The 11 Best Fishing Lakes in Florida

Discover the best fishing lakes in Florida! From Lake Okeechobee to Lake George, explore the top spots to cast a line and experience the thrill of outdoor fishing. Read on to learn more about the top fishing lakes in Florida and get tips on where to find the best catches.

Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake located in the state of Florida, located in the center of the state.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Clewiston, Hampton Inn Okeechobee and Best Western Lake Okeechobee.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is Tackle World Okeechobee, located 3 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 8 miles away.

Lake Tohopekaliga

Lake Tohopekaliga, also known as Lake Toho, is located in Osceola County and is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. It is the largest lake in Osceola County, with a size of 22,700 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, white crappie, yellow perch, chain pickerel.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating, kayaking.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kissimmee-Celebration Area, Quality Inn & Suites Maingate East and Comfort Inn Maingate.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is Tackle World Kissimmee, located 7 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 4 miles away.

Lake Talquin

Lake Talquin is a large lake located near Tallahassee, Florida. It is 8,800 acres in size and has a depth of 45 feet.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, white crappie, channel catfish.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Best Western Plus Tallahassee North, La Quinta Inn & Suites Tallahassee Central and Courtyard by Marriott Tallahassee North/I-10 Capital Circle.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is Tallahassee Tall Tales Bait and Tackle, located 10 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 6 miles away.

Lake George

Lake George is connected to the St. John’s River and is the second largest lake in Florida, located in the northeastern part of the state. It is 30,875 acres in size with depths up to 45 feet.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, striped bass.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating, kayaking.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Comfort Inn & Suites Deland, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Deland-Daytona and Hampton Inn & Suites Deland.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is Volusia Fishing Supply, located 11 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 10 miles away.

Lake Seminole

Lake Seminole is located in the Florida panhandle in Jackson County, with a size of 37,500 acres.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Catfish, Crappie, Bream, Redear sunfish, White bass.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating, kayaking.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Marianna, Comfort Suites Marianna and Hampton Inn Marianna.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is Sportsman’s Factory Outlet, located 9 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 4 miles away.

Lake Apopka

Lake Apopka is a large lake located in Orange County, Florida. It has a size of 20,800 acres and a depth of 16 feet.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Shellcracker, Bream.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating, kayaking.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando-Apopka, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Apopka and Springhill Suites Orlando North/Sanford.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is Apopka Marine, located 12 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 7 miles away.

Lake Istokpoga

Lake Istokpoga is a large lake located in southeast Central Florida. It is 32,500 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 10 feet.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie, Redear sunfish.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating, kayaking.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sebring, Hampton Inn Sebring and Comfort Inn Sebring.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is Bass Pro Shops Sebring, located 2 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 5 miles away.

Lake Panasoffkee

Lake Panasoffkee is located in Sumter County, Florida. It is 15,420 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 8.5 feet.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Black crappie, White crappie, Redear sunfish.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating, kayaking.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Hampton Inn & Suites Wildwood, Hampton Inn & Suites The Villages and Holiday Inn Express & Suites The Villages.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is Hook, Line & Sinker Outfitters, located 4 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 5 miles away.

Lake Monroe

Lake Monroe is a large lake located near the St. Johns River in Seminole County, Florida. It is 9,400 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 12 feet.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie, Bream.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating, kayaking.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sanford, Best Western Plus Sanford Airport/Lake Mary Hotel & Conference Center and Comfort Inn Sanford.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is Bass Pro Shops Sanford, located 7 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 4 miles away.

Lake Harris

Lake Harris is located in Lake County, Florida. It is 10,000 acres in size and has a maximum depth of 16 feet.

Types of Fish: Largemouth bass, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Redear sunfish.
Types of Fishing: Bank fishing, boating, kayaking.
Fishing Equipment Rental: Boats, canoes, trolling motors, and various rods/reels can be rented nearby.
Fishing Guide Service: Professional guides are available.
Closest Hotels: The nearest hotels include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clermont, Comfort Suites Clermont and Best Western Plus Clermont.
Nearest Fishing Store: The closest fishing store is The Snook and the Bug, located 6 miles away.
Basic Fishing Regulations: State-wide regulations apply, including license requirements for non-residents.
Amenities of the Lake: Boat launch, several marinas and restaurants, campground.
Nearest Gas Station: The nearest gas station is located 6 miles away.

Find Good Fishing Spots in Florida and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for new and exciting fishing spots in Florida, you’re in luck! The Google map below can help you explore some of the best lakes and other fishing locations the state has to offer. From Bass to Trout, you’re sure to find a spot that’s perfect for you. So why not take a look and find your next fishing destination? With the help of this map and a little exploration, you can find new and exciting fishing locations in Florida!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Florida

The weather in Florida for sport fishing throughout the year is generally quite mild and pleasant. Summers are hot and humid, but the coastal breeze makes the heat more bearable. Winters are mild and temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times for fishing, with warm temperatures and light rains. Generally, Florida offers great fishing conditions year-round.