Located on the banks of the Withlachoochee River, Inglis is a destination for anglers who want to fish in both freshwater and saltwater. There are also trails on Inglis Island and frequent sightings of shorebirds and waterbirds at Lake Rousseau. You can explore the area according to specific interests in waterways, wildlife watching, and getting around on foot or by bike.
Fishing and Birdwatching by the Water
At the Inglis Lock Recreation Area, you can fish from the shore in the freshwater of Lake Rousseau and in saltwater from the banks of the Barge Canal. Inglis is considered a destination for anglers seeking both types of fishing. The difference between the waterways offers a specific point of reference when planning: Lake Rousseau is freshwater, while the Barge Canal is saltwater. This lets you decide which waterfront will be the focus of your fishing day.
Lake Rousseau is also a point of interest for birdwatching: shorebirds and waterbirds are frequently seen along its banks. Those interested in wildlife as well as fishing will find another connection to nature here. The frequent sightings are specifically of shorebirds and waterbirds on the lakeshore.
Trails on Inglis Island
At the Inglis Lock Recreation Area, you can walk or ride a bike on a mowed trail along the Barge Canal. The area also provides access to the multi-use trails on Inglis Island, which covers 1,200 acres. On the island, cyclists can use a 2.3-mile paved multi-use trail. Another paved multi-use trail runs for more than two miles from Inglis Dam to Mullet Point at the island’s northwestern tip. The Inglis Main Dam provides access to the south side of Inglis Island via an access bridge.
The trail options differ in surface, length, and destination: a mowed trail runs along the Barge Canal, while the two described paved multi-use trails are on Inglis Island. Mullet Point is also given as a specific destination for the trail from Inglis Dam. These distinctions can help you choose a suitable route based on whether you prefer a path along the canal, a stated distance, or a particular endpoint.
Waterways and Local History
Inglis is located on the banks of the Withlachoochee River. The Inglis Bypass Spillway diverts freshwater from Lake Rousseau into the lower Withlacoochee River. The lake was originally flooded in the early 1900s by a hydroelectric dam. Together, these waterways give Lake Rousseau a place in both the area’s history and the described flow of water into the lower river.
A Distinctive Name in Inglis
The main east-west road through Inglis is Highway 40, locally known as “Follow That Dream Parkway.” The road’s name adds a specific local reference to the themes of waterways and trails.
Discover more destinations: Cedar Key, Chiefland, Morriston.
For the broader travel overview: Levy County.
