Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs.

Catfish Spring

Citrus County

Summary of Features

  • Scale - unknown
  • Scenery - fine underwater, fair around spring
  • How Pristine? - at end of dock in developed area
  • Swimming - fair, fine skin-diving
  • Protection - unknown
  • Crowds - some divers
  • Access - fine from boat, need permission from land
  • Facilities - excellent nearby
  • Safety - very good
  • Scuba - yes
  • Cost - free from water

Directions

Address: 614 Northwest Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34428, 352-795-3171
See map. The spring is at the end of a dock just west of the boat ramp at the Best Western Hotel.
Google Maps link: www.google.com/maps/place/Best+Western+Crystal+River+Resort/@28.9000107,-82.5997339,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x7768452c1e667dee!8m2!3d28.9000107!4d-82.5997339

Spring Description

On date of visit, with only fair clarity, the spring appeared to be a hole about 3 feet in diameter at a depth of 15-20 feet.  No flow was visible on the surface, and the water was clearer around the spring than the surrounding water.  The spring opening was free of plants.  According to DeLoach, the spring opening widens to a small cavern that is full of catfish (1997, p. 111).

Use/Access

Personal Impressions

The authors were not equipped to explore the spring, so only viewed it from the surface in a canoe.  It was difficult to photograph because there is no place to get a good above-water vantage point.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features