Edward Medard Reservoir

As the weather begins to warm up heading into summer, fishing opportunities for Black Crappie should remain excellent until late April when water temperatures climb and force fish into deeper water. In April, drifting live shiners under a cork or trolling with Hal flies and small spinners along grassy vegetation can yield bites from late-season specs. Once water temperatures climb heading into May, anglers fishing live baits, small jigs and spinners in open water areas over humps, drop-offs, and the rock piles can find success. Fish attractors can also be found in the reservoir and can hold fish during the warmer months. More information on the location of fish attractors can be found at the FWC Fish Attractor page, including an interactive fish attractor map. As the water temperatures rise, many anglers will switch over to fishing for bluegill (bream) and redear sunfish (shellcracker). Fish with crickets, grass shrimp, and red wigglers under a cork around shoreline structure (overhanging trees) and Kissimmee grass. Sunshine bass are stocked annually in Medard Reservoir and offer anglers with a unique fishing experience. These feisty fish are ravenous schooling predators and will readily strike spinners, swim baits and blade baits fished in open water or near rock piles. They will often strike live shiners as well, providing a fun surprise while crappie or bass fishing. Catfish are plentiful and can be caught using chicken livers, frozen shrimp, night crawlers, or any commercial stinkbaits fished on the bottom. Catfish are found in abundance in the many hidden coves and channels found on Medard. Although the Largemouth Bass spawn is coming to a close and fish will begin to leave their bedding areas, anglers targeting bass can find success fishing drop offs and rock piles with big artificial worms and “creature” bait style plastics in red shad, Junebug, or black and blue colors. Post-spawn bass will be looking to quickly put on weight after a stressful spawning season so don’t be afraid to fish large baits. While bass fishing, anglers should be on the lookout for tagged fish. Tags are yellow and located on the back (dorsal) of the fish. If you catch a tagged fish, remember to cut the tag off. You will need it to collect your $100 reward! Good luck and good fishing!