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
- The spring is popular with scuba divers and can also be explored by skin-divers and snorkelers.
- There is a small house on land adjacent to the spring with a dock that extends to a point nearly directly over it.
- Land to the east of the spring is a hotel/restaurant/dive/excursion complex.
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 Crystal River/King’s Bay Springs (Artesian, Gator [or Gator Hole], Grand Canyon, Hunter, Idiot’s Delight, Independence, Jurassic, King’s, Little Hidden, Mullet’s Gullet, Three Sisters, Unnamed Banana Island Springs, Unnamed Spring Boils)
- Homosassa Springs Group
- Chassahowitzka Springs Group
- Rainbow Springs Group
Other Nearby Natural Features
- Rainbow Springs State Park
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
- Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
- Withlacoochie State Forest