Harris Chain of Lakes

Largemouth Bass:

Throughout this quarter, bass can be found in pre-spawn, spawning, and post-spawn phases, with the timing of each stage varying based on weather patterns and location. Early in the year, most bass will be in the pre-spawn phase, staging near traditional spawning areas and holding in or around vegetation and other cover. In lakes Beauclair and Griffin, where abundant offshore submersed vegetation is present, targeting deeper weed lines with a heavier Texas-rigged worm can be productive. In other lakes, success may come from locating offshore shell beds and hard-bottom areas. During colder conditions, slowing your retrieve is typically more effective.

As temperatures begin to rise, the first areas to warm will be shallow zones such as the canals scattered throughout the chain. These areas often trigger the initial wave of spawning activity. Once warming trends continue, spawning will expand across the lakes. Bass commonly spawn on hard-bottom areas near vegetation and may congregate in high numbers, creating excellent fishing opportunities. Emergent vegetation like bulrush and pickerel weed often signals the presence of suitable hard bottom. When bass are observed on beds, they can be tempted with soft plastics or even by running a topwater bait overhead.

Spawning activity will continue into early spring, though its duration and intensity depend on how early it began. As the spawn winds down, the bite may slow and patterns can become less predictable; however, focusing on transitions in shoreline vegetation remains a reliable approach throughout the Harris Chain.

Black Crappie:

Black crappie fishing on the Harris Chain will be in peak season during this time of year. Trolling open water with minnows or jigs is one of the most effective ways to locate fish, and varying your presentation depth is key to identifying the most productive pattern. In heavily vegetated lakes, crappie may be present but can be difficult to target unless they are actively spawning. During the spawn, crappie can often be found in shallow, vegetated areas such as pad fields and grass lines, where they can be caught using jigs or live bait. Once a school is located, limits can be reached quickly, so paying close attention to bait selection and color combinations will help maximize success. Lakes Carlton, Harris, and Griffin are expected to fish well this year, with opportunities to catch some quality-sized fish. For anglers without a boat, productive shoreline options include the Eustis boardwalk and the pier at Hickory Point.