Fishing Lake Istokpoga

AKA: Istokpoga Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Lake Istokpoga, FL

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Bass fishing is the main draw at Lake Istokpoga, with largemouth bass being the most sought-after species. This lake is known for its abundant bass population and is home to some of the largest bass in the state. Anglers can employ various techniques, such as flipping, pitching, and topwater fishing, to entice these powerful predators. With the right strategy and a little luck, anglers have the chance to catch bass weighing over 10 pounds. A history of careful fisheries management by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Lake Istokpoga, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

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Black Crappie Fishing

Crappie, also known as speckled perch or "specs", are abundant in Lake Istokpoga and provide exciting angling opportunities. Anglers can catch crappie throughout the year, but the best time is during the spring spawning season. Fishing around submerged trees, vegetation, or fishing docks using jigs or live minnows can yield impressive catches of these tasty panfish. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

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Bluegill Fishing

Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, are plentiful in Lake Istokpoga and offer fun fishing for anglers of all ages. These colorful and scrappy fish can be caught using small hooks baited with worms or small pieces of bread. Fishing around the lake's shorelines, docks, or near vegetation can yield a steady stream of sunfish action. Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Istokpoga. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

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Fish species to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish at Lake Istokpoga in Florida.

Lake Istokpoga Fishing Video

This 27,700-acre lake is located in the central-southern part of the state, five miles east of Lake Placid, Florida. Lake Istokpoga is ten miles long and five miles wide with an average depth of four feet. The deepest area of the lake is only ten feet deep.

Fishing At Lake Istokpoga

Lake Istokpoga in Florida is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities and is considered one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the state. Spanning over 27,000 acres, this expansive lake attracts anglers from near and far who are eager to reel in some trophy-sized fish.

Lake Istokpoga in Florida is a premier fishing destination, especially for bass anglers. With its abundant bass population and opportunities to catch catfish, crappie, and sunfish, the lake provides a diverse and rewarding fishing experience. Boating and camping facilities further enhance the allure of this scenic lake, making it a favorite among anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Five boat ramps, two parks and numerous fish camps are located around the lake. There are camping facilities as well as hookups for RVs. During summer the lake level is often dropped to accommodate farming. This may limit access for boat ramps and docks.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Istokpoga

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Fishing At Lake Istokpoga

This 27,692-acre lake has quality fishing for black crappie and is one of the best largemouth bass fisheries in the state. There are 21 miles of shoreline and plenty of cover. In all, fishing enthusiasts can catch bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish. Area fishing guides offer packaged trips which include the boat and all gear.

Largemouth Bass Fishing At Lake Istokpoga

Due to warm, shallow water, autumn, winter and spring are the best times to fish for bass. The southwest corner of the lake has some of the deepest water - ten feet. Bass tend to congregate in the areas with deeper water and can be caught in weedy areas nearby the deeper water. Some of the consistent producing areas include Istokpoga Canal, Arbuckle and Josephine Creek. Flowing water in these waterways seems to trigger the bass to feed.

Be aware of the enforced slot limit before fishing Lake Istokpoga if you plan to take fish home. At the time of this writing the regulation required that all bass between 15" and 24" must be returned to the water immediately.

Lake Istokpoga Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Average Weather

Average high and average low, monthly temperatures at Lake Istokpoga.

Lake Istokpoga not only provides fantastic fishing opportunities but also offers boating and camping facilities. Boaters can explore the lake's vast waters, targeting their preferred species in different areas of the lake. The lake is also popular for recreational boating activities such as water skiing and tubing.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Trails End Fishing Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and kayaks
863 655-0134

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

98 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Istokpoga Park Access Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Rutledge Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lakesedge Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Windy Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and lots of paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Istokpoga

Lake Istokpoga Fishing Charters - bass, crappie

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Florida Fishing License.

Camping & Campgrounds At Lake Istokpoga

There are numerous campgrounds and RV parks within minutes of Lake Istokpoga. Contact them directly for rates and reservations.

Camp Florida RV Resorts - 863 699-1991

Cypress Isle RV Park & Marina - 863 465-5241

Lake Placid Campground - 863 465-2934

Marinas

Marinas, Fish Camps & Boat Slips

Bring your boat or hire a guide to take you fishing. The fishing is great and there are plenty of ways to enjoy Lake Istokpoga.

Henderson's Fish Camp - 863 465-2101

Lake Istokpoga Marina - 863 699-9585

Mossy Cove Fish Camp - 863 655-0119

Boat, Houseboat & Jet Ski Rental

Lake Istokpoga Marina - 863 699-9585

For those looking to extend their fishing adventure, camping facilities are available around Lake Istokpoga. Camping allows anglers to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the lake's surroundings, enjoy the beautiful sunsets, and have convenient access to early morning fishing spots.

Lake Istokpoga FL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Istokpoga
Henderson's Fish Camp
35 Henderson Rd
Lake Placid, FL 33852
863 465-2101

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