SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS

 

Southwest Florida offers some of the most rewarding freshwater fishing destinations for anglers seeking variety and adventure. From the well-known Lake Trafford in Collier County, famous for its trophy bass and crappie, to the Peace River in Punta Gorda, a hotspot for catfish, anglers can explore a range of vibrant ecosystems. Don’t miss the canals in Naples, teeming with aggressive peacock bass, or the serene Myakka River, where bass and bluegill abound. With diverse species and scenic locations, Southwest Florida is a freshwater angler's paradise.

 

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER 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 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER WATER FORECAST

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Speckled Perch (Crappie)

Top Locations: Lake Trafford, Golden Gate Canal, Caloosahatchee River

January in Southwest Florida offers a prime opportunity to target largemouth bass as cooler waters make these fish more active. Lake Trafford is a hotspot, especially early mornings, where largemouth bass aggressively feed on shiners. Don’t miss out on speckled perch (crappie) in the shallows—use live minnows near the edges of vegetation. The Golden Gate Canal system also provides excellent bass fishing, with topwater lures working well in the cooler temperatures. For those seeking bluegill action, the Caloosahatchee River offers steady panfish bites near shorelines.

 

FEBRUARY SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Speckled Perch, Bluegill

Top Locations: Lake Okeechobee, Corkscrew Swamp, Immokalee Lake

February is prime spawning time for largemouth bass in Southwest Florida. Lake Okeechobee’s expansive grass flats are the perfect place to hook into trophy bass, with soft plastics and jigs delivering great results. If you're in the mood for some panfish action, Corkscrew Swamp offers a serene backdrop for targeting speckled perch, which are schooling up in deeper waters. Don’t forget to hit Immokalee Lake for both bluegill and bass—the lake is often overlooked but holds solid fish.

 

MARCH SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Shellcracker (Redear Sunfish), Crappie

Top Locations: Lake Hicpochee, Alligator Slough, Big Cypress Basin

March means the bass are still in full spawning mode, and Lake Hicpochee is known for its big females this time of year. Focus on the grass beds with spinnerbaits and soft plastics. Shellcracker (redear sunfish) also become more active in March, particularly in the Alligator Slough and Big Cypress Basin, where you can target them using worms or crickets near the submerged structure. Crappie are still hanging around the deeper channels, making it a great time to fill the cooler.

 

APRIL SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bowfin

Top Locations: Fisheating Creek, Corkscrew Marsh, Lake Trafford

April kicks off the transition to warmer waters, but the largemouth bass bite remains solid. Fisheating Creek is an angler’s paradise in April, with large bass still prowling the shallows. For those looking to mix it up, bluegill action explodes on Corkscrew Marsh, with live bait and ultralight tackle making it a fun pursuit. And if you’re in the mood for a fight, don’t ignore the bowfin population in Lake Trafford. These hard-fighting fish will take anything from live bait to topwater lures.

 

MAY SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish

Top Locations: Caloosahatchee River, Lake Hicpochee, Picayune Strand State Forest

As temperatures climb, bass push deeper, but the bite remains strong, especially in the shaded spots of the Caloosahatchee River. Early morning topwater action is a thrill this month, with swimbaits and frogs producing big strikes. Lake Hicpochee offers great bluegill fishing as well, and May is a prime time for big catfish in the Picayune Strand’s canals—just bring some stink bait and you’ll be hauling them in.

 

JUNE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Target Species: Peacock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

Top Locations: Golden Gate Canal, Collier-Seminole State Park, Lake Trafford

June in Southwest Florida marks the start of the peacock bass frenzy, especially in the Golden Gate Canal system. These aggressive fish hit hard, with flashy lures and live shiners producing the best results. For largemouth bass, Collier-Seminole State Park offers deep-water fishing opportunities as the summer heat sets in. Bluegill remain a great target this month in Lake Trafford, with crickets and worms keeping the bite steady throughout the day.

 

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JULY SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Target Species: Peacock Bass, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass

Top Locations: Naples Canal System, Fakahatchee Strand, Big Cypress National Preserve

July is peacock bass heaven in the Naples Canal System—these exotic fighters thrive in the heat. Use brightly colored topwater lures in the early morning or evening for explosive action. Bluegill are still plentiful in Fakahatchee Strand’s waters, where anglers can enjoy non-stop panfish action. Meanwhile, the Big Cypress National Preserve offers bass fishing in shaded backwaters and canals, with soft plastics or live baits being the ticket to success.

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AUGUST SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Target Species: Peacock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

Top Locations: Golden Gate Canal, Lake Trafford, Naples Bay Area

August’s sweltering heat doesn’t slow down the fishing, especially in the Golden Gate Canal where peacock bass remain highly active. Early morning or late afternoon sessions can yield monster peacocks on both artificial and live bait. Lake Trafford’s largemouth bass retreat to deeper waters during the day but can still be caught with crankbaits and jigs. For something different, head to the Naples Bay area’s freshwater spots for bluegill using ultralight gear.

 

SEPTEMBER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST: REDFISH MADNESS

Target Species: Peacock Bass, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill

Top Locations: Naples Canal System, Immokalee Lake, Fisheating Creek

As summer starts to wane, peacock bass remain at the top of the list in the Naples Canal System. The fishing is fast-paced and the strikes are explosive, making it a thrilling experience for any angler. For those seeking largemouth bass, Fisheating Creek comes alive with topwater action in the early mornings. Bluegill also become a solid target in Immokalee Lake, particularly around submerged vegetation.

 

OCTOBER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill

Top Locations: Lake Trafford, Corkscrew Marsh, Caloosahatchee River

October marks the beginning of the cooler season, bringing largemouth bass back into shallower waters. Lake Trafford is once again a key spot, with live shiners and crankbaits doing wonders. Crappie fishing starts to pick up in Corkscrew Marsh, as these tasty panfish school up in deeper waters. For bluegill lovers, the Caloosahatchee River is perfect for ultralight gear as the panfish start their fall feeding frenzy.

 

NOVEMBER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

As the cooler months approach, November marks an excellent time for freshwater fishing across Southwest Florida. The weather becomes milder, the crowds thin out, and the fish become more active as temperatures stabilize. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a family planning an unforgettable fishing excursion, Southwest Florida has it all. From tranquil lakes to fish-filled rivers, there's never been a better time to visit and experience the thrill of freshwater fishing in the Sunshine State.

 

TOP SPECIES TO TARGET IN NOVEMBER

November is prime time to catch some of Florida's favorite freshwater species. Anglers can expect great opportunities for:

• Largemouth Bass: As temperatures drop, largemouth bass become more active, and early morning topwater action is unbeatable. Midday fishing around submerged structures can also be productive.
• Peacock Bass: Peacock bass are still biting aggressively in November, especially in the warmer waters found in canals and urban ponds. Focus on using flashy lures to grab their attention.
• Crappie: Crappie fishing picks up in November, with schools forming near underwater structures. Using minnows or small jigs is a sure way to land these tasty fish.
• Bluegill and Sunfish: Panfish are plentiful and make for a fun catch for anglers of all ages. Look for them near vegetation using small live bait or worms.

BEST LOCATIONS FOR NOVEMBER FISHING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

LAKE TRAFFORD

Lake Trafford, located in Immokalee, is a freshwater gem known for its crappie and largemouth bass. The cool November weather means that crappie are schooling in large numbers, making this the perfect time to catch your fill. The largemouth bass bite is also solid, particularly around submerged vegetation and near the edges of the lake. Anglers can also enjoy a quiet, scenic experience, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

 

PEACE RIVER

The Peace River offers fantastic freshwater fishing opportunities in November. Known for its largemouth bass and catfish, the Peace River is a great spot for those seeking a day out in nature. The slower-moving waters are ideal for bass anglers using soft plastics and crankbaits. Additionally, catfish are abundant, and fishing with cut bait along deeper holes can be highly productive this time of year.

 

CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER

The Caloosahatchee River remains one of the top destinations for anglers in November. Largemouth bass are the primary target, with excellent fishing conditions as the temperatures drop. Fish along the edges, focusing on areas with fallen timber and vegetation. Peacock bass are also occasionally caught here, adding an exotic twist to your fishing experience. The Caloosahatchee’s diverse habitat provides an exciting mix of species and scenery, making it a must-visit location.

 

GOLDEN GATE CANAL SYSTEM

The Golden Gate Canal System in Naples is famous for its peacock bass, which remain active even as temperatures begin to cool. November is an excellent time to explore this canal system, with both largemouth and peacock bass feeding aggressively. Use brightly colored lures or live bait to attract strikes. The canals are easily accessible, making this a perfect choice for anglers looking for a convenient yet rewarding experience.

 

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL NOVEMBER FISHING TRIP

• Early Bird Gets the Bass: Largemouth bass are especially active during the early morning hours. Start your day early to make the most of the topwater bite.
• Use Live Bait for Panfish: Bluegill and crappie love live bait, so bring along some worms or minnows to increase your chances of a successful catch.
• Focus on Structure: Bass and crappie are often found near underwater structures like fallen trees, docks, and submerged vegetation. Target these areas for the best results.
• Be Ready for a Variety of Species: Southwest Florida offers a mix of freshwater fish, so bring a variety of lures and baits to be ready for whatever bites.

PLAN YOUR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FISHING ADVENTURE

November is an excellent time to pack your bags and head to Southwest Florida for a memorable fishing experience. Whether you're targeting trophy largemouth bass or filling your cooler with crappie, the opportunities are endless. Check out Great Florida Fishing for more information on the best places to fish, top charters and guides, and the perfect accommodations to complete your trip. Book your fishing adventure today and experience the thrill of Florida’s freshwater fishing at its finest!

 

DECEMBER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill

Top Locations: Lake Okeechobee, Corkscrew Swamp, Immokalee Lake

December might bring cooler weather, but the fishing stays hot in Southwest Florida. Lake Okeechobee is legendary for largemouth bass, and this time of year, big fish are looking to bulk up. Soft plastics and live bait work well around the grass beds. Corkscrew Swamp’s crappie bite gets strong as the fish move into predictable patterns in deeper water. Bluegill action remains consistent at Immokalee Lake, making it an all-around fantastic winter destination.