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Ocala National Forest Lakes

Lakes & Marion counties

Wildcat Lake

There are approximately 600 natural lakes in the Ocala National Forest with lakes Bryant, Mill Dam, Kerr, Crooked, Wildcat, Lou Echo, Grasshopper, Eaton and Quarry Fish Pond being the most popular. A booklet titles "Fishing Opportunities in the Ocala National Forest" by the Ocala National Forest Interpretive Association is available at the Visitors Welcome Center at the intersection of S.R. 40 and C.R. 315. This booklet describes sport fishing locations, with recommendations for fishing methods and accessibility, as well as a topographic map.

Note: Lake Wildcat has a special regulation requiring all largemouth bass to be released immediately.

Lake Bryant and Lake Dias have been very productive. The historical fish attractors on these lakes have been replaced with Mossback fish attracting units. These attractors are already producing big fish. Lake Kerr can also produce big Panfish and Black Crappie by fishing in the open water where the water depth drops. Mossback fish attractors have also been placed within two historical fish attractor sites in the lake. Fish on the shallow side of the drop for Panfish or “Specks”. Bass fishing in the forest remains good throughout the summer and a lot of big Bass and Black Crappie have been caught in Halfmoon Lake located in the Ocala National Forest. Live baits always work well. Shiners free lined near aquatic grasses can be effective, as can live worms. Soft jerk baits rigged weed-less are also proven. Spinnerbaits can also be effective on cloudy days.

Popular Species

Popular Sport Fish Species

Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.

More species information is available for:

Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfishBlack crappie

FWC Trophy Catch Logo

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 the various Ocala National Forest Lakes:

Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 152

Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 55

Hall of Fame Club (13+ pounds): 3