Orange Lake

THE HEAGY BURRY BOAT RAMP AND ORANGE LAKE PUBLIC FISHING PIER HAVE BEEN CLOSED BY MARION COUNTY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE FOR REPAIRS AND UPGRADES AND IS ANTICIPATED TO BE REOPENED IN APRIL 2026.

Low water levels due to extreme drought are making it difficult to launch at Orange Lake. Currently, only small outboard boats, airboats, mudboats, and paddlecraft are able to launch at the open ramps and get through Cross Creek. The Heagy Burry Ramp is expected to reopen in April and is the best ramp for larger outboard boats during low water levels. Despite the low water levels, there are still plenty of trophy Florida bass waiting to test out your gear. Low water levels can help concentrate forage and improve bass growth rates. Check out FWCs TrophyCatch program website to see what this lake has been producing. FWC spring electrofishing samples have revealed strong Florida bass spawning events each year since 2020, resulting in numerous fish 3-4 pounds and making for some great fishing days. Anglers are encouraged to harvest Florida bass less than 20” in length to prevent overcrowding (numerous stunted bass). Anglers should be aware that the Orange Lake Florida bass regulations changed in April 2024 as part of the Florida Trophy Bass Project (read the news release for details and check the bass regulation signs at the ramp). As such, Florida bass greater than 20 inches in length may not be possessed, even temporarily. There are lots of big bream (or panfish: Bluegill, Redear Sunfish) waiting to grab a hook this summer and catches last year were the best in the area. As the water gets warm, try moving inshore near vegetation, especially in the pads, where panfish will be gathering up to spawn. They should devour a grass shrimp or a cricket under a cork. The few anglers fishing for Black Crappie (specks) tend to do well, but most anglers prefer nearby Lochloosa Lake to get their limits and avoid hydrilla. Hydrilla coverage has expanded and is thicker due to low water levels. McIntosh Bay, and the southern and eastern shores are extensively covered in topped out hydrilla, and boats with outboard motors less than 75hp should use caution. Although it has made access difficult, hydrilla is providing great habitat for fish throughout the lake. Pads have also continued to spread throughout the lake, and they are looking especially good around Grassy Point and the southern/eastern parts of the lake and that’s great news for all anglers!

For more information on FWC management activities at Orange Lake, visit the Orange Creek Basin Working Group webpage.