Overview
Rodman Reservoir (Lake Ocklawaha) is an approximately 9,500-acre impoundment on the Ocklawaha River in Putnam and Marion counties southwest of Palatka. It was created in 1968 when Kirkpatrick Dam was built for the Cross Florida Barge Canal project. The reservoir is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, with fisheries work by FWC.
The pool stretches about 15 miles, averaging roughly 8 feet deep with the barge canal and old river channel reaching about 30 feet. Habitat grades from flooded timber upstream to stump fields, floating vegetation, and open pool near the dam. Roughly 34 miles of shoreline and abundant woody cover make navigation demanding but create classic Florida bass structure.
Rodman is one of Northeast Florida's premier largemouth bass fisheries and also produces crappie, bluegill, redear, and redbreast sunfish, with forecasts and management from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Public ramps along the greenway and periodic habitat drawdowns shape access and fishing patterns.
Normal operating pool is about 18 feet above mean sea level (NGVD29); the reservoir was briefly held near 20 feet after filling, then lowered to 18 feet in 1972. FWC and FDEP periodically draw the pool down several feet for vegetation and habitat management. Because stumps and timber are widespread, monitoring current lake levels is critical for safe boating—especially during drawdowns—and for fishing connections toward the Ocklawaha and Orange Lake basin.
Current Conditions
Rodman Reservoir is currently 0.38 feet below full pool and has risen slightly over the past week.
- 7-day trendRisingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeUp 0.30 ft
- 30-day changeUp 0.15 ft
- Drought conditionsSevere Drought
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Rodman Reservoir is a 9,500-acre reservoir on the Ocklawaha River and Orange Creek managed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection.