Lake Iamonia

Lake Iamonia is located in northern Leon County, Florida. The origin of its name traces back to the Seminole Indian town of “Hiamonee," located on the banks of the Ochlockonee River. The lake has a long prehistoric past and has been home to the Seminoles and other Native Americans for thousands of years.

Being a prairie lake, Iamonia drains its water, through a natural sinkhole, during dry periods. When empty, plants grow and thrive in the soil on the bottom of the lake. During wet periods, the lake regains its water, but tends to be shallow.

In 1939, a dam was built to stop the lake’s natural cycle of draining into the sinkhole. Its purpose was to keep the lake full all year round. Nevertheless, the dam was declared unsafe in 1980 by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. The dam gates were raised and the lake returned to its natural state. The gates of the dame were eventually removed in 2007.

During the dry periods, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continues to remove sediment from the bottom of the lake to help support fish spawning and feeding when the lake is full.

Because Lake Iamonia is a shallow lake and is home to many alligators, it's not recommended as a swimming destination. However, there are plenty of other recreational activities to enjoy on the lake. Nature photographers and enthusiasts will find ample wildlife views around the lake. Some wildlife in the are include alligators, beavers, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, marsh rabbits, armadillos, opossums, raccoon, river otters, white-tailed deer and various species of turtles, frogs, snakes and fish. For a closer view, some lake-goers even enjoy kayaking or canoeing the lake for closer views of nature.

Fishing is a favorite pastime on the lake. Due to the lake's ample vegetation, fish species thrive. Depending on how close they're willing to get, anglers can catch a multitude of fish hiding in the undergrowth.