Central Florida Fishing Forecasts

CENTRAL FLORIDA FISHING FORECASTS

Central Florida, often dubbed as the angler’s paradise, presents an unparalleled freshwater fishing experience with its myriad of lakes, rivers, and streams. Amidst a backdrop of swaying palms and ancient oaks, every cast here promises a blend of serenity and thrill, embodying the very essence of Florida’s natural charm. Spread across counties like Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Highlands, and Polk, and thriving in cities like Lakeland, Winter Haven, Kissimmee, Sebring, Tavares, and Sanford, the freshwater fishing scene is as diverse as it is abundant.

BOUNTY BENEATH THE SURFACE

Central Florida's freshwater habitats host a cornucopia of fish species. Largemouth Bass reigns supreme, but the waters also teem with Crappie (Speckled Perch), Bluegill, Sunfish, and Catfish, each offering a unique fishing challenge.

 

 

 

JANUARY CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

January in Central Florida marks the beginning of a unique freshwater fishing experience, as anglers gear up for some of the best catches of the year. This month is characterized by cooler water temperatures, which significantly influence fish behavior and fishing strategies. Largemouth Bass and Crappie are the stars of the show, offering enthusiastic fishermen rewarding challenges and the chance for impressive catches. As the fish move slower in the cold, anglers need to adapt their techniques, favoring slower and smaller baits to entice these winter-active species. Despite the chill in the air, the promise of reeling in a prized Largemouth Bass or a hefty Crappie makes January an exciting and rewarding time for freshwater fishing in this region.

 

FEBRUARY CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

February in Central Florida marks a thrilling time for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. As the region transitions from the cooler temperatures of winter into the early hints of spring, the local waters begin to teem with activity. Notably, it's the onset of the largemouth bass spawning season, an event eagerly anticipated by anglers. The bass venture into shallower waters, making them more accessible and providing a fantastic opportunity for both experienced and novice fishermen. Additionally, the speckled perch, also known as crappie, offers a delightful catch during this month. With mild weather and increasingly active fish, February stands out as an ideal month for casting a line in the beautiful lakes and rivers of Central Florida, promising both abundant catches and serene natural beauty.

 

MARCH CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

March in Central Florida heralds a vibrant and exciting time for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. As the chill of winter gradually fades, the waters warm, setting the stage for some of the most dynamic fishing of the year. This month is particularly notable for the peak of the largemouth bass spawning season, presenting anglers with a unique opportunity to catch some of the biggest and most aggressive bass. Alongside bass, the bluegill also start to become more active, offering a variety of fishing experiences. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, March in Central Florida's freshwater bodies is an invigorating period, filled with promising catches and the rejuvenating beauty of nature awakening from its winter slumber.

 

APRIL CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

April in Central Florida marks a vibrant and promising time for freshwater anglers. As the waters warm and the days lengthen, fishermen are presented with an exciting opportunity to catch various species, notably the Largemouth Bass, which is recovering from its spawning season. This month offers ideal conditions for topwater fishing, especially during the cool, serene mornings. Anglers can expect to find bass in shallower waters, often lurking near structures or vegetation. April's mild weather, coupled with the post-spawn feeding habits of the bass, creates a perfect storm for both novice and experienced anglers to enjoy some of the best fishing of the year. Whether casting from the tranquil banks of a local lake or navigating the gentle currents of a river, April's fishing in Central Florida is an experience that combines the thrill of the catch with the beauty of spring's renewal.

 

MAY CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

May in Central Florida heralds an exciting phase for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. As the weather warms and the water temperatures rise, the region's lakes and rivers come alive with an abundance of fish, making it a prime time for anglers. This month is particularly notable for the spawning season of Bluegill, offering a thrilling opportunity for both experienced and novice fishermen. Additionally, Shellcracker, known for their vigorous fights, become increasingly active, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience. Whether you're casting your line from the serene banks of a local river or navigating the vast waters of a lake in a boat, May's vibrant fishing scene in Central Florida promises memorable adventures and the potential for impressive catches.

 

JUNE CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

In June, the warm and balmy climate of Central Florida offers a unique and exciting freshwater fishing experience. As the summer heat intensifies, anglers have the opportunity to catch a variety of species, with catfish and bluegill being particularly active during this month. Night fishing becomes increasingly popular, providing relief from the daytime heat and a chance to hook some impressive catfish, which are drawn to stink baits and other effective nocturnal techniques. The long days and pleasant evenings also make this a perfect time for family fishing trips, where experiences are not just about the catch, but also about enjoying the serene beauty of Florida's freshwater bodies. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a casual hobbyist, June's fishing scene in Central Florida is not to be missed.

 

JULY CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

July in Central Florida marks the zenith of summer, bringing with it a surge of fishing opportunities that attract anglers from all over. As the sun blazes in the sky and the days stretch longer, the freshwater bodies teem with life, setting an ideal stage for fishing enthusiasts. This month, the focus is on Largemouth Bass and Bluegill, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. The warm waters encourage active feeding, but the key to successful fishing lies in timing: early mornings or late evenings are prime times to avoid the intense heat. As the month unfolds, local fishing spots buzz with excitement, often accompanied by festive Independence Day fishing contests. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice with a newfound interest in freshwater fishing, July in Central Florida promises an adventure that combines the thrill of the catch with the beauty of the summer season.

 

AUGUST CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

August in Central Florida marks a unique period in the freshwater fishing calendar, characterized by the warmest water temperatures of the year and a shift in fish behavior. This month, anglers have the opportunity to target hard-fighting species like Catfish and Largemouth Bass, which tend to seek deeper, cooler waters to escape the heat. The challenge of August fishing is met with rewarding catches for those who adapt their techniques accordingly. Night fishing becomes increasingly popular, offering not only respite from the daytime heat but also the chance to encounter more active fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a casual fisherman, August in Central Florida presents an exciting and varied fishing experience, filled with the potential for memorable catches and unique fishing adventures.

 

SEPTEMBER CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

September in Central Florida marks a transitional period for freshwater fishing, where anglers can experience some of the best fishing opportunities of the year. As the intense heat of summer begins to wane and the water starts to cool, fish like largemouth bass and various panfish become more active, responding well to a wider range of fishing techniques. This month, typically characterized by the gradual shift into fall patterns, invites anglers to explore the rich and diverse fishing spots across the region. Whether you are casting along the serene banks of a local lake or navigating the tranquil waters of a river, September promises an exciting and rewarding fishing experience, bolstered by the scenic beauty of Florida's natural landscapes. The month also features numerous fishing events and tournaments, offering both novice and experienced anglers a chance to showcase their skills and engage with the vibrant fishing community.

 

OCTOBER CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

In October, the tranquil waters of Central Florida beckon anglers with the promise of some of the year's best freshwater fishing experiences. As the sweltering heat of summer begins to wane, cooler temperatures rejuvenate both fish and fishermen alike, setting the stage for vibrant fishing opportunities. This month is particularly noteworthy for the resurgence in Largemouth Bass and Crappie activity. The bass, energized by the cooler waters, become more active and aggressive, making them a thrilling target for anglers. Meanwhile, the Crappie start to move into more accessible areas, offering a delightful challenge for those adept with minnows and small jigs. October's mild weather and diverse fish activity create a perfect harmony for both seasoned anglers and enthusiastic beginners, promising unforgettable days amidst the serene beauty of Central Florida's freshwater bodies.

 

NOVEMBER CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

November in Central Florida heralds a delightful shift for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. As the subtropical climate eases into cooler temperatures, the waters become a haven for a variety of fish, making it an ideal time for anglers to cast their lines. This month is particularly notable for the resurgence of Speckled Perch (Crappie) and the continued presence of Largemouth Bass, offering diverse and rewarding fishing experiences. The cooler weather not only revives fish activity but also makes for comfortable fishing conditions, inviting both seasoned and novice anglers to enjoy the serenity and excitement of fishing in Central Florida's abundant lakes and rivers. With the promise of Thanksgiving celebrations, November also brings unique fishing events and specials, adding a festive touch to the angling community's endeavors.

 

DECEMBER CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FORECAST

December in Central Florida marks a unique and exciting time for freshwater fishing enthusiasts. As the year draws to a close, the cooler water temperatures bring about a significant change in fish behavior, particularly for species like Largemouth Bass and Crappie. This month offers anglers the chance to experiment with different fishing techniques, focusing on slower and deeper fishing strategies to adapt to the fishes' slower metabolism in the cooler waters. December is not just about the challenge and thrill of fishing; it's also a time of festive spirit, reflected in numerous holiday fishing events and gatherings that bring together the angling community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, fishing in December in Central Florida is an experience that combines the joy of the sport with the warmth of the holiday season.

 

 

CENTRAL FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING LOCATIONS

 

Pristine Waters

Lake County: Known as the "Bass Capital of the World", Lake County’s plethora of lakes, including the Harris Chain of Lakes, is a haven for bass enthusiasts. Tavares, sitting on the shores of Lake Dora, is a launchpad into this angler’s wonderland - Learn More About Lake County Fishing.

Polk County: With Lakeland and Winter Haven at its heart, Polk County harbors numerous lakes known for trophy bass. The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes offers endless exploration and fishing opportunities.

Osceola County: Kissimmee is the gateway to the world-renowned Lake Tohopekaliga, a name synonymous with big bass fishing. The serene waters reflect the sky, but beneath the surface, it’s a battleground where anglers and bass test their mettle.- Learn More About Polk County Fishing.

Local Ingenuity: Central Florida's fishing community is a treasure trove of experience and knowledge. The local bait shops in every city, be it Sebring or Sanford, are bustling with tales of the one that got away and the one that didn’t. Here, you can get the latest on what’s biting and where.

Guided Endeavors: For those new to Central Florida’s fishing scene, guided trips are an invaluable experience. Knowledgeable guides navigate you through the prolific waters, enhancing your chances of landing that dream catch.

Conservation Conscious

Central Florida prides itself on its pristine aquatic ecosystems. Adhering to local regulations and practicing catch and release ensure that the thrill of fishing in these verdant waters continues for generations to come.

In every ripple in the water, in every tug on the line, Central Florida’s freshwater fishing adventure awaits. The camaraderie among anglers, the whispers of nature, and the heartbeat of the waters promise an escapade that resonates with the soul of every fishing enthusiast.

 

These are the sites in Central Florida most likely to be best for black bass fishing

Lake Toho
(Osceola County)

Feature: Bass size, bass numbers

Located south of the cities of Kissimmee/St. Cloud, Lake Toho (18,627 acres) has consistently been producing good bass fishing for the past several years. During the 2022 angler survey, bass anglers caught 0.74 bass per hour, which is higher than the catch rate for many popular Florida bass fisheries. In recent years, more bass anglers have focused on fishing at Toho instead of Kissimmee as more and more big bass are getting caught in Toho. Anglers typically do well on Toho fishing offshore hydrilla edges and deeper holes within the hydrilla. Lipless crankbaits, speed worms, and vibrating jigs are popular choices around the deeper hydrilla. When cold fronts move through, anglers should focus on punching thick mats of hyacinth, pennywort, or hydrilla with Texas-rigged creature baits. During Season 10 of TrophyCatch there were 42 approved submissions at Toho with five bass over 10 pounds caught and approved.

 

Wildcat Lake (in Ocala National Forest)
(Lake & Marion counties)

Features: Bass size, TrophyCatch submissions

Wildcat Lake (467 acres) is a small lake in the Ocala National Forest off of State Road 40. The boat ramp is owned and operated by the U.S. Forest Service, and there is a $7 launch fee. Wildcat is a tannic, dark colored water lake with emergent vegetation around the shoreline but limited submersed aquatic vegetation. There is a catch and release only regulation for largemouth bass. Anglers should not expect to catch high numbers of bass at Wildcat, but there is a good chance that when they catch a bass it is going to be a lunker. During Season 10 of the TrophyCatch program there were 26 approved submissions, which is around the average number of approved submissions seen on a yearly basis at Wildcat. March through May is the best time to hook into a lunker at Wildcat. Anglers find the most success fishing with live shiners along the spatterdock pads. Swimbaits and Texas-rigged soft plastics are the best bet for artificial lures. Two fish attractor sites were also created this past year to create some offshore habitat.

Tenoroc Fish Management Area
(Polk County)

Features: Bass size and numbers, bream size and numbers, special opportunity for Sunshine Bass, special opportunity for catfish, catfish numbers

Tenoroc Fish Management Area is an 8,300-acre former phosphate mine in Lakeland, Florida which provides a special opportunity to catch several species of fish. Tenoroc is located on Highway 659 (Combee Road) and can be accessed from Highway 33, just south of Interstate 4. Call the Tenoroc Headquarters at 863-606-0093 for more information or to make fishing reservations. The area is open to public fishing four days a week, Fridays through Mondays. All anglers must check-in and out at the Tenoroc Entryway Building, deposit their valid fishing license if applicable and pay $3 for a daily fishing permit unless exempt.

With 30 lakes to choose from on the property, these lakes ranging from six to 242-acres were created years ago by draglines during phosphate surface mining operations. As a result, lake bottoms have irregular contours with depths up to 35 feet. Most Tenoroc lakes have ADA accessible boat ramps and facilities. Numerous bank fishing opportunities are also present for anglers who don’t have a boat and a few lakes even have picnic pavilions and restrooms.

Bass anglers who want to catch good numbers of fish should cover lots of area, probing deeper waters with chrome-colored lipless crankbaits and chartreuse ("Firetiger" color) diving crankbaits. Once anglers catch a few fish in a general area, it’s time to slow down and fish the area thoroughly. Plastic worms are often the best all-around lure for fishing slowly. Red shad and junebug are great worm colors. Anglers who fish submersed islands or sandbars off points will often find good concentrations of bass. In addition, many of the lakes are connected with water control structures. When in operation, bass are often concentrated in areas of flowing water and can be caught using crankbaits or plastic worms. During the spring, flipping plastic worms or crawfish imitation baits in thick cover will often produce some bigger largemouth bass.

Anglers who want to catch panfish (bluegill, shellcrackers) at Tenoroc will have several good lake choices to try. Anglers should look for shorelines with an abundant supply of woody brush, tree-tops or vegetation that are perfect locations for panfish to hide out. Anglers should also look for signs and buoys pointing out underwater gravel beds or other fish attractors on several Tenoroc lakes. Presenting natural baits (crickets, night crawlers, red wigglers, grass shrimp) under a cork and bobber or free lining them with a split shot weight on light tackle will entice a bite around structure, submerged timber, pockets in vegetation, underwater humps and deeper holes. Fishing artificial lures (rooster tails, road runners, beetle spins) can also be productive in deeper areas or near any type of structure.

Fishing for catfish in Tenoroc lakes is also popular and rewarding as channel catfish are stocked annually by FWC in several lakes. Some lakes have good naturally reproducing populations of brown bullhead as well. Fishing with a piece of chicken liver, cut bait with high oil content like gizzard shad, commercial stink baits, cheese balls and night crawlers around the deeper holes and fish feeders, if available, will produce the best action at the height of the day. Fishing with family or friends for catfish from one of the many lakes with open shorelines is a favorite pastime for many Tenoroc anglers.

FWC biologists have recently reintroduced sunshine bass to Tenoroc to provide anglers with more opportunities to catch different varieties of sport fish species. Stocked in both Derby & Picnic Lake, sunshine bass have fast growth rates and ravenous appetites, preferring to focus on small prey species such as threadfin & gizzard shad. Anglers looking to target this species with natural baits should use live shiners or minnows on a free line or under a bobber. If using artificial lures, try to use tackle that imitates the color of their favorite food items: silver or gold spoons, white and silver jerk baits, rooster-tails, jigs, and grubs that give off the “flash” of an evading baitfish. Sunshine bass like to school up and corral baitfish to the surface, so if you see feeding activity in the morning or evening hours, cast away and have fun!

 

Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
(Polk County)

Features: Bass size and numbers, crappie size and numbers, bream size and numbers

The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes consists of 26 waterbodies, tucked in amongst the city streets of Winter Haven in Polk County. These lakes offer some of the finest and most easily accessible fishing for multiple species in central Florida. Lakes in the Winter Haven Chain range in size from 25 to 2,654 acres, totaling just over 9,000 acres of fishable waters. Ample public access is available in the form of 14 boat ramps, 5 fishing piers, and shoreline fishing in city parks and public easements alongside the numerous canals which connect the lakes.

The Winter Haven Chain is known for excellent bass fishing throughout the year. The cattail stands on Lake Haines and Lake Rochelle are great for bass angling and when cypress trees are your favorite target, Lake Eloise is packed with plenty of large, beautiful trees to fish with a plastic worm. Lake Winterset has deep crystal-clear water and open water beds of eelgrass which are perfect to run spinnerbaits and gold/silver spoons through. Lake Hartridge also provides excellent bass fishing with plenty of Illinois pondweed (aka peppergrass) that is often loaded with baitfish. Lake Shipp has two public boat ramps and some great flipping opportunities for bass in the cattails along its shoreline. Nearby Lake Eloise has numerous docks, often surrounded by peppergrass, which are a bass angler’s dream to fish. Regardless of what lake is fished, they all offer high quality bass fishing opportunities and the chance of a lifetime to land a trophy-size bass. Live shiners, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic worm presentations all work well in these lakes. Bass will begin to spawn as early as January and continue through April, depending on water temperatures. During spawning season, anglers should fish shallow areas near cattails, bulrush and Kissimmee grass while using lizards, crawfish and other soft plastics such as the Zoom Z-Craw in Junebug, red shad and tilapia colors.

If black crappie (aka speck) is your target, the Winter Haven Chain has plenty of fishing opportunities for them as well. Lake Eloise and Lake Shipp are excellent spots for crappie on the south part of the chain while lakes Rochelle, Haines and Hartridge are good locations on the north section of the chain. During cooler months, anglers have success by drifting or trolling live Missouri minnows or bladed jigs tipped with minnows around offshore submersed vegetation. When waters start to warm in the spring, crappie migrate to shallow waters to spawn and can be caught by dropping jigs tipped with minnows near bulrush, cattails and lily pads.

The Winter Haven Chain also has an awesome panfish fishery for bluegill and redear sunfish (aka shellcrackers). These waters offer a wide variety of habitat for both fish and anglers to choose from including bulrush and cattail stands, cypress trees, open water eelgrass beds and pondweed stands around docks. Crickets, wigglers or grass shrimp are the best live baits when fished under a float with small hook and split shot weight while small beetle spins and jigs can be productive when fished along vegetation.

 

Lake Istokpoga
(Highlands County)

Features: Bass size and numbers, crappie size and numbers, bream size

Lake Istokpoga (27,700 acres) is a large, relatively shallow lake which is located a few miles southeast of Sebring, Florida. It’s a popular winter-time destination for nonresident and local anglers due to its productive fisheries. There are several public boat ramps around the lake, in addition to numerous ramps located at private fish camps, which also have fish cleaning stations. The lake also boasts four vegetated islands (Big, Bumble Bee, Grassy, Long) and a few incoming creeks which are great locations to catch several species of fish. FWC has completed multiple planting projects around the lake within the last couple of years, and eelgrass continues to expand along the eastern shoreline.

Lake Istokpoga has long been known for its trophy largemouth bass fishing. Since 2012, over 590 bass greater than eight pounds, have been documented from the lake and submitted into the FWC’s TrophyCatch Program. Recently, tournaments have also posed great success, with many five-bag weigh-ins taking 30+ pounds to win. Anglers fishing for bass on this lake commonly use either live wild shiners or some type of artificial bait. Both types of baits can be very productive depending on the time of year. Bass begin to spawn in mid- to late January depending on moon phases and often move into shallow areas around bullrush (buggy whips), cattails or lily pads on the northern and western shorelines and around Big Island and Bumblebee Island. Fishing these areas with soft plastics, weightless speed worms and swimbaits will be the best bet during this time of year. When water temps increase after the spawning season, try targeting bass around dense vegetation such as bulrush or cattail while flipping soft plastic baits like crawfish, lizards or worms. Fishing with spinnerbaits, spoons or jerk baits around submerged vegetation like eelgrass or hydrilla can also be productive throughout the year.

Lake Istokpoga is also well-known for its black crappie (aka speck) fishery. Anglers come from all over the United States to Lake Istokpoga to fill their coolers with this tasty fish during the cooler months of the year. Most anglers fish for black crappie by drifting live Missouri minnows and grass shrimp in open water or troll with Napier deer hair jigs, tube jigs and Hal flies for schooling fish. Anglers should look for areas with sandy bottoms around bulrush and cattails while fishing minnows or grass shrimp under a cork for spawning fish. Henderson’s Cove and the north end of the lake usually produces good numbers of specks on the outside edge of the pads and grasses near deeper water. Open water areas around Big Island and the western shore of Long Island are also good speck fishing spots. The key is to keep moving around until you locate an area with concentrated numbers of fish.

Istokpoga’s panfish fishery is also tremendous and not widely known. The lake boasts nice bluegill and redear sunfish (aka shellcrackers) which often approach a pound in size. The fishing gets really good during late spring and remains good throughout the summer when a lot of the seasonal anglers have left for the year. The best method for catching these fish is to use crickets and grass shrimp under a cork for bluegill and red wigglers on or near the bottom for shellcrackers. If you catch a fish, there are likely more in the area, so stay put and be patient for the next bite. Fly fishing can also be rewarding for anglers who prefer this fishing method. Locate areas with dense bulrush, Kissimmee grass or cattails for the best action, but don’t forget to try the pads too. Fishing the shade and pads around cypress trees on the southeast side of the lake can also be productive at times.

 

Lake Weohyakapka (Lake Walk-in-Water)
(Polk County)

Features: Bass size, crappie size and numbers, catfish size

Lake Weohyakapka (aka Lake Walk-in-Water) is a relatively shallow, natural lake in eastern Polk County, just outside of Lake Wales. A public ramp is located on Boat Landing Road, on the west side of the lake. There is little access for bank fishing on the lake, so plan to fish from a boat. The lake is approximately 7,500 acres and boasts some excellent fishing opportunities for several species of fish. Although hurricanes removed all the hydrilla from the water many years ago, the lake still has large areas of vegetation for anglers to target lunker size bass. FWC biologists tag more largemouth bass over eight pounds in this lake every year than any other nearby waterbody. Pitching live wild shiners and flipping soft plastic baits in offshore stands of bulrush (“buggy whips”) in the northern, eastern and southern areas of the lake can be productive during the spring when bass are up shallow and spawning. Spinnerbaits should also produce bass in the spring and summer around grass patches. Bass have also been found in maidencane grass and knotgrass (Kissimmee grass) stands along the eastern shoreline during spring and fall sampling on the lake. Soft jerkbaits and topwater frogs are a must when fishing these areas. Although topwater baits can catch fish throughout the year, summer months offer the best action when the bass are very aggressive. Summertime is also the best time to target bass on the FWC fish attractors using spinnerbaits and Carolina-rigged soft plastics. Fish all around the orange and white buoys because the attractors are spread over a large area but be careful to avoid getting hung up on them if you plan to anchor while you fish.

Fishing for black crappie or specks can also be very rewarding on Lake Weohyakapka as there are plenty of nice fish swimming around for the determined angler. Most anglers prefer to spend their time in open water trolling or drifting minnows, jigs and spinners for crappie. Good numbers and some quality fish are caught in deeper (10 ft) areas of the lake during the cooler months and in shoreline vegetation (bulrush, knotgrass and maidencane) during the spring spawning season. Missouri minnows fished under corks or on small jig heads, as well as Hal-Flies and small spinners, are excellent for catching crappie near dense vegetation such as bulrush, cattail or Kissimmee grass. Seven fish attractor locations were refurbished with artificial brush in December 2020 and should concentrate plenty of fish for anglers offshore. Fish attractors are scattered underwater over an area of about ¼ acre in size and marked with orange and white buoys. Use caution if you plan to anchor when fishing around the buoys to avoid getting hung up on the attractors which are anchored on the lake bottom.

Lake Weohyakapka also has a relatively unknown catfish fishery. There are some nice size white and channel catfish lurking around the lake. A smaller, but just as tasty cousin, which also occupies the lake is the brown bullhead. They are very abundant and often roam around in large schools. Anglers should try fishing the mouths of creeks coming into the lake if water is flowing or around man-made canals. Slow drifting the deeper open water areas can also be productive as well during certain times of the year. The best baits to use are chicken liver, frozen shrimp, live worms or commercial stink baits fished on or near the lake bottom.