Lochloosa Lake

The water is still plenty deep to launch on Lochloosa Lake. The extreme drought has not affected water levels as much as at other lakes in the area, but anglers should still use caution near shore. The Bluegill and Redear Sunfish on Lochloosa Lake are some of the biggest in the area! They will be bedding up in the shallows throughout the warmer months, though the low water may have moved the usual hot spots further offshore. Try your luck up in the pads on the North or Southeast end of the lake with a cricket or grass shrimp on a hook under a cork. Most of the Black Crappie have moved offshore during the warmer months, but they still need to eat. Try your luck at fishing a spider rig in open water. There are good opportunities for Florida Bass as well. Try throwing topwater baits or soft plastics around vegetation. If you catch a bass over 8 lbs., submit it to the TrophyCatch Program for a chance to win prizes! Anglers should be aware that the Lochloosa Lake Florida Bass regulations changed in April 2024 as part of the Florida Trophy Bass Project (check this news release for details and check the bass regulation signs at the ramp). Bass are easily stressed during the high temperatures of summer. For information on best handling practices to help ensure large bass survive after release, check the TrophyCare page. If you don’t have a boat, you can fish off the pier on Burnt Island at Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area off of Hwy 301. Anglers should be aware of tagged Black Crappie with rewards. If you catch a tagged crappie, keep the tag (and the fish if you want), and call the number below to receive information on how to claim your reward.

Steve Beck, FWC fisheries biologist: 352-415-6958

For more information on FWC management activities at Lochloosa Lake, visit the Orange Creek Basin Working Group webpage and email questions to OrangeCreekBasin@myfwc.com.

FWC maintains fish attractors at Lochloosa Lake, visit the FWC Fish Attractor webpage for locations.