Osborne Chain-of-Lakes

As winter fishing begins, Lake Ida and Lake Osborne should produce good numbers of Butterfly Peacock Bass and Largemouth Bass. The fishing habitat in Osborne has improved and has helped with a good amount of forage fish. Fishing has been productive throughout the day as bass begin to move shallower as water temperatures cool down. Most Largemouth Bass should be making their way near shore as they begin to feed heavily in preparation for spring spawning. Fishing lures such as crankbaits, jigs, and plastic worms work well to target these fish. The Butterfly Peacock Bass fishing is doing well and can be caught with a variety of methods such as in-line spinners, feather jigs, flies, and live shiners. In addition, Sunshine bass are being regularly caught in deeper pockets of the lakes using live bait like shiners and shad.

The Osborne Chain-of-Lakes is also an excellent place to target a variety of panfish including Bluegill and Redear Sunfish. Anglers should target patches of vegetation with small jigs or live worms for best results. In addition, the Osborne Chain-of-Lakes offers opportunities for anglers to catch several exotics including Mayan Cichlids, Clown Knifefish, and Bullseye Snakeheads. For more information about the waterbodies and fish attractors visit the FWC Fish Attractor Web Page.