Guide To Fishing At Lake Istokpoga

AKA: Istokpoga Reservoir

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

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.

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.

Crappie Fishing At Lake Istokpoga

The best crappie fishing occurs during winter months in the northeast and southwest sections of the lake.

Other Fishing At Lake Istokpoga

Bluegill and redear sunfish are abundant throughout the lake and summer is the best time to catch these fun panfish. Catfish fishing is also available.

Lake Istokpoga Fishing Reports, Forums & Blogs

Fishing Forum

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

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.

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

Weather

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

Lake Istokpoga FL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Lake Video

Contact Information

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

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