What's Biting FLFlorida lakes and rivers
The big-name bass lakes and the chains and rivers around them.
Lake Okeechobee
The Big O
The largest lake in Florida and a legendary largemouth bass fishery. Also strong for crappie in winter and bluegill in summer. Levels and vegetation change year to year, so recent reports matter.
Top today: Largemouth Bass
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
Toho, Kissimmee, Cypress and Hatchineha
Lake Tohopekaliga is a top trophy bass lake, and the chain down through Cypress, Hatchineha and Kissimmee offers bass, crappie and bluegill in classic Florida grass and pads.
Top today: Largemouth Bass
Harris Chain of Lakes
Harris, Griffin, Eustis, Dora and Apopka
A rebounding chain in Lake County that has become a tournament favorite again. Big bass in Harris and Griffin, and Lake Apopka is one of the best bass comeback stories in the state.
Top today: Largemouth Bass
Rodman Reservoir
Ocklawaha River impoundment
Stumps, standing timber and drawdowns that concentrate fish. Consistently one of the best trophy largemouth lakes in Florida.
Top today: Largemouth Bass
Lake George and the St. Johns River
Palatka to Sanford
Florida's second largest lake and the slow river that feeds it. Bass, crappie and bluegill year round, plus striped and sunshine bass and a winter shad run near Sanford.
Top today: Largemouth Bass
Lake Talquin
West of Tallahassee
A deep, timbered Ochlockonee River impoundment. Known for crappie and a solid bass population with a different feel from the shallow lakes further south.
Top today: Largemouth Bass
Lake Seminole
Florida, Georgia and Alabama corner
A hydrilla-rich reservoir shared with Georgia. Excellent bass fishing on the Florida side and a mixed-state licensing situation worth reading up on.
Top today: Largemouth Bass
Lake Istokpoga
Highlands County
Shallow, weedy and full of big bass and crappie. Often overlooked next to Okeechobee, which is exactly why locals like it.
Top today: Largemouth Bass
Stick Marsh and Farm 13
Fellsmere
A flooded farm turned reservoir near Fellsmere, plus neighboring Headwaters Lake. Catch and release bass regulations and enormous numbers of big fish.
Top today: Largemouth Bass
Everglades Water Conservation Areas
Alligator Alley and Tamiami canals
The canals along I-75 and US-41 and the marsh behind them. Largemouth bass, peacock bass in the urban canals, and dry-season concentrations that can be absurd.
Top today: Butterfly Peacock Bass