Florida
Alafia River at Lithia
Location Snapshot
The Alafia River at Lithia is the monitored freshwater Hillsborough County reach upstream of the tidal lower river. Largemouth bass are the principal cataloged fishing target.
Current River Rating
Excellent · 93
Conditions look favorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Go
Recommended Window
Tuesday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Why
- Cloud cover is generally suitable for fishing.
- Air temperature is comfortable for fishing.
Favorable Factors
- Light to moderate wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 332 CFS
- Gage Height
- 5.41 ft
- Water Temperature
- 72.9 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 02301500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
60°F
Feels like
59°F
Wind
7 mph N
Wind gust
16 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 5:15 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 6 AM
Clear
Temp 60°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 10 AM
Clear
Temp 68°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 12 mph
Tue 2 PM
Clear
Temp 78°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 10 mph
Tue 6 PM
Clear
Temp 76°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 65°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Wed 2 AM
Clear
Temp 60°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 80°F / Low 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 26 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 79°F / Low 58°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 23 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 81°F / Low 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 26 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 80°F / Low 61°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 27 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild largemouth bass are in the Alafia River at Lithia.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Alafia River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Hillsborough, Florida
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Hillsborough
Management Category
Warmwater river
Regulation Scope
Alafia River at Lithia freshwater gauge reach above the tidal lower river.
Regulation Summary
Florida inland freshwater regulations apply on this Lithia freshwater reach. Confirm current FWC seasons, methods, and limits before fishing.
Target Species
Largemouth Bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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