Upper Myakka Lake

Upper Myakka Lake, historically also called Lake Myakka, is a public 958-acre lake in Sarasota County, Florida, within the Myakka River State Park system. The lake is part of the Myakka River watershed and is the primary lake most park visitors encounter for fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing and shoreline access.

Upper Myakka Lake Fishing

Fishing is permitted at Myakka River State Park with a valid Florida freshwater fishing license. Florida State Parks specifically welcomes anglers at Upper Myakka Lake and the Myakka River. Largemouth bass are a recognized sport fish here, and the park has documented bass fishing on Myakka Lake. Park resource plans also identify bluegill and black crappie among the native freshwater fish associated with the Myakka lake system.

For largemouth bass, focus on aquatic vegetation, submerged or fallen wood, shoreline cover and other ambush habitat. Water levels can vary substantially with rainfall, so productive shoreline and vegetation patterns can change through the year.

Access and Paddling

Upper Myakka Lake is the more accessible of the park’s two major Myakka lakes. Florida State Parks currently allows paddlers to launch into Upper Myakka Lake near the concession area. In dry seasons, low water can require portaging. The park does not list a dedicated fishing pier, but fishing is allowed from several shoreline areas and from the bridge where conditions permit.

Lower Myakka Lake is a separate 564-acre waterbody farther south in the Wilderness Preserve. Access south of State Road 72 is managed differently and may require a wilderness preserve permit, so anglers should not treat Upper and Lower Myakka Lake as the same access point.

Wildlife and Lake Conditions

Upper Myakka Lake is a shallow, wildlife-rich lake surrounded by marsh, prairie and wetland habitat. Alligators and a wide variety of wading birds are common around the lake. Current park guidance also notes several exotic fish species in the Myakka system, including blue tilapia, brown hoplo, vermiculated sailfin catfish and walking catfish; those exotic species should not be released alive if caught.

Planning a Trip

Before fishing, check current Myakka River State Park conditions, water levels and access guidance. Seasonal rainfall can change the lake dramatically, and low-water periods can affect both shoreline fishing and paddling access. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required unless an exemption applies.