Chassahowitzka

Many years before Europeans arrived, Native Americans hunted, fished, and gathered wild plants along Florida’s Gulf coast. Evidence of several Native American campsites has been found within Chassahowitzka on the same high and dry ground used as camps by 20th century hunters. Within Chassahowitzka is Indian Bend, a Weeden Island (A.D. 300- A.D. 1300) burial mound excavated at the turn of the century.

Although no encampments or other sites have been found, the Seminole Indians were known to have been in the area during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). They gave the region the name Chassahowitzka, meaning “pumpkin hanging place.” The pumpkin referred to was a small climbing variety that is now rare and perhaps even extinct.

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1943 for waterfowl conservation. This 31,000 acre refuge protects saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes, and hardwood swamps in Homosassa. In 1970, the refuge lands within Citrus County were designated Wilderness. Today, this refuge provides habitat for one federally threatened species, the West Indian manatee.

The refuge provides a place for approximately 250 species of birds, over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and at least 25 different species of mammals. Endangered and threatened species on the refuge include manatees, sea turtles and bald eagles.

The Chassahowitzka River has two distinct characters. The first half of the six mile run to the Gulf of Mexico is primarily dominated by tributary creeks, each originating from very different springs environments. The western half of the river is known for tidal creeks, Oyster bars, Mangrove-populated keys and of course, vast Saltmarsh. The entire river is very shallow (1 to 4 feet deep in the channel) and generally prohibitive to larger vessels. Because it is fed by multiple spring-fed tributaries, it is a favorite of casual and hardcore kayakers, spring swimmers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone else who just loves natural Florida.

In this part of the river you are likely to catch freshwater fish and some crossover species such as Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Mangrove Snapper, and Sheepshead. Other animals likely to be seen are Egrets, Herons, Wood Storks, Red Shouldered Hawks, and Manatee in the winter, Dolphins, Otters, Feral Pigs, and Buzzards. More serious fisher persons generally find their way to the Gulf of Mexico where one will find not only the aforementioned saltwater fish but also Tarpon, Sharks, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Spotted Sea Trout, and Jack Crevalle, among others cruising the “flats”.