Lake Panasoffkee
Sumter County

This is a 4,460-acre Fish Management Area located by the town of Lake Panasoffkee. Panasoffkee is unusual; a true spring-fed lake, water depths seldom exceed four feet. I-75 runs along the eastern edge and C.R. 470 along the southern and western shore. A public ramp is available on the Outlet River, west of the lake on C.R. 470.
For more information on fishing conditions you can contact the Pana Vista Lodge at 352-793-2061. For information on other fish camps in the area, please call our Ocala office at 352-732-1225.
Lake Panasoffkee has been famed for excellent Bluegill and Red-Ear Sunfish (shellcracker) fishing for many years. Summer is a good time to catch Bluegill on Lake Panasoffkee. FWC biologists have heard several reports of anglers targeting panfish limiting out in a very short period! Sight fishing is the best way to locate beds. Once beds are located, it is best to anchor just off of them so that you don’t spook the fish. Fishing on bottom with a worm works well. Bass fishing on Lake Panasoffkee is tough in the hot summer months. Fishing in the eelgrass in open holes with soft plastics usually produces Bass. Fishing in the deepest holes you can find is a good bet. Local fishermen like to use white or watermelon colored baits. The lake is experiencing a recurrence of dense submerged vegetation, so use caution when navigating the lake. The water at the northern portion on the lake is very clear, while the southern end is dark.
Popular Species

Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:

TrophyCatch Tracker
TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from Lake Panasoffkee:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 106
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 22