Lake Rousseau
About Lake Rousseau
Lake Rousseau in West Central Florida is a human-made 3,657-acre lake. Three counties surround the Lake, Levy County to the North, Citrus County to the South (Crystal River), and Marion County bound the East. The Rainbow River and Withlacoochee Rivers feed Rousseau lake with all its water.
If you love to catch fish (especially big bass), you’ve found an angler’s heaven and a new place to call home. Rousseau lake boasts largemouth bass catches in the 3- to 12-lb. range, and our Rousseau fishing reports have recorded 90 bass over 10 pounds caught and released in these waters in recent times.
Lake Rousseau is primarily a bass fishing lake because of the abundance of vegetation and natural cover. Big bass like this stumpy, grassy Lake, and so many other freshwater species like catfish, specs, and stump knockers. The old river channel cuts through to the Inglis Dam and Cross Florida Barge Canal. Fishing is good year-round on Lake.
Backwater Fishing
Rousseau and the Withlacoochee River consist of some of the greatest backwaters of Florida. Rousseau was formed in the 1920s by the construction of a dam on the Withlacoochee River near Inglis. Later, it was selected to be a significant part of the ill-fated Cross-Florida Barge Canal, that political ‘football’ which showed the incompetence of the Government to manage a program or cooperate among its elements. Like a monument, the idle barge lock stands as a symbol of Man’s mockery of Man.
Lake Rousseau, although not physically a large body of water, takes on a relatively larger dimension due to the boating restrictions one must observe to navigate its timber-infested waters safely. Here’s a short description of the Lake we will provide you, which will help with your ability to identify the key areas. The lower portion of the impoundment is a whole different area to learn and not familiar to anyone.
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Lake Rousseau Reviews
Lake Rousseau
Fun lake to Visit and Fish
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Synopsis of the Lake
In general, Lake Rousseau consists of two sections. The broad portion beginning at the Inglis Dam and extending some five miles eastward to the Pig Pen area (refer to on most Maps) is termed locally as ‘Lake Rousseau’ (use County Road 495 or river marker AR 13 West as a general dividing point). The remaining section, running about seven miles to Dunnellon, is called ‘the Backwaters.’ You must understand this area, especially helpful to ask directions or advice from the local folks.
Thing to Do
While visiting Lake Rousseau and for some strange reason you got tired of fishing, there are many other activities to enjoy that are close. Start with the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida, is great for canoeing or kayaking location. The Crystal River offers restaurants, shopping, Manatee tours, diving, snorkeling, boating, and swimming.
One of the most popular locations on Lake is Lake Rousseau Fishing Resort. The Hatton Family welcomes you to Rousseau RV in sunny Citrus County, Florida.
Boat Ramp & Camping
From Rousseau, the boat ramp can quickly be access to prime fishing spots, ensuring that you get more time on the water. The area provides RV sites, a bait and tackle shop in our camp store, a boat launch, boat slip rentals, and canoe rentals for your convenience!
Top Lake Rousseau Fish Species
Largemouth Bass
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Chain Pickerel
Making Travel Plans?
Were you thinking of driving? A great lake and scenic drive if back roads are taken. From the North out of Gainesville take 41 South. Ocala is just to the East and US-40 can be used. From the South out of Tampa try alternative US-19 which travels on the coast edge. Be sure to stop at Homosassa along the way.
