Eureka West

Eureka's ramps are sometimes in Rodman and sometimes in the Ocklawaha River. Their location is determined by the water level in the reservoir. When the water level is at eighteen feet Rodman starts about a mile north of the Eureka Bridge, but when the level reaches nineteen feet the water backs up enough to include the Eureka ramps in the riverine zone of Rodman. In any event, the Eureka ramps allow access to the southernmost part of the reservoir.

This is the ramp used by most visitors to the Eureka area of the Ocklawaha River and upper Rodman Reservoir. Even though the area is compact, traffic is routed so boat launching is easy. The area around the single ramp has been improved into a lovely little park with picnic tables, good spots for bank fishing, handicapped parking and boardwalks. The parking lot is adequate for most days, but sometimes on really nice weekends it overflows. Port-a-lets are on site in the parking lot. Eureka West is next to the Canoe Outpost so it is easy to find. Just turn off of CR 316 at the west side of the Ocklawaha River bridge like you were going to go to the Canoe Outpost (sign beside the road) and follow the signs that say "Public Boat Ramp." The only problem with Eureka West is the launch basin itself is shallow. When the river is low and Rodman is below eighteen and a half feet there is only about two feet of water in the basin.

You have to pass Linn's Bait and Tackle to get to Eureka West so everything you need for a great day of picnicking and bank fishing is available here. 

Located next to the ramp area is a fishing pier with its own parking lot.

Near the pier's parking lot is a picnic pavilion with an elevated location to give a great view of the river below.

View of the river from Eureka's picnic pavilion on top of the hill

When it is too hot to fish in Rodman's pool and it's time to lay back and drown some worms for some catfish or brim, then the riverine zone is a great place to be. The current is weak enough that securing your boat is not too difficult, and the tree lined river edges provide shade.

An attractive board walk through the woods joins the fishing pier with the ramp area.