Ocala National Forest Lakes

As we move into February and March, the Largemouth Bass fishing should begin to peak. Bass will begin spawning when water temperatures reach 65 degrees. Fishing in the shallows where fish spawn can produce good results. Lake Kerr is a sure bet to catch fat Black Crappie, with the possibility of some good sized Red Eared Sunfish. Lake Kerr also has an abundance of big Largemouth Bass with four over eight pounders tagged in the lake recently. It is resources such as these that FWC fisheries biologists encourage the harvest of smaller Bass under the current regulations. For good catches of moderate to large sized bass, Lake Bryant or Wildcat Lake would be a winner. Targeting areas with moderate vegetation with soft plastics or weedless spinnerbaits can produce well. Lake Bryant is producing large Black Crappie and Hybrid Stripers. Lake Half Moon is loaded with big Bream. Fishing along the weed line with crickets or worms should bring an abundance of large Bluegill and Red Eared Sunfish also known as “Shell-Crackers”.