Lake Rousseau

Lake Rousseau is a great waterbody for whatever fish species you are targeting. Black crappie will begin to migrate to shallower waters during the spring months, but some anglers are still reporting catches in the open water in front of the dam and in the open water of the barge canal on the west end of the reservoir. Florida Bass anglers have had success throughout the reservoir pulling 14 Trophy Catch entries (8 + pounds) out of the lake in as many months, including two 10 + pound bass. On the west end, most anglers are having success fishing the stump fields and the edges of the boat channels. Areas with a good mix of stumps and vegetation are the most productive. These areas should be hotspots for Florida Bass and panfish. Live shiners will always make good baits for bass. When fishing in vegetation, a Texas-rigged plastic worm should produce bits and reduce your number of snags. Panfish should begin spawning this quarter. Check for signs of bedding in shallow areas around the reservoir. In the west end of the reservoir, bluegill and redear should be plentiful. Fish around stumps where there is a sandy bottom. Crickets and worms will make good baits. On the east end, as the lake transitions from reservoir to river, fishing the banks and deep cuts should produce bites from spotted and redbreast sunfish. Crickets fished on small jigs, or beetlespins make great bait. Catfish anglers should fish cut baits or chicken liver on the bottom near the dam.