Lake Rousseau

Lake Rousseau may not get as much attention as Orange Lake, Fellsmere, or Rodman Reservoir when it comes to big fish, but it should. This lake has an excellent habitat for all kinds of fish, including trophy bass. Vast stump fields, floating tussocks, and the old river channel are great places to find fish in the winter. Florida Bass anglers should monitor water temperatures and look for signs of spawning activity as the lake temperature approaches 65°F. Areas of sparse vegetation and sandy bottom will attract bass looking to spawn. Also, fishing the edges of submersed vegetation using rubber worms should produce strikes from lurking bass. Use snagless, rigged worms and lures to fish over and through patches of vegetation. On cold days, expect the bass to be schooled in deeper water away from shore. Black Crappie anglers should already be ready to hit the water. Crappies should be schooling and will soon begin their spawn within the first month of the new quarter. Slow troll live minnows in search of schooling fish. If this proves unsuccessful, try bouncing jig heads tipped with minnows along the edge of dense vegetation and around woody stumps. Panfish are abundant throughout the lake, and the bite will be better on the warmest days of the winter. Typical live baits- crickets, nightcrawlers, grubs, grass shrimp- will work well. In deeper water, 1/16 oz. or smaller beetle spins tipped with grubs or worms can be bounced between vegetation patches or on the edges of stumps. Most people target catfish fish near the dam on the west side or upstream to the east, where it is more riverlike. Fish cut baits or stink baits on the bottom where there is a bit of current to distribute the scent. Don’t soak one piece too long, or the bait will lose its scent and effectiveness. Catfish have a strong sense of smell; the smellier the better.