable freshwater streams.

Arbuckle Creek

General data

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