Alligator Lake
Columbia County
Alligator Lake (approximately 800 acres) is located in Columbia County near Lake City. Nearly two-thirds of the total lake surface area is within the city limits. Prior to 1997, only 338 acres were accessible to the public. Subsequently, Columbia County purchased an adjacent 987 acres with money obtained through the Preservation 2000 Communities Trust. This purchase included nearly 450 acres of former lake bottom that were diked and drained for agricultural practices in the 1950's and 1960's.
Several sinkholes are located in the north and south basins of the lake which provide direct connection to the aquifer. One of these sinkholes has been responsible for frequently draining the northern lake basin. This results from increased hydraulic pressure upon sinkhole sediments as groundwater levels subside during periods of drought. During these events, the southern areas of the lake retain water, as a shallow connection exists between north and south basins.
Columbia County's Alligator Lake Park opened in April 2002. The entrance to the park can be found off of Old Country Club road in Lake City. A small boat launch on the north marsh central drainage canal and walking access or boatless fishing will provide unique angling opportunities.
Note: Alligator Lake is a Fish Management Area (license is required to fish in north and south lake basins and north and south marshes).
There is current water level information available.
Note – Anglers and Hunters: The north and south marshes are established as Alligator Lake Small Game Hunting Area (ducks only). The north marsh area is restricted on Mondays and Thursdays until noon. The south marsh area is restricted on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday until noon.
Local contacts: Greens Marine and Sporting Goods, Lake City 386-755-5390; Rooster's Outfitters 386-234-0851
As of this reporting period, Alligator Lake North remains dry and the North Marsh has been impacted by the failure of the northern dike along the berm, which originally served to retain water in the north marsh during low-water periods. This failure occurred during the summer of 2025 and has significantly affected the lake's ability to retain water during dry conditions. Columbia County officials worked promptly to initiate a repair plan, and significant repairs have been made to the structure and bridge supports. Construction efforts are now complete, and the berm has been reopened to the public.
Despite sporadic rain events throughout this season, lake levels have not fully recovered, and the north marsh, which typically serves as a critical refuge for fish, remains largely dry. As a result, fish populations in Alligator Lake North were impacted and continue to show signs of stress. Recovery is expected to be gradual once water levels stabilize and habitat conditions improve.
Alligator Lake South retains some water, but levels remain low. Access is still limited to small crafts such as canoes, kayaks, or very shallow-draft boats. Anglers may have better success targeting deeper pockets of water, particularly near the northern section of the lake and the sinkhole near the southern end, where fish are likely to be concentrated.
FWC fisheries biologists will continue monitoring both sections of the lake and provide updates as fish populations rebound and hydrological conditions progress.
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Florida/Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Black crappie
TrophyCatch Tracker
TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from Alligator Lake:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 116
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 20
Hall of Fame Club (13+ pounds): 1