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Fishing Tsala Apopka Lake

AKA: Lake Apopka, Tsala Apopka Chain Of Lakes

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Tsala Apopka Lake, FL

Popular Fish Species Tsala Apopka Lake, FL


Tsala Apopka Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Tsala Apopka Lake is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. 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.


Tsala Apopka Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Tsala Apopka Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually 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 prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. 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.


Tsala Apopka Lake Popular Fish - Bluegill

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Tsala Apopka Lake. 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.


Fish species to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, white bass, striped bass, bowfin and longnose gar at Tsala Apopka Lake in Florida.

Tsala Apopka Lake Fishing Video

Fishing At Tsala Apopka Lake

Tsala Apopka Lake is a 19,100-acre lake located in the northern part of the peninsula on the western edge, at Hernando, Florida. This is actually a chain of lakes within a marsh area which covers an area of approximately sixty square miles. The Withlacoochee River is the primary water source for the chain of lakes. Primary access to the lake is off Highways 44, 45 and 48 east of the town of Inverness.

Tsala Apopka Lake, located in Citrus County, Florida, is a prime destination for anglers looking for a diverse fishing experience. Spanning over 19,000 acres, this natural freshwater lake offers abundant fishing opportunities for various popular fish species.

Bass fishing is a major attraction on Tsala Apopka Lake. Anglers can target both largemouth and smallmouth bass, with largemouth being the most prevalent. The lake's extensive vegetation, including lily pads, hydrilla, and submerged grasses, provides excellent cover and feeding grounds for bass. Anglers can employ a variety of techniques such as flipping, pitching, or topwater fishing to entice the bass into biting.

Catfish, including channel catfish and bullhead catfish, are also abundant in Tsala Apopka Lake. Anglers can find them in the lake's deeper areas, around submerged structures, and near channels. Fishing with cut bait, stink baits, or live bait can yield great catches of catfish.

Crappie, or speckled perch as they are commonly called in Florida, are highly sought after in Tsala Apopka Lake. Anglers can find them near submerged structures such as fallen trees, brush piles, or bridge pilings. Fishing with jigs, live minnows, or small crappie baits can be productive, especially during the cooler months when crappie are more active.

Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, provide fun and accessible fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages. These colorful panfish can be caught near the lake's shoreline, around vegetation, or near submerged structures. Fishing with small hooks baited with worms, crickets, or small pieces of bread can result in a day of constant sunfish action.

The lake is generally shallow with dense vegetation, and offers a variety of species to pursue. Plenty of cover can make finding the fish difficult, especially in warm-water conditions. However there are over 20 miles of shoreline to explore and fish. The lake has populations of bass, crappie, white bass, stripers, catfish, gar, bowfin and numerous sunfish. Local fishing guides offer various fishing excursions on Lake Apopka.

Tsala Apopka Lake in Florida is a fantastic fishing destination, offering abundant opportunities for anglers to catch bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, white bass, and striped bass. The lake's diverse habitat and ample fishing spots make it an ideal location for both experienced anglers and beginners. Boating and camping facilities further enhance the overall fishing experience, making Tsala Apopka Lake a must-visit destination for anglers looking to enjoy Florida's freshwater fishing opportunities.

Fishing Boats For Rent In FL

Primary fish species residing in Tsala Apopka Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish White catfish Black crappie Bluegill Redbreast Sunfish Redear Sunfish Spotted Sunfish White Bass Striped bass Bowfin Longnose gar

Bass Fishing At Tsala Apopka Lake

The lake has a steady population of small bass, but lunkers are rare. This is a good lake for quantity over quality. Fish weedless lures in and around the vegetation, and topwater lures and frogs on the surface above it. If you prefer to fish for bigger fish, seek out deeper water with drop offs near creek channels. Flowing water is often a key factor in locating bass, as they lay in wait for bait to move by in the current.

Tsala Apopka Lake Fishing Reports, Forums & Blogs

Fishing Notes Fishing Reports for Tsala Apopka Lake

Tsala Apopka Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Average Weather

Average high and average low, monthly temperatures at Tsala Apopka Lake.

  • January 70° - 42°
  • February 73° - 45°
  • March 78° - 50°
  • April 83° - 54°
  • May 89° - 61°
  • June 92° - 69°
  • July 92° - 71°
  • August 90° - 69°
  • September 90° - 69°
  • October 85° - 61°
  • November 80° - 52°
  • December 73° - 44°

Tsala Apopka Lake also offers boating and camping opportunities. Anglers can explore the lake's various fishing spots and navigate through its channels and coves. The lake is well-suited for both motorized boats and kayaks, allowing anglers to access different areas. Camping facilities are available around the lake, providing anglers with the option to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Tsala Apopka Lake.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Orlando Boat Rentals
Rentals: Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
407 448-3427

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Magnolia Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off S Binion Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Tsala Apopka Lake

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 & RV Parks Nearby

Cove Pub Restaurant & Campground - 352 344-5894

Lost Prairie Campground - 352 732-2606

Turner Fish Camp - 352 726-0085

Tsala Apopka Lake Information

Marinas & Boat Slips

Boat Slips At Wynnhaven Riverside RV Park - 352 793-4744

Boat, Houseboat & Jet Ski Rental

Watsons Fish Camp & Boat Rental - 352 726-2225

Rentals & Lodging Nearby Tsala Apopka Lake

Choose from a variety of lodging accommodations on the lake as well as more options in nearby Inverness, Florida - just minutes away.

Resorts

Thousand Palms Resort - 352 748-2237

Cabin Rentals

Riverside Lodge Cabins & RV Park - 352 726-2002

Hotels, Motels & Vacation Rentals

Riverside Lodge RV Resort & Cabins - 352 726-2002

Real Estate, Homes & Property

Landmark Realty - 352 726-5263

Tsala Apopka Lake FL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Tsala Apopka Lake
Orlando NW, Orange Blossom KOA
3800 W Orange Blossom Trail
Apopka, FL 32712
407 886-3260

 

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