Recreation, fishing, and hunting are now the river's major industries. Other than for a few flood control structures, the river channel has been altered only near the Gulf where the Inglis Dam was built for power generation in 1903. Although the river once served as a dumping site for municipal sewage and industrial waste, it's now rated as one of the state's cleanest streams and its purity is jealously guarded by the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Covering 144,000 acres in Hernando, Sumter, Citrus, Pasco, and Lake counties, the forest has numerous trails for hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists, and horseback riders. Many riverside picnic areas and campgrounds are nestled amid the forests and rolling hills.
Anglers enjoy outstanding bass fishing.
Bream, catfish and chain pickerel often crash the party. In the brackish and marshy areas near the Gulf, you can present a well-placed lure or streamer fly to redfish, spotted trout, black drum, tarpon, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, cobia and a host of other fish. Several motels and most fish camps dotting the river have boat launching ramps. Campgrounds are numerous and scenic for those traveling with an RV or tent. Those wanting more information have several contact options.