January-March 2009 Get Ocala Weather, or Pick Another City

If you would like additional descriptions of these and other fishing sites listed by county, you can visit the Great Outdoors Recreation Page listing for Florida's Northeast Region. Please note, however, that their site is not routinely updated to reflect current fishing conditions.

Check out the Northeast Region fishing guide (PDF, 1.2 mb) for places to fish, tips, accommodations and more.

See also the  FISH ORLANDO!  Quarterly Forecasts for the lakes in the Orlando Area.

MIAMI LAKES-ANSIN GARCIA (Indian River County):

The Lake Garcia Reservoir is a 3,149-acre section of the Blue Cypress Water Management Area (BCWMA) along the east coast of central Florida in north Indian River County. Water depths range from 1.5 to 6 feet on this impoundment, fluctuating seasonally. Boaters unfamiliar with the BCWMA are advised to operate their crafts cautiously, due to the number of navigational hazards found throughout the area. Facilities include a double lane concrete boat ramp, air boat launch site, paved parking lot, picnic pavilion and restroom. This impoundment is noted for good numbers of smaller largemouth bass, but does produce its share of trophy bass each year. Largemouth, bluegill and black crappie are the sportfish most often targeted by anglers.

Following heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Fay during late summer 2008, a number of fish kills were reported to have occurred on this water management area. Despite these reports recent fall electrofishing sampling results indicated this area should produce fair to good numbers of largemouth bass for those anglers who like to fish a variety of habitats such as cattails, hydrilla, eel grass, emergent grass, and water lilies. Many locals seem to prefer this reservoir due to its scenic appearance and lack of crowds, especially during this popular time of year. It’s located within a half-hour drive of the neighboring Stick Marsh/Farm 13 and also offers more shelter from blowing northerly winds. The open northwestern section of the reservoir and the area around the submerged borrow pit are good places to start fishing for bass with plastic worms. The north central region, dominated by cattail and water lily, is also known to hold fish. Typical techniques will work in these shallow areas, including live shiners, spinnerbaits, soft plastic jerkbaits, and plastic worms, with diving minnow imitations and topwater baits becoming more productive as the water warms.

Black crappie anglers should focus their efforts in deeper waters within the borrow pit, the exit canal at the northwest corner, and around floating mats of vegetation along the numerous submerged canals that border and crisscross the reservoir. Vertical jigging or a live minnow under a small float will work.

A map in PDF format is available courtesy of the St. Johns Water Management District here. Ansin/Garcia is the area marked Blue Cypress WMA, just southeast of the lake.

For more information on daily fishing forecasts and lake conditions call Middleton’s Stick Marsh Bait and Tackle at (772) 571-9855 and Palm Bay Fishing Outfitters at (321) 952-4435.

LAKE BLUE CYPRESS (Indian River County): Blue Cypress is a 6,555-acre lake located in Indian River County. It is a scenic body of water with a shoreline structure composed of cypress and spatterdock. Several fish attractors have been constructed in open-water areas and are marked with buoys. Lake Blue Cypress has a good population of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and catfish.

For more information on daily fishing forecasts and lake conditions, call Middleton’s Fish Camp at: (772) 778-0150.

Bass anglers can expect to find fish along emergent grass and lily pad lines around the shoreline, especially in the southeastern quarter of the lake. Shoreline vegetation along Big M and Zig-Zag canals is another possibility for angler success. The key is to locate areas where the bass are staging or spawning. Flipping weedless plastics into thick vegetation and using spinnerbaits or crankbaits to cover lots of water fast are popular techniques for finding bass. Dark colored plastic worms, shallow-running crankbaits, spinnerbaits and live bait (golden shiners) are favored on this scenic lake.

Black crappie success is usually good this quarter as spawning activity kicks into high gear. Most anglers will catch their limits by trolling and drifting the deeper areas of the lake and the four open-water fish attractors using small jigs, beetle spins, and live minnows. Big M and Zig-Zag Canals should hold fish in the deeper water along the grass/brush lines. When open-water catches start to decline, anglers should try around floating vegetation and other wind-protected habitat inshore where the fish are spawning. Jig-poles and ultralight tackle outfitted with small jigs or live minnows will be the most productive in these habitats. Bluegill will occasionally be caught by those targeting crappie.

Anglers should be aware that they can no longer access Kenansville Lake through the Big M Canal from Blue Cypress Lake. 

For more information on daily fishing forecasts and lake conditions call Middleton’s Fish Camp at: (561) 778-0150.

CLERMONT CHAIN (Lake County):  This 11-lake chain is located in Lake County’s rolling hills near the town of Clermont. There are two public boat ramps and one is on Lake Minneola (fee charged) north of SR 50 in Clermont. The other is a FWC ramp just north of Lake Louisa on Hull Road. Water levels are normal this year, so access should not be a problem at either ramp. For those preferring to fish from shore, there is a fishing pier on Lake Minneola. Most of the chain has tea-colored water, but Lake Minneola (1,888 acres) is relatively clear. All lakes on the Clermont Chain are Fish Management Areas, so a fishing license is required for most anglers.

Largemouth bass fishing should be at its best as the spawn gets underway and large fish move into the shallows. Bass will also be found at the mouths of any tributaries connecting the lakes. Live shiners will be the best bet, followed by lures such as plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and topwaters. Black crappie (speck) fishing will remain good as long the temperatures remain cool; check open water areas near the deeper grasslines. Missouri minnows and small jigs will produce specks; keep moving until you locate a school.

LAKE CRESCENT (Flagler & Putnam Counties): This 15,960-acre lake is a tributary of the St. Johns River. Public access to Crescent Lake can be obtained on the west shore off of Highway 17 in Crescent City. Private access can be obtained from Lake Crescent Resort (386-698-2485). For additional listings of fish camps or more information, please call our fisheries office in DeLeon Springs at 386-985-7827.

With the loss of large areas of submerged vegetation in the recent hurricanes, largemouth bass anglers should target docks in deeper waters with live shiners and artificial baits. The eel grass is coming back on the eastern shore, and should also provide some opportunities there. Cooler temperatures bring out the black crappie (speckled perch) anglers and this area lake is a local favorite. Anglers should have good luck drifting or trolling minnows or crappie jigs, particularly in the southern end of the lake early in the season, and moving closer to shore as the waters get cooler.

FARM 13/STICK MARSH (Indian River County):

The St. Johns Water Management Area (SJWMA), known to most anglers as the Farm 13/Stick Marsh, is a 6,500-acre impoundment located along the east coast of central Florida in northwest Indian River County. Water depths range from 4 to 8 feet. Boaters unfamiliar with the SJWMA are advised to navigate to fishing locations with extreme caution due to the number of man-made and natural hazards present. Facilities include a double lane concrete boat ramp, air boat launch site, restroom and paved parking lot. Closest towns/cities are Melbourne, Palm Bay, Vero Beach, Sebastian and Fellsmere. No gas, food or bait available on site. Popular sportfish include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and several catfish species. This water body is noted for its excellent bass fishing due to the special no harvest regulation on largemouth bass. The SJWMA is one of the top 10 trophy bass spots in the state.

This is the time of year when the majority of trophy bass (10 pounds or greater) are caught and released by anglers in this well-known impoundment. When fishing in the cooler water typically found in east-central Florida during winter and early spring, anglers can expect largemouth bass to follow traditional patterns associated with spawning, staging near the canals and submerged drainage ditches which provide some protection from strong wind and wave action, then moving into the shallower edges and flats to spawn. The hydrilla that anglers historically used to orient themselves to for finding fish in this impoundment is still absent since being demolished by the hurricanes in the summer of 2004. The old submerged irrigation canals and levees must now be located using onboard electronics. Traditional spots to catch staging and spawning bass are in the north flow-way, the submerged Ditch 7 levee, and the northwest corner (the palms) of the Stick Marsh. Popular spots in the Farm 13 section include the water control structure, submerged levees or road-beds, and the flooded timber in the flats south of Ditch 13. Extreme caution must be used while boating in these areas because as water levels drop during the dry season, more stumps, logs, and levees will be nearer the surface. Water conditions (temperature, flow, and clarity) will dictate lure selection. Golden shiners are the choice of many anglers when searching for trophy bass this time of year, followed by plastic worms (June-bug, tequila sunrise, and red shad colors), light colored spinnerbaits (willow leaf-style blades), and soft jerk baits. As the water warms in late winter, it offers the opportunity to use topwater plugs and shallow running crankbaits. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth bass caught must be released immediately under the special no harvest regulation.

During this quarter, black crappie should be concentrated in Ditch 7, Ditch 13, the north flow-way and in other submerged secondary canals. However, with the absence of hydrilla, specks may revert to the more traditional behavior they exhibit in central Florida lakes. Best bets for these tasty panfish are minnows and/or small jigs (1/32-1/8 oz) in twister tail or tube styles. Jigs in green, pink, brown, salt and pepper, or chartreuse seem to be the hot colors to try for specks. Crappie anglers should troll or drift open water areas in canals or try jigging and casting in what remains of the vegetation edges. Bluegill catches typically slow down this time of year but one can still expect fair numbers to be caught by crappie anglers.

Anglers are reminded that all largemouth bass caught must be released immediately under the special no harvest regulation.

For more information on daily fishing forecasts and lake conditions, call Palm Bay Fishing Outfitters at (321) 952-4435 and Middleton’s Stick Marsh Bait and Tackle at (772) 571-9855.

A map in PDF format is available courtesy of the St. Johns Water Management District , it is referred to by them as the Blue Cypress management area.  For more information on daily fishing forecasts and lake conditions call Middleton’s Fish Camp at: (561) 778-0150.

LAKE GEORGE (Putnam & Volusia counties): This lake is a 46,000-acre natural impoundment of the St. Johns River with extensive vegetation that provides an excellent habitat for fish. There are jetties located on the south end of the lake where the St. Johns River enters the lake. Most of the lake is less than 10 feet deep but a natural channel provides navigation for boats as large as oil barges.

Public access can be obtained from Blue Creek Road to Lake George Road off of Highway 40, (See Central Region Boat Ramps for more detail). Private access to Lake George can be obtained from Pine Island fish camp (386-749-2818), or Georgetown Marina & Lodge (386-467-2002). For additional listings of fish camps or further information, please contact our fisheries office in DeLeon Springs at 386-985-7827.

Eel grass was knocked back following Tropical Storm Fay, but should still be available on the eastern shore. It is sparse on the northern end of the western shore, but thick on the western shore in areas south of Silver Glen. Largemouth bass anglers should find success using live shiners and artificial baits fished near the outer edge of deeper eel grass beds and pilings. Live shad and grass shrimp fished near the jetties when the river is flowing should produce catches of largemouth bass and stripers. Cooling waters this quarter should bring success to black crappie (speckled perch) anglers fishing the sunken barge at the center bombing target and Willow Cove on the east shore. These cool waters should also bring more success to striper anglers, especially near the bombing targets and the jetties.

For further information please contact our DeLeon Springs Office at 386-985-7827.  

LAKE HARRIS (Lake County): Lake Harris is an 13,788 acre lake located south and east of the City of Leesburg. Access to the lake is from Singletary Park on the outskirts of Leesburg on U.S. Hwy 27, at a City of Leesburg boat ramp in Venetian Gardens off of SR 44 (Dixie Avenue), at the Hickory Point recreational area ($2.00 fee per vehicle) on SR 19 south of Tavares, and in Astatula at a ramp on Florida Avenue west of C.R. 561. Lake Harris Lodge (352-343-4111) is a fish camp located on Lake Harris off of US Hwy 19 south of Tavares, and Palm Gardens (352-343-2024) is located on US Hwy 441 near Tavares.

The beginning of the spawn will produce good bass fishing. Besides the shallows, look for bass along the bridge pilings on SR 19 as well as any drop-offs within the lake. A live shiner floated or free-lined near structure will be a sure bet, with standbys such as plastic worms and spinnerbaits also solid choices. The cooler weather should also pave the way for a decent crappie bite. Crappie minnows and jigs should produce fish; use them to probe deeper areas near vegetation or brush but also check similar spots in the shallows to locate spawning specks.

KENANSVILLE LAKE-formerly Blue Cypress Reservoir (Indian River County):

Kenansville Lake is a shallow 2,500- acre impoundment with an average water depth of 3 feet. This area was cattle pasture prior to flooding in 1993. Boaters, especially those unfamiliar with this water body, should navigate with caution as there are rows of submerged fence posts throughout the lake. Interior levees are also located at the north, center and south areas of the lake. A single lane concrete boat ramp is the only facility on the site. The town of Kenansville is the closest place to obtain gas, food and bait. Although most anglers fish this area by boat, bank fishing is available along the access canal and north end of the lake for those willing to walk or ride a bicycle to those areas. The most popular fish species include: black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish. All largemouth bass are protected by a special no harvest regulation.

Special notice: Due to construction activities in the area, access to the Kenansville ramp will be closed for up to six months. Airboat anglers will be able to access the lake by launching from other access points. Airboaters will need to jump a number of levees to get to the lake.

July 2006, the St. Johns River Water Management District completed construction on the Kenansville Re-diversion Project with the insertion of an earthen plug into the canal connecting the northeastern corner of Kenansville Lake to the ‘Big M Canal’ draining Blue Cypress Lake. Anglers should be aware that they can no longer access Kenansville Lake through the Big M Canal from Blue Cypress Lake by outboard motor boat.

A year ago in 2008 many anglers reported poor catches of black crappie in this lake for the first time. Hopefully, the black crappie, whose population tends to cycle, will rebound in 2009. January and February are generally the best months of the year to target this fish in Kenansville Lake. Most specks will be caught from the submerged drainage canals running along the northern, eastern, and southern shorelines of the reservoir and in the center canal that bisects the northern and southern pools. Traditional jigs (twister tail and tube style) and techniques will work for crappie, but many anglers prefer to use a jig pole in order to drop their jig back inside the vegetation, especially the bulrushes. This time of year, many anglers have better success with live minnows. Try slow trolling them at different depths along the canals, or fishing the minnows under a small float. Fish both the lake side and canal side of the bulrushes until the specks are located.

If water levels won’t allow access to the western shoreline, bass anglers should try soft plastic baits and spinnerbaits around the deeper emergent vegetation (bulrush, cattail) found along the deep canals. The west-side shallows will warm quickly during warm spells or a series of sunny days in the late winter, leading to early bursts of activity on artificial baits for those anglers with shallow draft boats. Plastic worms (June-bug, tequila sunrise), spinnerbaits (white, chartreuse), and live golden shiners should be considered standard tools of the trade when targeting these fish.

Anglers are reminded that all largemouth bass caught must be released immediately under the special no-harvest regulation.

A map in PDF format is available courtesy of the St. Johns Water Management District here.

LAKE KISSIMMEE (Osceola County): Lake Kissimmee is a 34,948-acre lake located 40 miles south of Orlando and 18 miles east of Lake Wales.

Largemouth bass anglers, especially those in search of trophy fish, should be excited about this time of year as the bass spawning season will be in full swing. Many anglers in search of trophy bass will opt for live bait (golden shiners) as their method for catching that fish of a lifetime. Some good action should be found in and around the expansive native grass communities (maidencane and knotgrass), lily pads and hydrilla associated with shallow water near Brahma Island, North Cove and the Pig Trail. Spinnerbaits (white skirt with single gold Colorado blade), soft-bodied jerkbaits (white, watermelon or shad colored), buzzbaits (white or gold), plastic worms and lizards (blue/black, red shad, white and Junebug colored) will be good choices for anglers who prefer artificial baits.

January and February typically are outstanding months for anglers targeting both redear sunfish (shellcracker) and black crappie (specks). Anglers should be able to find good concentrations of shellcracker as their spawning season will be ongoing during the quarter. Live worms (red wigglers) fished on the bottom with a split-shot sinker placed 4-5 inches above the bait will be the method used by most successful shellcracker anglers. Lily pads, grasses and hydrilla associated with Brahma and Bird Islands and open-water vegetation associated with the river channel south of the island have been areas shellcracker consistently use to spawn.

The most common method anglers employ for specks is drifting in open water, fishing live minnows weighted with a small split-shot 4-5 inches above the hook under a slip-cork. In the past, open water between the Kissimmee/Hatchineha canal (C-37 canal) and the Pig Trail, northern end of North Cove, open water and vegetative communities (grasses, lily pads and hydrilla) associated with Bird, Brahma, Rabbit and Grassy Islands have accounted for many limits. A key to success for many speck anglers drifting minnows will be to alter the depth of their baits and keep on the move until fish are located. Small (1/8th-1/64th ounce) plastic-bodied or natural hair jigs and beetle spins fished in and around native grasses and stands of lily pads will also account for some excellent stringers of fish. Green-, yellow- or white-colored baits will be good color choices.

There are quite a few fish camps in the area. For further information on Lake Kissimmee or a listing of the fish camps, please contact the Kissimmee Fisheries office at (407)846-5300.  See Fishing Hot Spot Maps for a detailed interactive map of the lake, and to purchase maps from them.

LAKE MONROE (Seminole & Volusia counties): The St. Johns River flows through this 9,406-acre lake.  The city of Sanford borders on the southern shoreline.  Public access can be utilized off the Seminole County side of the intersection of Highway 17/92 and I-4; north side of the lake off of Enterprise Road; and at Monroe Harbor Marina in downtown Sanford.  Private access and more recent fishing information can be obtained form Lake Monroe Inn Bait & Tackle (407/322-3108),   Highbanks Marina and Camp Resort (386/668-4491), or Best Western Marina (407/323-1910)

For further information please contact our fisheries office in DeLeon Springs at 386-985-7827. 

Largemouth bass continue to respond well to the revegetation work done on this lake and bass fishing has been improving. The shoreline near Enterprise provides good habitat and some deeper water bulrush patches for largemouth bass, black crappie (speckled perch), bream and occasionally striped bass. Eel grass patches should be holding bass, while black crappie should be moving closer to shore, especially during the full moons of February and March.

OCALA FOREST LAKES (Lakes & Marion counties): There are approximately 600 natural lakes in the Ocala National Forest with lakes Bryant, Mill Dam, Kerr, Crooked, Wildcat, Lou Echo, Grasshopper, Eaton and Quarry Fish Pond being the most popular. A booklet titles "Fishing Opportunities in the Ocala National Forest" by the Ocala National Forest Interpretive Association is available at the Visitors Welcome Center at the intersection of S.R. 40 and C.R. 315. This booklet describes sport fishing locations, with recommendations for fishing methods and accessibility, as well as a topographic map.

Bass fishing will be good in most of the Ocala National Forest lakes in the upcoming months. Keep in mind that most of the lakes have clear or tannin stained water and clear monofilament or fluorocarbon line should be used while making long casts to avoid spooking fish. Live shiners will be the best producers. Once fish begin to spawn in February and March, use soft plastic worms, crawfish, or lizard patterns to fish the grass edges and potential bedding areas.

Crappie fishing should be good in deep water areas drifting with live minnows.

Note: There is a slot and special bag limit on Lake Kerr. No person shall kill or possess any largemouth bass that is 15” or more in total length and less than 24 inches in total length. No person shall take in one day more than 3 largemouth bass of which only one may be 24” or longer in total length.

Please note: Lake Wildcat has a special regulation requiring all largemouth bass to be released immediately.

OKLAWAHA RIVER (Marion & Putnam counties): The Oklawaha River originates at the north end of Lake Griffin in Lake County. The upper reach is largely channelized but is in a natural condition for most of its length. Rodman Reservoir is a 16 mile impoundment lying between Highway 316 near Ft. McCoy to Highway 19 near Palatka. The river is again natural from the Rodman Dam to its confluence with the St. Johns River near Welaka.

Largemouth bass action is good using live shiners and plastic worms around deepwater structures, while topwater lures and plastic worms are productive near vegetation and brush. Channel and white catfish are active downstream of Rodman Dam in deep holes along bends of the river and are being taken on worms and chicken livers. Some crappie are being caught on minnows around submerged brush.

Public boat ramps are at Moss Bluff off Highway 464, Ray-Davidson Park at Highway 40, Gores Landing off CR 415, Eureka East and West on Highway 316, Orange Springs, Kenwood Landing and Hog Valley on Rodman Reservoir, Rodman Dam off Highway 19 and Highway 19 south of the barge canal.

LAKE PANASOFFKEE (Sumter County):  This is a 4,460-acre Fish Management Area located by the town of Lake Panasoffkee.  Panasoffkee is unusual; a true spring-fed lake, water depths seldom exceed four feet.  I-75 runs along the eastern edge and C.R. 470 along the southern and western shore.  A public ramp is available on the Outlet River, west of the lake on C.R. 470. 

Recent electrofishing samples have shown large numbers of threadfin shad (excellent bass forage) and largemouth bass in the 1 to 3 pound range with very full stomachs. Bass are feeding heavily on the readily available threadfin shad. Fish a floating Rat-L-Trap or shallow diving crankbait with chartreuse in it (to match up with the threadfin’s yellow/green tail). Jerkworms and spinnerbaits will also produce schooling-size bass. Locals are concluding that this has been one of the best years in the lake’s history for catching schooling-size largemouth bass. Most bass collected during electrofishing samples were hanging off of the shoreline in slightly deeper water.

Electrofishing samples also showed large numbers of smaller sized bluegill around eel grass beds and near shore. Redear numbers remain down, with few harvestable sized redear collected during electrofishing. Fishing crickets or grass shrimp around eel grass beds should work well for the available bream.

For more information on fishing conditions you can contact the Pana Vista Lodge at 352-793-2061. For information on other fish camps in the area, please call our Ocala office at 352-732-1225.

RODMAN RESERVOIR (Putnam County): A premier largemouth bass fishery located in north Northeast Florida, covers 9,500 acres and is about 15 miles long. It is located south of Palatka off of Hwy 19. The reservoir was created in 1968 when an earthen dam was built across the Ocklawaha River. A four-gate spillway (Kirkpatrick Dam) controls the water levels of the reservoir. The reservoir from its headwaters at Eureka Dam to Paynes Landing consists of flooded woodlands. The transition section from Paynes Landing to Orange Springs consists of flooded standing timber and areas of floating vegetation. The pool section from Orange Springs to Kirkpatrick Dam, including the river channel and the Cross Florida Barge Canal, consists of floating and submersed vegetation, dead standing timber and submersed and partially submersed trees and stumps. The Barge Canal and river channel have water depths up to 30 feet deep. Submersed vegetation (hydrilla, coontail and eel grass) is common in the pool section of the reservoir. Drawdowns are conducted every three to four years on the reservoir for aquatic plant control and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement.

Rodman Reservoir and big bass are synonymous this time of year. Generally, the biggest bass are caught from deep water along the river channel and Barge Canal in the Kenwood to Kirkpatrick Dam area. Outside bends in the river channel from Orange Springs to Cypress Bayou are also a good place to try for largemouth bass. Target the deeper water using deep diving crankbaits and Carolina-rigged soft plastics (worms, lizards, and crawfish). Where hydrilla is present, use a Rat-L-Trap and allow the lure to just dip into the hydrilla, then snap the rod quickly to pull the Rat-L-Trap out. Most strikes will coincide with the snapping action. Texas-rigged worms, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits will also work well, while golden shiners are the enticement of choice for the live-bait enthusiasts.

Black crappie can be caught along the river channel and Barge Canal on live minnows with floats and plastic tailed jigs. While anglers have their preferred colors, chartreuse, yellow, and white seem to get the most consistent action. Bluegill, redear, and redbreast sunfish angling is best this time of year in the riverine section of the reservoir. Beetle spins and live bait (grass shrimp) work well. Many anglers will target the hyacinths and water lettuce mats in the upper section of the reservoir (upstream of Kenwood Ramp). A good technique here is to pull your boat right up into a mat of hyacinths or water lettuce off of the main channel. Take a long handled potato rake and scratch out several holes surrounding your boat (about the distance of a cane pole off of your boat). Use a long cane pole with grass shrimp and simply dip the holes you created around your boat. If you don’t start catching fish, move to another spot and use the same technique. You will find them eventually and once you do, you should start picking up fish quickly.

FWC is currently conducting a creel survey on the reservoir that will run through June. Anglers should be courteous and willing to be interviewed by our creel clerk. Creel survey information is very useful in managing fisheries resources such as Rodman Reservoir.

* Special note: Look out for floating logs. Use caution when boating in the river channel, Barge Canal and stump fields.

For updated information:
The Tackle Box (352) 372-1791 or (904) 328-9311

ST. JOHNS RIVER (Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns & Volusia counties):

Lower St. Johns River and Lakes:  

Water levels should continue to fall heading into winter and anglers should find largemouth bass and panfish catches picking up as the temperatures drop. Moving water always stimulates feeding activity in the river and in the entrances and exits of lakes. Bass anglers can expect to find bass hiding in shoreline vegetation, eel grass, and around docks and pilings. Locating fish should become easier as water levels fall and fish become somewhat more concentrated. Anglers should target edges of submerged vegetation along banks, sharp bends, and drop-offs near shallow bars. If water levels are still up through January, bass will move up into sheltered areas behind bulrushes and into wind-protected coves in preparation to spawn. Traditional methods for taking bass will work. Swimming plastic worms/jerkbaits and twitching shallow-running minnow imitations are the methods of choice among many bass fishermen.

Striper fishing should pick up as the water temperatures cool. The Osteen Bridge, deep bends near Mullet Lake, and the Wekiva River should all be good producers.

Crappie anglers should take fair numbers of fish by slow trolling artificials (small jigs and beetle spins) or by drifting with live minnows in the deeper, open water areas of the river and in lakes Monroe, Jesup, Harney, Woodruff, Dexter, and Beresford early in the season, moving closer to shore as the crappie begin to spawn.

American Shad should provide new opportunities for anglers as January approaches. Slow trolling or casting with shad darts and flies should be productive, with shad being caught from Lemon Bluff to Mullet Lake near Osteen, in Shad Alley upstream of Lake Jesup, and near Puzzle Lakes.

Upper St. Johns River and Lakes:  

Due to consecutive years of low water and low dissolved oxygen levels following Tropical Storm Fay, long-term electrofishing catch results are indicating noticeable declines in fish populations in this region of the St. Johns River. However, all lakes should be fairly productive, especially lakes Winder, Poinsett and Washington, with bass spawning throughout the quarter. If a normal dry season transpires this winter, fish should become more concentrated in vegetated areas within deeper water. Anglers should focus on wind-protected areas such as coves, behind or inside bulrush patches, and around grassy islands. Many anglers prefer to fish the back channels and sloughs within the riverine section between SR 520 west of Cocoa north to SR 46 northwest of Titusville, when water levels allow. Other river sections between lakes Winder and Poinsett, Washington and Sawgrass, and between Sawgrass and Hell ‘n Blazes can also produce. Most traditional methods for taking bass will work here. Plastic worms/jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, weedless spoons, and twitching shallow-running minnow imitations are some favorites among many local anglers. Fly-fishing with a surface popper is also a very fun and popular way to catch both bass and panfish in these sections of the river.

Crappie can be found around vegetated areas, especially bulrushes, sheltered from the wind. The bulrush lines on the west side of Poinsett are known to be especially productive. Specks will also congregate in the deep bends of riverine sections upstream and downstream from lakes. Anglers should take fair numbers of fish by slow trolling artificials (small jigs and beetle spins, 1/32-1/8 oz) or by drifting with live minnows in the deeper, open-water areas of lakes Poinsett, Winder, and Washington. Bends in the middle river section between lakes Winder and Poinsett can also be productive for crappie anglers. Curly-tail or tube jigs in combinations of pinks, greens, chartreuse, salt and pepper, and pearly whites seem to be the most productive colors. A 10 or 12 foot jig pole tipped with an appropriately colored jig can be very productive when methodically fished along grass and other vegetated edges along the river.

The spawning runs of the anadromous (living in salt water but spawning in fresh) American and Hickory shad will peak during this quarter. The St. Johns River from SR 50 to Lake Harney is a historically productive area for excellent catches. Some anglers prefer trolling while others like to fly fish or cast with ultralight tackle from an anchored boat or riverbank. Commonly used artificials include shad darts, streamer flies, and miniature spoons and jigs. Anglers who hook shad will be rewarded with a strong fight and the aerial acrobatics of these long distance swimmers.

Anglers are reminded that a saltwater fishing license is required to possess shad when fishing from a boat, and the bag limit is 10 fish.

For listings of fish camps or for further information please contact our fisheries office in DeLeon Springs at 386-985-7827. For lakes Washington, Poinsett and Winder please contact or East coast Fisheries office in Melbourne at 407-752-3115. 

LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA (Osceola County): Lake Tohopekaliga known to the locals as Lake Toho is an 18,810-acre lake located southeast of the city of Kissimmee.  The lakes Commission made fish attractors are especially popular fishing areas, for a map with lat-long coordinates, click here. 

This period marks a time of year many bass anglers know will produce trophy fish as the spawning season will be under way. Vegetation (grasses, hydrilla and bulrush) associated with shoreline areas in and around Goblet’s Cove, Shingle Creek, Little Grassy Island and South Steer Beach will be good areas for anglers to look for spawning bass. Both live and artificial baits should be very effective within these areas. Golden shiners will be the live bait of choice, although many anglers using spinnerbaits (white or white/chartreuse skirted and a single, gold Colorado blade), buzz baits (white or gold), plastic worms and lizards (white, black grape, black/blue or red shad colored) and soft jerkbaits (white, bubblegum or motor oil) should be rewarded with some outstanding action.

While many anglers have their favorite spots for catching redear sunfish (shellcracker), one may want to try grasses and hydrilla in and around Makinson Island, Goblet’s Cove or North Steer Beach. Live bait (red wigglers) fished on the bottom will be the method of choice for a majority of the anglers seeking these scrappy fighters, which should be concentrated in shoreline areas as the spawning season will be ongoing.

Open water and vegetative communities associated with Big Grassy Island, North Steer Beach, Makinson Island or around channel markers 24 and 26 will be good choices for anglers looking for some good action on black crappie (specks). Two man-made fish attractors, which are located west of channel marker 24 (T.P. Snake) and between Makinson and Paradise Islands (Orange Peel), consistently hold good concentrations of specks. Drifting live bait (minnows) under slip-bobbers through these areas should account for many nice stringers of fish. Savvy speck anglers know that these fish will congregate at specific water depths in deeper, open water areas. Consequently, varying the depth of the bait will increase the odds of locating a concentration of fish. For those anglers who favor artificial baits, small (1/8th-1/64th ounce) jigs or beetle-spins (green, white or yellow in color) used along the edges of grasses, lily pads or hydrilla should account for some fine stringers of fish.

A six-lane boat ramp with a floating courtesy dock is located on Lakeshore Blvd. From the intersection of Highway 192 and Highway 441/17-92 in Kissimmee, travel south on Main Street 0.6 mile to Monument Avenue. Turn left onto Monument Avenue and follow to Lakeshore Blvd. Turn right on Lakeshore and follow 0.3 miles to ramp on left. Pier and bank fishing is allowed. A marina is located approximately 0.2 miles north of ramp.

For more information on Lake Toho or the fish camps in the area, please contact the Kissimmee Fisheries office at (407) 846-5300.   See Fishing Hot Spot Maps for a detailed interactive map of the lake, and to purchase maps from them.

LAKE YALE (Lake County): Lake Yale is a 4,042-acre lake located northwest of the City of Eustis. Access to the lake is from C.R. 452 in Marsh Park on the outskirts of Eustis and off C.R. 450 west of the City of Umatilla.

Bass fishing should be good in Lake Yale in the upcoming months. The lake has a dirty or murky water color so anglers should keep this in mind when selecting color patterns. Typically, soft plastics in black with blue tail, Junebug, and red shad produce well. Fishing large spinnerbaits with white or yellow trailers in the pre-spawn should also produce well. Until fish begin to migrate up into the shallows to spawn, concentrate on ledges and deep water brush piles with soft plastics.

Crappie should be the best from December through April. Drift in open water areas with live minnows. Using several rods with slip bobbers rigged at varying depths will allow you to locate fish quickly. Once you find them, set all of your rigs appropriately and enjoy.

There are no fish camps on the lake, but you can get bait and supplies from Owens Marine on S.R. 19 in Eustis or from Umatilla Bait and Tackle on S.R. 19 just south of Umatilla. For more information on how fishing has been lately, contact the Eustis Field Office at 352-742-6438.

The Division of Freshwater Fisheries Mission and Goal

[ FISHING RULES | FISHING LICENSES | FISH IDENTIFICATION | FISHING TIPS | FISHING SITES & FORECASTS |
| FBCC | BOAT RAMPS | PIERS | FISHING LINKS | FISHING MAPS |
| FISHERIES PUBLICATIONS | FISH BUSTER COLUMN | FISHERIES NEWS | FISHERIES OFFICES-PROJECTS |
| FISHERIES PERMITS | BIG CATCH PROGRAM | SPORT FISH RESTORATION | BASS TAG FOR CARS |
| DIVING/PHOTOGRAPHY | JOE BUDD AEC | WOMEN'S OWN | FISHING CALENDAR |
| FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS | FUNSTUFF & GAMES | RECORD FISH | FISH ORLANDO! |
| SPONSOR OPTIONS | FISH MANAGEMENT AREAS | MULTIMEDIA SHOWS AND PHOTOS |
| SITE MAP | LINK TO US | CUSTOMER SURVEY | ASK FWC ]
NOTE: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response
 to a public records; request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
MyFWC.com • Copyright © 1999-2009 State of Florida •  Privacy Statement •  EEO/AA/ADA
Advertising Statement & Disclaimer