Largemouth Bass - Shiners are the best natural bait. Blue or black plastic worms rigged Texas-style or yellow-skirted flutter baits are the best artificials. Bluegill and Redear Sunfish - Crickets and worms are generally the best natural baits. White beetle-spins with white or black heads are best artificial baits for casting or trolling. Channel Catfish - Chicken liver generally is the best bait.
Hurricane Lake is a 318-acre artificial impoundment created by an earthen dam across Hurricane Creek. The lake was constructed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (formerly Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission) in 1971 and opened to fishing in 1973. It has an average depth of 7 feet and a maximum depth of 25 feet. Deepest areas are near the dam and along the old stream bed. A considerable amount of flooded timber remains, providing fish habitat. Most standing timber has been cut 3 to 7 feet below normal water level to improve boating access. An intensive, ongoing management program on Hurricane Lake has resulted in excellent catches of panfish and largemouth bass. Brush and other materials are placed in the lake to concentrate fish and improve angler harvest. Hardwood brush bundles have proven to be good bass and bream fishing sites. Limerock spread on the lake bottom concentrates spawning fish, especially bream. Channel catfish, and bream (bluegill and redear sunfish) are stocked periodically to provide additional sportfishing opportunities. Fertilization/Liming - Most of the lakes in this region of the state are low in naturally occurring nutrients and must be fertilized to increase fish production. Fertilizer stimulates the growth of microscopic plants called phytoplankton. Liming increases fish production in lakes with acid bottom mud and soft water by altering pH, alkalinity and total hardness. Under these improved conditions the microscopic plants and animals at the base of the food chain are able to more efficiently use nutrients present in the water. Fish production in properly fertilized and limed lakes can be four or five times greater than natural productivity would allow. Hurricane Lake is located in a secluded wooded area of the Blackwater River State Forest in northwest Okaloosa County. It lies north of S. R. 4, approximately 12 miles northwest of Baker. It is within easy commuting distance of Pensacola, Milton, Crestview, and south Alabama. Concrete boat ramps with ample parking are located at the north and south camp-grounds. Kiosks adjacent to the ramps provide useful fishery information. On the north side a fishing pier is located near the boat ramp. Additional upland conveniences provided by the Florida Division of Forestry include bath/restroom facilities, camping, and picnic areas. There are no fish camps or boat rentals available at the lake. Bait and supplies are available in nearby Baker, Blackman and Munson.