Central East Florida Freshwater Fishing Forecasts

CENTRAL EAST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS

 

Central East Florida is a freshwater angler's paradise, offering diverse fishing spots and plentiful catches year-round. From the renowned St. Johns River, teeming with largemouth bass and crappie, to the Stick Marsh, famous for its thriving bass population, anglers have countless opportunities to land trophy fish. Blue Cypress Lake provides exciting topwater action in the fall, while Lake Monroe delivers steady crappie bites. With peaceful landscapes and rewarding fishing experiences, this region is ideal for anglers looking to explore new destinations and reel in impressive freshwater catches.

 

 

EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS

Please keep in mind the migratory patterns of fish along with near shore and offshore currents. Search nearby locations for a full picture on forecasts for the area you're looking to fish.

MONTH-BY-MONTH FORECASTS

 

JANUARY EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER WATER FORECAST

Locations: St. Johns River (Astor, Deland), Lake Monroe

Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie

Details: Largemouth bass seek deep holes and bends in the St. Johns River, particularly near Astor and Deland. Use slow presentations to entice bites. Crappie (speckled perch) are schooling up in Lake Monroe. Target them near structure using small jigs or minnows.

 

FEBRUARY EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Locations: Lake Jesup, Stick Marsh

Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

Details: Pre-spawn largemouth bass are moving into shallows in Lake Jesup, making it an exciting month for bass anglers. Stick Marsh remains a prime spot, with bluegill starting to become more active in the warm shallow areas. These panfish are perfect for novice anglers seeking consistent action.

 

MARCH EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Locations: Lake Monroe, Stick Marsh

Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie

Details: March signals peak bass spawning in Lake Monroe, with bass protecting nests in the shallows. Stick Marsh continues to deliver, not just for bass, but crappie action is also exceptional, especially around submerged structures like fallen trees or brush piles.

 

APRIL EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Locations: Blue Cypress Lake, Lake Harney

Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

Details: As post-spawn activity sets in, Blue Cypress Lake’s largemouth bass retreat to slightly deeper waters, chasing shad. Bluegill fishing in Lake Harney is superb, as they begin moving into spawning beds, providing great opportunities for anglers using live worms or crickets.

 

MAY EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Locations: St. Johns River (Sanford), Stick Marsh

Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

Details: The warming waters of the St. Johns River near Sanford make for excellent early morning bass fishing. In Stick Marsh, bluegill action heats up, especially around weedy cover and lily pads, offering steady bites for light-tackle enthusiasts.

 

JUNE EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Locations: Lake Monroe, Lake Poinsett

Species: Bluegill, Shellcracker

Details: The peak of bluegill and shellcracker (redear sunfish) action is underway in Lake Monroe. Target the edges of lily pads or docks for non-stop action. Lake Poinsett offers fantastic shellcracker fishing near weed lines, and small jigs or worms are productive.

 

JULY EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Locations: Lake Jesup, Lake Washington

Species: Largemouth Bass, Catfish

Details: Bass slow down due to heat, but early mornings in Lake Jesup can yield good results near deeper drop-offs. Lake Washington shines for catfish anglers, with channel and bullhead catfish feeding heavily on cut bait and stink baits along deeper river channels.

AUGUST EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Locations: Lake Harney, St. Johns River

Species: Largemouth Bass, Gar

Details: Lake Harney provides early morning and late evening bass bites, with topwater lures being particularly effective around submerged vegetation. For a unique challenge, try targeting longnose gar along the St. Johns River, known for their aggressive surface strikes and tough fights.

 

SEPTEMBER EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST: REDFISH MADNESS

Locations: Stick Marsh, Lake Monroe

Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie

Details: Stick Marsh's bass bite picks up as fish start moving shallower with cooling waters. Crappie schools in Lake Monroe reappear, offering excellent action for anglers using small jigs or live minnows around submerged brush and deeper pockets.

OCTOBER EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Locations: Blue Cypress Lake, St. Johns River

Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

Details: Fall means bass are chasing shad in Blue Cypress Lake, providing exciting action on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. In the St. Johns River, bluegill are plentiful, making for fun family fishing trips around docks and lily pad clusters.

 

NOVEMBER EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

November is one of the most exciting months to fish the freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds of East Central Florida. As cooler temperatures settle in, the bite begins to heat up, and angling opportunities become fantastic for both experienced anglers and families looking to spend quality time outdoors. East Central Florida offers a range of beautiful and productive locations that make it an ideal destination for a fall fishing excursion.

 

TOP EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER LOCATIONS

ST. JOHNS RIVER

The St. Johns River is a freshwater fishing paradise in November. Known for its vast network of tributaries and lakes, this river offers plenty of fishing spots for those seeking Bass, Crappie, and Catfish. With cooler waters, Largemouth Bass are especially active, hitting topwater baits in the early mornings. Crappie fishing is also on fire, with local hotspots such as Lake Monroe and Lake George providing excellent opportunities for anglers to catch their limit.

 

LAKE MONROE

Lake Monroe, part of the larger St. Johns River system, is a premier destination for Bass and Crappie fishing in November. The cooler weather brings Crappie into shallower areas, making it easier for anglers to target them using live minnows or jigs. Largemouth Bass can also be found around the grassy shorelines, especially during early morning and late afternoon when they are more actively feeding.

 

LAKE JESUP

Lake Jesup is known for its vast population of Catfish, making it an attractive location for those looking to hook into some hard-fighting fish. November is a perfect time for Catfish, as they become more active in the cooling waters. Anglers can also find Largemouth Bass and Bluegill in Lake Jesup, particularly around submerged structures and along the grassy edges.

 

LAKE HARNEY

Located just south of Lake George, Lake Harney offers a peaceful and productive fishing experience. This lake is known for its healthy population of Largemouth Bass, which are often found chasing schools of baitfish along the edges in November. Anglers can also expect to catch Bluegill and other Panfish species, providing fun for all skill levels.

 

LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA (LAKE TOHO)

Lake Toho is one of the best-known bass fisheries in Florida, and November is a prime time to visit. The cooler temperatures activate the Bass, and anglers can enjoy great success with crankbaits, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits. This month, you'll also find Bluegill and Shellcracker closer to shore, making them a great target for families and beginning anglers.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN NOVEMBER

November brings a unique blend of cooler weather and increased fish activity. Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, and Catfish are the primary species available in East Central Florida's freshwater bodies. The fish are feeding aggressively, especially on cooler mornings and evenings, giving anglers plenty of opportunities to catch trophy fish and fill their coolers. Additionally, the fall scenery and wildlife make every fishing excursion a memorable adventure.

 

TOP TIPS FOR NOVEMBER FRESHWATER FISHING IN EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA

• Focus on Early Mornings and Evenings: During these times, fish are actively feeding and more likely to strike. Topwater lures work especially well for Largemouth Bass in the early hours.
• Use Live Bait for Crappie: Live minnows are particularly effective when targeting Crappie in shallower waters. Look for submerged structures or vegetation where Crappie like to congregate.
• Target Catfish with Stink Bait or Chicken Liver: Catfish are abundant in Lake Jesup and other parts of the St. Johns River. Using smelly baits will help attract these bottom-dwelling fish.

PLAN YOUR FLORIDA FISHING ADVENTURE

Now is the perfect time to plan a fishing trip to East Central Florida. With productive waters, exciting species, and gorgeous fall weather, there's no better way to spend your November than on the water. The Great Florida Fishing website offers valuable resources for planning your trip, from finding the best places to stay near your fishing destination to booking top-rated fishing guides who can help you reel in a trophy catch. Get ready to experience the thrill of fishing in East Central Florida this November!

CHECK OUT LOCAL CHARTERS AND GUIDES

For the best experience, consider booking a local fishing charter or guide. They have the knowledge and experience to put you on the fish, ensuring your trip is both productive and enjoyable. Visit our Great Florida Fishing website for recommendations on local guides and to find the perfect fit for your November adventure.

 

DECEMBER EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Locations: Lake Monroe, Stick Marsh

Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie

Details: December brings a strong bass and crappie bite in Lake Monroe, with fish feeding heavily before winter sets in. Stick Marsh continues to be a crappie angler's dream, with large schools near submerged structure making this a perfect month for filling your livewell.