Access the eastern end of the lake via the Withlacoochee River at the U. S. Hwy 41 bridge in Dunnellon. A GFC ramp south of C.R. 40 on Bass Lane provides access to the western portion of the lake. About nine miles of river downstream from Lake Rousseau. This portion of the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico at the western end of C.R. 40 near the community of Yankeetown. During cooler months trout, redfish, mangrove snapper and an occasional tarpon venture up the river.
Bank fishing is available near the mouth of the river.
C.R. 40 ends at a public boat ramp that provides access to the river and the Gulf. Crystal River Several springs form the headwaters of this coastal river that flows several miles west to the Gulf. The river is best known as an over-wintering area for manatee and tourists. The water is clear generally, and often anglers can see the fish they are after. Redear sunfish, bluegill and spotted sunfish are abundant in the Kings Bay area of the headwaters.