Paddling and Fishing on Peach Creek in South Walton

What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than kayak fishing on the calm waters of one of South Walton's hidden gems.

Peach Creek flows north from the wetlands of Point Washington State Forest, on the north side of Seagrove Beach, Florida. It's just a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico and Scenic Highway 30A.

What begins as a trickle, widens to SoWal's largest freshwater creek, opening up to a beautiful bayou flowing into the Intracoastal Waterway and the Choctawhatchee (Chock-tuh-hatch-ee) Bay.

Many species of fish can be found in Peach Creek, with Largemouth Bass and pan fish prevalent up the creek a bit where it is mostly freshwater. Also common are saltwater species such as Flounder, Trout, and Redfish, along with Bay Shrimp and Blue Crab.

The bayou water varies from fresh, to brackish, to salty, and back to fresh depending on the amount of rain, tides, and wind. Just around the bend stately stands of Cypress trees line the marsh grass along the banks.

The most remarkable thing about Peach Creek Bayou may be the fact that American Alligators and Bottlenose Dolphins share the same water. Both hunt for fish and other food in the calm estuary.

All types of birds inhabit the bayou, including Kingfisher, Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Pelican, Seagull, Marsh Hen, Woodpecker, and the occasional Bald Eagle.

Peach Creek is easy to visit by using the boat launch at the north end of Scenic 395 in Point Washington, just past Eden State Gardens on Tucker Bayou. You can bring your own boat or call one of the local rental companies to rent kayaks or standup paddle boards. Guides are available for fishing and paddling tours.

Guided motorboat tours are also available for exploring the nearby Choctawhatchee River delta.