Covered Bridge Park

This is a kayak and jon boat launch, plain and simple. The single lane drops into Sturgis Dam Pond, which is shallow and weedy. Don't bring anything over 16 feet or you'll regret it — the pond is more backwater than open water.

Only 7 trailer spots, and those share a lot with park visitors — picnickers, playground families, bridge tourists. On a Saturday morning in summer you might pull in and find the lot already spoken for. Weekday mornings are your best bet.

The water is thick with submerged vegetation, especially once you get past midsummer. Weedless rigs are mandatory if you're fishing. The weeds also bunch up around the ramp area, so you'll want to clear a path before launching.

Covered Bridge Park is charming but rough around the edges — maintenance has slipped over the years. Trails, picnic tables, a porta potty, and an old-school playground make it a decent spot to bring the family while someone fishes. The covered bridge and dam overlook are legitimately worth seeing.

This stretch of the St. Joe below the dam holds catfish, and the pond itself produces panfish reliably. Don't expect tournament-quality bass fishing, but if you want a quiet afternoon pulling cats off the bottom, it delivers every time.