CENTRAL FLORIDA FISHING FORECASTS

CENTRAL FLORIDA FISHING FORECASTS

Central Florida, often dubbed as the angler’s paradise, presents an unparalleled freshwater fishing experience with its myriad of lakes, rivers, and streams. Amidst a backdrop of swaying palms and ancient oaks, every cast here promises a blend of serenity and thrill, embodying the very essence of Florida’s natural charm. Spread across counties like Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Highlands, and Polk, and thriving in cities like Lakeland, Winter Haven, Kissimmee, Sebring, Tavares, and Sanford, the freshwater fishing scene is as diverse as it is abundant.

BOUNTY BENEATH THE SURFACE

Central Florida's freshwater habitats host a cornucopia of fish species. Largemouth Bass reigns supreme, but the waters also teem with Crappie (Speckled Perch), Bluegill, Sunfish, and Catfish, each offering a unique fishing challenge.

 

MONTH-BY-MONTH FORECASTS

 

JANUARY CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

January in Central Florida marks the beginning of a unique freshwater fishing experience, as anglers gear up for some of the best catches of the year. This month is characterized by cooler water temperatures, which significantly influence fish behavior and fishing strategies. Largemouth Bass and Crappie are the stars of the show, offering enthusiastic fishermen rewarding challenges and the chance for impressive catches. As the fish move slower in the cold, anglers need to adapt their techniques, favoring slower and smaller baits to entice these winter-active species. Despite the chill in the air, the promise of reeling in a prized Largemouth Bass or a hefty Crappie makes January an exciting and rewarding time for freshwater fishing in this region.

 

FEBRUARY CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

February in Central Florida marks a thrilling time for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. As the region transitions from the cooler temperatures of winter into the early hints of spring, the local waters begin to teem with activity. Notably, it's the onset of the largemouth bass spawning season, an event eagerly anticipated by anglers. The bass venture into shallower waters, making them more accessible and providing a fantastic opportunity for both experienced and novice fishermen. Additionally, the speckled perch, also known as crappie, offers a delightful catch during this month. With mild weather and increasingly active fish, February stands out as an ideal month for casting a line in the beautiful lakes and rivers of Central Florida, promising both abundant catches and serene natural beauty.

 

MARCH CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

March in Central Florida heralds a vibrant and exciting time for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. As the chill of winter gradually fades, the waters warm, setting the stage for some of the most dynamic fishing of the year. This month is particularly notable for the peak of the largemouth bass spawning season, presenting anglers with a unique opportunity to catch some of the biggest and most aggressive bass. Alongside bass, the bluegill also start to become more active, offering a variety of fishing experiences. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, March in Central Florida's freshwater bodies is an invigorating period, filled with promising catches and the rejuvenating beauty of nature awakening from its winter slumber.

 

APRIL CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

April in Central Florida marks a vibrant and promising time for freshwater anglers. As the waters warm and the days lengthen, fishermen are presented with an exciting opportunity to catch various species, notably the Largemouth Bass, which is recovering from its spawning season. This month offers ideal conditions for topwater fishing, especially during the cool, serene mornings. Anglers can expect to find bass in shallower waters, often lurking near structures or vegetation. April's mild weather, coupled with the post-spawn feeding habits of the bass, creates a perfect storm for both novice and experienced anglers to enjoy some of the best fishing of the year. Whether casting from the tranquil banks of a local lake or navigating the gentle currents of a river, April's fishing in Central Florida is an experience that combines the thrill of the catch with the beauty of spring's renewal.

 

MAY CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

May in Central Florida heralds an exciting phase for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. As the weather warms and the water temperatures rise, the region's lakes and rivers come alive with an abundance of fish, making it a prime time for anglers. This month is particularly notable for the spawning season of Bluegill, offering a thrilling opportunity for both experienced and novice fishermen. Additionally, Shellcracker, known for their vigorous fights, become increasingly active, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience. Whether you're casting your line from the serene banks of a local river or navigating the vast waters of a lake in a boat, May's vibrant fishing scene in Central Florida promises memorable adventures and the potential for impressive catches.

 

JUNE CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

June offers an exciting array of freshwater fishing opportunities in Central Florida, particularly for those targeting largemouth bass. Despite the rising temperatures, early morning fishing sessions are highly productive, especially when using live wild shiners. Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) remains a top destination, renowned for its trophy bass. Techniques such as flipping and pitching near grass beds and floating mats prove effective, particularly during the heat of the day. Utilizing creature baits and tube baits can entice strikes from bass seeking shelter in these areas.

Besides Lake Toho, other prime locations include the Harris Chain of Lakes and the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, known for their abundant bass and diverse fishing environments. In deeper waters with submerged hydrilla, slow-rolling spinnerbaits and shallow running crankbaits are successful in mimicking the natural prey of bass, maintaining steady action even as temperatures rise. For those seeking variety, crappie fishing remains strong in areas like Rodman Reservoir and Lake Monroe, offering a delightful challenge for anglers.

Central Florida’s lakes provide a serene backdrop for an unforgettable fishing adventure, where both seasoned anglers and beginners can enjoy the thrill of the catch amidst the region's natural beauty.

 

JULY CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

July in Central Florida marks the zenith of summer, bringing with it a surge of fishing opportunities that attract anglers from all over. As the sun blazes in the sky and the days stretch longer, the freshwater bodies teem with life, setting an ideal stage for fishing enthusiasts. This month, the focus is on Largemouth Bass and Bluegill, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. The warm waters encourage active feeding, but the key to successful fishing lies in timing: early mornings or late evenings are prime times to avoid the intense heat. As the month unfolds, local fishing spots buzz with excitement, often accompanied by festive Independence Day fishing contests. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice with a newfound interest in freshwater fishing, July in Central Florida promises an adventure that combines the thrill of the catch with the beauty of the summer season.

 

Target Species Listing

Largemouth Bass: The heat of July pushes largemouth bass to deeper, cooler waters. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to catch these predators as they move into shallower waters to feed.

Bluegill: These panfish are highly active and can be found near structures and vegetation.

Crappie: Though more challenging to catch in the heat, crappie can still be found in deeper waters or shaded areas.

Catfish: Night fishing for catfish is highly productive during July, with these bottom dwellers being more active in cooler nighttime temperatures.

 

Best Locations

Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho): Known for its trophy largemouth bass, Lake Toho remains a prime destination. Anglers often find success fishing along the offshore hydrilla edges and deeper holes within the hydrilla using lipless crankbaits and vibrating jigs.

Harris Chain of Lakes: This chain offers diverse fishing opportunities with a reputation for producing large bass. Fishing near structures and deeper waters will be key during the hot July days.

Winter Haven Chain of Lakes: This interconnected series of lakes provides excellent fishing for bass and bluegill. Early morning topwater baits and deeper running crankbaits are effective here.

Lake Kissimmee: Another top spot for largemouth bass, Lake Kissimmee’s expansive waters require anglers to focus on deeper areas and vegetation for the best results.

Lake George: Known for its catfish and bluegill, Lake George is a great location for night fishing and targeting panfish during the day.

 

AUGUST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

August in Central Florida marks a unique period in the freshwater fishing calendar, characterized by the warmest water temperatures of the year and a shift in fish behavior. This month, anglers have the opportunity to target hard-fighting species like Catfish and Largemouth Bass, which tend to seek deeper, cooler waters to escape the heat. The challenge of August fishing is met with rewarding catches for those who adapt their techniques accordingly. Night fishing becomes increasingly popular, offering not only respite from the daytime heat but also the chance to encounter more active fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a casual fisherman, August in Central Florida presents an exciting and varied fishing experience, filled with the potential for memorable catches and unique fishing adventures.

Central Florida, known for its warm climate and abundant water bodies, offers excellent freshwater fishing opportunities in August. With a variety of species thriving in the lakes and rivers, anglers can expect a fruitful month. Below is a forecast for specific towns in the region, highlighting the prime species to target.

 

Orlando

Largemouth Bass

August is prime time for Largemouth Bass in Orlando’s numerous lakes, including Lake Tohopekaliga and the Butler Chain of Lakes. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to catch these bass, particularly using topwater lures and plastic worms.

Crappie

Crappie fishing remains steady in the Orlando area. Look for them in deeper waters during the heat of the day, particularly around submerged structures. Minnows and small jigs are effective baits.

 

Winter Haven

Bluegill

The Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven is an excellent spot for Bluegill in August. Fishing near the shoreline with live bait such as worms or crickets will yield the best results, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

Catfish

Catfish are abundant in the Winter Haven area, particularly in lakes like Lake Howard and Lake Shipp. Night fishing with cut bait or stink bait can be very productive.

 

Leesburg

Striped Bass

Leesburg’s Harris Chain of Lakes is a hotspot for Striped Bass in August. Anglers should focus on deeper channels and use live shad or artificial lures that mimic baitfish to attract these powerful fish.

Sunshine Bass

Sunshine Bass, a hybrid species, can be found in the Harris Chain as well. They are most active during cooler parts of the day, and trolling with crankbaits or using live bait near drop-offs can be very effective.

 

SEPTEMBER CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Central Florida is a freshwater fishing paradise, especially in September when the combination of warm days and cooler mornings creates ideal conditions for anglers. With renowned spots like the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee, Lake Istokpoga near Sebring, the Harris Chain of Lakes around Tavares and Mt. Dora, and Lake Monroe by Sanford, this region offers a diverse array of opportunities to target Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill. Whether you’re casting from the shore or navigating a boat through the serene waters, Central Florida provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable fishing adventure. Dive into our detailed forecast to discover the best locations, tips, and tactics for a successful fishing trip this September.

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OCTOBER CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

In October, the tranquil waters of Central Florida beckon anglers with the promise of some of the year's best freshwater fishing experiences. As the sweltering heat of summer begins to wane, cooler temperatures rejuvenate both fish and fishermen alike, setting the stage for vibrant fishing opportunities. This month is particularly noteworthy for the resurgence in Largemouth Bass and Crappie activity. The bass, energized by the cooler waters, become more active and aggressive, making them a thrilling target for anglers. Meanwhile, the Crappie start to move into more accessible areas, offering a delightful challenge for those adept with minnows and small jigs. October's mild weather and diverse fish activity create a perfect harmony for both seasoned anglers and enthusiastic beginners, promising unforgettable days amidst the serene beauty of Central Florida's freshwater bodies.

 

NOVEMBER CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

November is an ideal month for freshwater fishing in Central Florida, as cooler weather begins to prevail and fish activity increases. The month marks the start of the prime season for targeting bass, crappie, and bluegill, making it a perfect time to experience Florida's scenic lakes, rivers, and ponds. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, the fishing opportunities across the region are sure to deliver memorable catches and moments.

 

LAKE KISSIMMEE: THE HEART OF LARGEMOUTH BASS FISHING

One of the most well-known fishing lakes in Central Florida, Lake Kissimmee is a top destination for largemouth bass fishing this November. The water temperature cools off during the early mornings and evenings, which triggers the bass to move into shallow areas. Focus on grass beds and lily pads using topwater frogs and spinnerbaits for the best results.

Besides largemouth bass, anglers can also look forward to catching crappie (speck), which are schooling in deeper waters. Jigs and live minnows are the go-to baits for catching these tasty fish. November is perfect for both guided tours and independent fishing excursions here, making Lake Kissimmee a top spot for angling adventures.

 

LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA (LAKE TOHO): BASS FISHING HAVEN

November is also a great time to target largemouth bass at Lake Tohopekaliga, often referred to as Lake Toho. This well-known bass haven is alive with activity as fish feed heavily in preparation for the winter. Fish around grassy areas, hydrilla patches, and deep drop-offs using jerkbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics. The best time to fish is early morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is comfortable, and bass are actively feeding.

Crappie also make an appearance in Lake Toho's open waters, especially during this month. Anglers can enjoy consistent bites with small jigs or live minnows, and can expect to fill a cooler by the end of the day. Lake Toho's numerous boat ramps and angler-friendly facilities make it an easy and enjoyable place to fish in November.

 

HARRIS CHAIN OF LAKES: DIVERSE FISHING OPTIONS

The Harris Chain of Lakes is one of the largest and most diverse fishing areas in Central Florida. During November, these interconnected lakes present excellent opportunities for anglers targeting largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. With the water temperature continuing to drop, bass become more active and move towards areas with vegetation and structure. Use shad-imitating crankbaits, jerkbaits, or live shiners to attract these aggressive fish.

Crappie fishing is also rewarding across the Harris Chain, especially when fishing in deeper channels and near submerged structures. Bluegill and other panfish are still available and provide consistent action along the lake edges using worms or small jigs.

 

ST. JOHNS RIVER: SCENIC FISHING FOR BASS AND PANFISH

For a scenic and serene fishing adventure, the St. Johns River offers an incredible experience in November. The river is teeming with largemouth bass, especially around creek mouths and backwater areas. Anglers targeting bass should focus on areas with submerged structure and drop-offs, and use a mix of spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and live bait to get bites.

Panfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, are plentiful throughout the river system. Use worms, crickets, or small jigs for non-stop action. The natural beauty of the St. Johns River makes it an enticing option for anglers who want to combine their fishing excursion with some nature exploration and wildlife viewing.

 

WINTER HAVEN CHAIN OF LAKES: FAMILY-FRIENDLY FISHING

The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes provides an excellent option for family-friendly fishing in November. The interconnected lakes are home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, providing a mix of angling opportunities. Bass can be found in shallow grassy areas and around docks and piers, and using jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, or live shiners can produce excellent results.

For those looking for a more relaxed fishing day, crappie and bluegill are active and easy to catch in these lakes. The Winter Haven Chain is perfect for anglers of all skill levels and is conveniently located near many family-friendly accommodations, making it an easy choice for a Central Florida fishing vacation.

 

PLAN YOUR NOVEMBER FISHING ADVENTURE TO CENTRAL FLORIDA

November is one of the best months to experience the beauty and bounty of Central Florida's freshwater fisheries. With ideal weather conditions, a variety of species, and a mix of scenic locations, this is the perfect time to plan your fishing excursion to Florida. Whether you are looking for a full-service fishing guide or a quiet place to enjoy some solo time on the water, Central Florida's lakes and rivers are ready to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Let Great Florida Fishing help you plan the perfect fishing trip! Discover more about the top fishing destinations, find accommodations nearby, and connect with the best local fishing guides to maximize your success. Come hook the thrill and live the journey that Florida has to offer!

 

DECEMBER CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

December in Central Florida marks a unique and exciting time for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. As the year draws to a close, the cooler water temperatures bring about a significant change in fish behavior, particularly for species like Largemouth Bass and Crappie. This month offers anglers the chance to experiment with different fishing techniques, focusing on slower and deeper fishing strategies to adapt to the fishes' slower metabolism in the cooler waters. December is not just about the challenge and thrill of fishing; it's also a time of festive spirit, reflected in numerous holiday fishing events and gatherings that bring together the angling community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, fishing in December in Central Florida is an experience that combines the joy of the sport with the warmth of the holiday season.

 

 

CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING LOCATIONS

 

Pristine Waters

Lake County: Known as the "Bass Capital of the World", Lake County’s plethora of lakes, including the Harris Chain of Lakes, is a haven for bass enthusiasts. Tavares, sitting on the shores of Lake Dora, is a launchpad into this angler’s wonderland - Learn More About Lake County Fishing.

Polk County: With Lakeland and Winter Haven at its heart, Polk County harbors numerous lakes known for trophy bass. The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes offers endless exploration and fishing opportunities.

Osceola County: Kissimmee is the gateway to the world-renowned Lake Tohopekaliga, a name synonymous with big bass fishing. The serene waters reflect the sky, but beneath the surface, it’s a battleground where anglers and bass test their mettle.- Learn More About Polk County Fishing.

Local Ingenuity: Central Florida's fishing community is a treasure trove of experience and knowledge. The local bait shops in every city, be it Sebring or Sanford, are bustling with tales of the one that got away and the one that didn’t. Here, you can get the latest on what’s biting and where.

Guided Endeavors: For those new to Central Florida’s fishing scene, guided trips are an invaluable experience. Knowledgeable guides navigate you through the prolific waters, enhancing your chances of landing that dream catch.

Conservation Conscious

Central Florida prides itself on its pristine aquatic ecosystems. Adhering to local regulations and practicing catch and release ensure that the thrill of fishing in these verdant waters continues for generations to come.

In every ripple in the water, in every tug on the line, Central Florida’s freshwater fishing adventure awaits. The camaraderie among anglers, the whispers of nature, and the heartbeat of the waters promise an escapade that resonates with the soul of every fishing enthusiast.

 

These are the sites in Central Florida most likely to be best for black bass fishing

Lake Toho
(Osceola County)

Feature: Bass size, bass numbers

Located south of the cities of Kissimmee/St. Cloud, Lake Toho (18,627 acres) has consistently been producing good bass fishing for the past several years. During the 2022 angler survey, bass anglers caught 0.74 bass per hour, which is higher than the catch rate for many popular Florida bass fisheries. In recent years, more bass anglers have focused on fishing at Toho instead of Kissimmee as more and more big bass are getting caught in Toho. Anglers typically do well on Toho fishing offshore hydrilla edges and deeper holes within the hydrilla. Lipless crankbaits, speed worms, and vibrating jigs are popular choices around the deeper hydrilla. When cold fronts move through, anglers should focus on punching thick mats of hyacinth, pennywort, or hydrilla with Texas-rigged creature baits. During Season 10 of TrophyCatch there were 42 approved submissions at Toho with five bass over 10 pounds caught and approved.

 

Wildcat Lake (in Ocala National Forest)
(Lake & Marion counties)

Features: Bass size, TrophyCatch submissions

Wildcat Lake (467 acres) is a small lake in the Ocala National Forest off of State Road 40. The boat ramp is owned and operated by the U.S. Forest Service, and there is a $7 launch fee. Wildcat is a tannic, dark colored water lake with emergent vegetation around the shoreline but limited submersed aquatic vegetation. There is a catch and release only regulation for largemouth bass. Anglers should not expect to catch high numbers of bass at Wildcat, but there is a good chance that when they catch a bass it is going to be a lunker. During Season 10 of the TrophyCatch program there were 26 approved submissions, which is around the average number of approved submissions seen on a yearly basis at Wildcat. March through May is the best time to hook into a lunker at Wildcat. Anglers find the most success fishing with live shiners along the spatterdock pads. Swimbaits and Texas-rigged soft plastics are the best bet for artificial lures. Two fish attractor sites were also created this past year to create some offshore habitat.

Tenoroc Fish Management Area
(Polk County)

Features: Bass size and numbers, bream size and numbers, special opportunity for Sunshine Bass, special opportunity for catfish, catfish numbers

Tenoroc Fish Management Area is an 8,300-acre former phosphate mine in Lakeland, Florida which provides a special opportunity to catch several species of fish. Tenoroc is located on Highway 659 (Combee Road) and can be accessed from Highway 33, just south of Interstate 4. Call the Tenoroc Headquarters at 863-606-0093 for more information or to make fishing reservations. The area is open to public fishing four days a week, Fridays through Mondays. All anglers must check-in and out at the Tenoroc Entryway Building, deposit their valid fishing license if applicable and pay $3 for a daily fishing permit unless exempt.

With 30 lakes to choose from on the property, these lakes ranging from six to 242-acres were created years ago by draglines during phosphate surface mining operations. As a result, lake bottoms have irregular contours with depths up to 35 feet. Most Tenoroc lakes have ADA accessible boat ramps and facilities. Numerous bank fishing opportunities are also present for anglers who don’t have a boat and a few lakes even have picnic pavilions and restrooms.

Bass anglers who want to catch good numbers of fish should cover lots of area, probing deeper waters with chrome-colored lipless crankbaits and chartreuse ("Firetiger" color) diving crankbaits. Once anglers catch a few fish in a general area, it’s time to slow down and fish the area thoroughly. Plastic worms are often the best all-around lure for fishing slowly. Red shad and junebug are great worm colors. Anglers who fish submersed islands or sandbars off points will often find good concentrations of bass. In addition, many of the lakes are connected with water control structures. When in operation, bass are often concentrated in areas of flowing water and can be caught using crankbaits or plastic worms. During the spring, flipping plastic worms or crawfish imitation baits in thick cover will often produce some bigger largemouth bass.

Anglers who want to catch panfish (bluegill, shellcrackers) at Tenoroc will have several good lake choices to try. Anglers should look for shorelines with an abundant supply of woody brush, tree-tops or vegetation that are perfect locations for panfish to hide out. Anglers should also look for signs and buoys pointing out underwater gravel beds or other fish attractors on several Tenoroc lakes. Presenting natural baits (crickets, night crawlers, red wigglers, grass shrimp) under a cork and bobber or free lining them with a split shot weight on light tackle will entice a bite around structure, submerged timber, pockets in vegetation, underwater humps and deeper holes. Fishing artificial lures (rooster tails, road runners, beetle spins) can also be productive in deeper areas or near any type of structure.

Fishing for catfish in Tenoroc lakes is also popular and rewarding as channel catfish are stocked annually by FWC in several lakes. Some lakes have good naturally reproducing populations of brown bullhead as well. Fishing with a piece of chicken liver, cut bait with high oil content like gizzard shad, commercial stink baits, cheese balls and night crawlers around the deeper holes and fish feeders, if available, will produce the best action at the height of the day. Fishing with family or friends for catfish from one of the many lakes with open shorelines is a favorite pastime for many Tenoroc anglers.

FWC biologists have recently reintroduced sunshine bass to Tenoroc to provide anglers with more opportunities to catch different varieties of sport fish species. Stocked in both Derby & Picnic Lake, sunshine bass have fast growth rates and ravenous appetites, preferring to focus on small prey species such as threadfin & gizzard shad. Anglers looking to target this species with natural baits should use live shiners or minnows on a free line or under a bobber. If using artificial lures, try to use tackle that imitates the color of their favorite food items: silver or gold spoons, white and silver jerk baits, rooster-tails, jigs, and grubs that give off the “flash” of an evading baitfish. Sunshine bass like to school up and corral baitfish to the surface, so if you see feeding activity in the morning or evening hours, cast away and have fun!

 

Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
(Polk County)

Features: Bass size and numbers, crappie size and numbers, bream size and numbers

The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes consists of 26 waterbodies, tucked in amongst the city streets of Winter Haven in Polk County. These lakes offer some of the finest and most easily accessible fishing for multiple species in central Florida. Lakes in the Winter Haven Chain range in size from 25 to 2,654 acres, totaling just over 9,000 acres of fishable waters. Ample public access is available in the form of 14 boat ramps, 5 fishing piers, and shoreline fishing in city parks and public easements alongside the numerous canals which connect the lakes.

The Winter Haven Chain is known for excellent bass fishing throughout the year. The cattail stands on Lake Haines and Lake Rochelle are great for bass angling and when cypress trees are your favorite target, Lake Eloise is packed with plenty of large, beautiful trees to fish with a plastic worm. Lake Winterset has deep crystal-clear water and open water beds of eelgrass which are perfect to run spinnerbaits and gold/silver spoons through. Lake Hartridge also provides excellent bass fishing with plenty of Illinois pondweed (aka peppergrass) that is often loaded with baitfish. Lake Shipp has two public boat ramps and some great flipping opportunities for bass in the cattails along its shoreline. Nearby Lake Eloise has numerous docks, often surrounded by peppergrass, which are a bass angler’s dream to fish. Regardless of what lake is fished, they all offer high quality bass fishing opportunities and the chance of a lifetime to land a trophy-size bass. Live shiners, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic worm presentations all work well in these lakes. Bass will begin to spawn as early as January and continue through April, depending on water temperatures. During spawning season, anglers should fish shallow areas near cattails, bulrush and Kissimmee grass while using lizards, crawfish and other soft plastics such as the Zoom Z-Craw in Junebug, red shad and tilapia colors.

If black crappie (aka speck) is your target, the Winter Haven Chain has plenty of fishing opportunities for them as well. Lake Eloise and Lake Shipp are excellent spots for crappie on the south part of the chain while lakes Rochelle, Haines and Hartridge are good locations on the north section of the chain. During cooler months, anglers have success by drifting or trolling live Missouri minnows or bladed jigs tipped with minnows around offshore submersed vegetation. When waters start to warm in the spring, crappie migrate to shallow waters to spawn and can be caught by dropping jigs tipped with minnows near bulrush, cattails and lily pads.

The Winter Haven Chain also has an awesome panfish fishery for bluegill and redear sunfish (aka shellcrackers). These waters offer a wide variety of habitat for both fish and anglers to choose from including bulrush and cattail stands, cypress trees, open water eelgrass beds and pondweed stands around docks. Crickets, wigglers or grass shrimp are the best live baits when fished under a float with small hook and split shot weight while small beetle spins and jigs can be productive when fished along vegetation.

 

Lake Istokpoga
(Highlands County)

Features: Bass size and numbers, crappie size and numbers, bream size

Lake Istokpoga (27,700 acres) is a large, relatively shallow lake which is located a few miles southeast of Sebring, Florida. It’s a popular winter-time destination for nonresident and local anglers due to its productive fisheries. There are several public boat ramps around the lake, in addition to numerous ramps located at private fish camps, which also have fish cleaning stations. The lake also boasts four vegetated islands (Big, Bumble Bee, Grassy, Long) and a few incoming creeks which are great locations to catch several species of fish. FWC has completed multiple planting projects around the lake within the last couple of years, and eelgrass continues to expand along the eastern shoreline.

Lake Istokpoga has long been known for its trophy largemouth bass fishing. Since 2012, over 590 bass greater than eight pounds, have been documented from the lake and submitted into the FWC’s TrophyCatch Program. Recently, tournaments have also posed great success, with many five-bag weigh-ins taking 30+ pounds to win. Anglers fishing for bass on this lake commonly use either live wild shiners or some type of artificial bait. Both types of baits can be very productive depending on the time of year. Bass begin to spawn in mid- to late January depending on moon phases and often move into shallow areas around bullrush (buggy whips), cattails or lily pads on the northern and western shorelines and around Big Island and Bumblebee Island. Fishing these areas with soft plastics, weightless speed worms and swimbaits will be the best bet during this time of year. When water temps increase after the spawning season, try targeting bass around dense vegetation such as bulrush or cattail while flipping soft plastic baits like crawfish, lizards or worms. Fishing with spinnerbaits, spoons or jerk baits around submerged vegetation like eelgrass or hydrilla can also be productive throughout the year.

Lake Istokpoga is also well-known for its black crappie (aka speck) fishery. Anglers come from all over the United States to Lake Istokpoga to fill their coolers with this tasty fish during the cooler months of the year. Most anglers fish for black crappie by drifting live Missouri minnows and grass shrimp in open water or troll with Napier deer hair jigs, tube jigs and Hal flies for schooling fish. Anglers should look for areas with sandy bottoms around bulrush and cattails while fishing minnows or grass shrimp under a cork for spawning fish. Henderson’s Cove and the north end of the lake usually produces good numbers of specks on the outside edge of the pads and grasses near deeper water. Open water areas around Big Island and the western shore of Long Island are also good speck fishing spots. The key is to keep moving around until you locate an area with concentrated numbers of fish.

Istokpoga’s panfish fishery is also tremendous and not widely known. The lake boasts nice bluegill and redear sunfish (aka shellcrackers) which often approach a pound in size. The fishing gets really good during late spring and remains good throughout the summer when a lot of the seasonal anglers have left for the year. The best method for catching these fish is to use crickets and grass shrimp under a cork for bluegill and red wigglers on or near the bottom for shellcrackers. If you catch a fish, there are likely more in the area, so stay put and be patient for the next bite. Fly fishing can also be rewarding for anglers who prefer this fishing method. Locate areas with dense bulrush, Kissimmee grass or cattails for the best action, but don’t forget to try the pads too. Fishing the shade and pads around cypress trees on the southeast side of the lake can also be productive at times.

 

Lake Weohyakapka (Lake Walk-in-Water)
(Polk County)

Features: Bass size, crappie size and numbers, catfish size

Lake Weohyakapka (aka Lake Walk-in-Water) is a relatively shallow, natural lake in eastern Polk County, just outside of Lake Wales. A public ramp is located on Boat Landing Road, on the west side of the lake. There is little access for bank fishing on the lake, so plan to fish from a boat. The lake is approximately 7,500 acres and boasts some excellent fishing opportunities for several species of fish. Although hurricanes removed all the hydrilla from the water many years ago, the lake still has large areas of vegetation for anglers to target lunker size bass. FWC biologists tag more largemouth bass over eight pounds in this lake every year than any other nearby waterbody. Pitching live wild shiners and flipping soft plastic baits in offshore stands of bulrush (“buggy whips”) in the northern, eastern and southern areas of the lake can be productive during the spring when bass are up shallow and spawning. Spinnerbaits should also produce bass in the spring and summer around grass patches. Bass have also been found in maidencane grass and knotgrass (Kissimmee grass) stands along the eastern shoreline during spring and fall sampling on the lake. Soft jerkbaits and topwater frogs are a must when fishing these areas. Although topwater baits can catch fish throughout the year, summer months offer the best action when the bass are very aggressive. Summertime is also the best time to target bass on the FWC fish attractors using spinnerbaits and Carolina-rigged soft plastics. Fish all around the orange and white buoys because the attractors are spread over a large area but be careful to avoid getting hung up on them if you plan to anchor while you fish.

Fishing for black crappie or specks can also be very rewarding on Lake Weohyakapka as there are plenty of nice fish swimming around for the determined angler. Most anglers prefer to spend their time in open water trolling or drifting minnows, jigs and spinners for crappie. Good numbers and some quality fish are caught in deeper (10 ft) areas of the lake during the cooler months and in shoreline vegetation (bulrush, knotgrass and maidencane) during the spring spawning season. Missouri minnows fished under corks or on small jig heads, as well as Hal-Flies and small spinners, are excellent for catching crappie near dense vegetation such as bulrush, cattail or Kissimmee grass. Seven fish attractor locations were refurbished with artificial brush in December 2020 and should concentrate plenty of fish for anglers offshore. Fish attractors are scattered underwater over an area of about ¼ acre in size and marked with orange and white buoys. Use caution if you plan to anchor when fishing around the buoys to avoid getting hung up on the attractors which are anchored on the lake bottom.

Lake Weohyakapka also has a relatively unknown catfish fishery. There are some nice size white and channel catfish lurking around the lake. A smaller, but just as tasty cousin, which also occupies the lake is the brown bullhead. They are very abundant and often roam around in large schools. Anglers should try fishing the mouths of creeks coming into the lake if water is flowing or around man-made canals. Slow drifting the deeper open water areas can also be productive as well during certain times of the year. The best baits to use are chicken liver, frozen shrimp, live worms or commercial stink baits fished on or near the lake bottom.