autographcollector11 Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 Has anyone ever fossil hunted in the Crystal River in Florida? If so-where can you hunt and how does it compare to the Peace River? How is the water level/Temperature in December? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calhounensis Posted November 29, 2014 Share Posted November 29, 2014 (edited) Spring fed rivers stay the same temp year round, usually floating around 72. As for the comparison between the Peace River, it's not the same.. The Peace is about the only river you can get away with using a shovel. Especially on such a popular tourist destination like the Crystal River, FWC or the local Sheriffs will be on you in a second with a hefty fine. You can snorkel or dive if you have the ability to. Fanning the bottom with your hand is fine, but the local enforcement do not take well to disturbing the bottom. Like I said, this rule goes for just about every Florida river other than the Peace. The Peace is such a popular attraction for fossiling that the state turns it's shoulder to disturbing the natural flow. As long as you don't mess with anything above the water line, no one will bother you there. The Crystal is a beautiful river. You could get lucky if you know what you're doing and find some fossils. I would just get a canoe and enjoy the wildlife, there are better places to go around that area for fossils. Edited November 29, 2014 by calhounensis 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autographcollector11 Posted December 4, 2014 Author Share Posted December 4, 2014 Where in the Crystal river would be be allowed to enter? For example-public access, etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calhounensis Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 Crystal River Preserve State Park is the only public access area, don't quote me on that though. It's been a while since I've been there. No fossiling is allowed within Florida state parks, you have to go downstream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khyssa Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 I live in the same county as Crystal River and haven't found anywhere in the area that you can look for fossils in the water. There are some small public parks with beaches that you can go snorkeling or scuba diving from but I haven't heard of anyone finding good fossils in the area waters. With the number of manatees found in the Crystal River and Homasassa Springs area the FWC keeps a close eye on things. From what I have heard people have better luck along the Withlacoochee and Rainbow rivers (the two closest rivers to citrus county). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellseeker Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 This thread reminded me of a Rainbow River find. A photographer friend visited Brian Evenson's shop in Tampa in 2004. This tooth was found in the Rainbow River -- always wanted to go there. It is news to me that shovels are not welcome in other Florida rivers -- Once again I realize how fortunate I am with the official and un-official rules that govern my favorite hunting grounds. 1 The White Queen ".... in her youth she could believe "six impossible things before breakfast" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khyssa Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 I've boated on the Rainbow River and went swimming at the spring but have never actually looked for fossils there. It's only recently that I've really started to look for fossils and don't yet have much knowledge of where to go. Also, with as clumsy as I can be it's safest if I go with at least one other person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calhounensis Posted December 4, 2014 Share Posted December 4, 2014 I dive the Rainbow pretty regularly when I'm back in the state. Beautiful river and some beautiful fossils. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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