Lake George

North Florida connection: Lake George is part of the St. Johns River system. Use our North Florida lakes and rivers guide to compare it with the St. Johns River, Crescent Lake, Rodman Reservoir and other nearby fisheries.

Lake George on the St. Johns River

Lake George Information

Did you know Lake George is the second-largest freshwater lake in Florida? Only world-famous Lake Okeechobee is more prominent in the Sunshine State. 

Lake George covers about 46,000 acres and is roughly 11 miles long by 6 miles wide. FWC identifies it as a natural impoundment of the St. Johns River and one of Florida’s largest lakes. Lake George lies about halfway between the St. Johns River’s headwaters and the river’s confluence with Jacksonville’s mighty, the Atlantic Ocean.

A Bit of History

British in the 1700s purchased Florida; John Bartram, an explorer, named the lake after King George.

As we mentioned initially, Lake George is the second-largest lake in Florida, after Lake Okeechobee. It was the third-largest lake behind Lake Apopka. Still, the conversion of the littoral zone on Lake Apopka’s northern side to farm fields in the previous century reduced its surface size, making it the third-largest, and giving the title to Lake George.

 To the east of the lake is Salt Cove, taking the flow from Salt Creek. Just south of Salt Cove is Lisk Point, named for Dr. Lisk, who built a house near the point. Steamboats coming down from Jacksonville made a counterclockwise loop around the lake, with their first stop at Lisk Point.

There is an operational U.S. Military bombing range called Pine Castle Bombing Range in the Ocala National Forest, just west of Lake George, and a designated bombing range in the lake itself. The bombing ranges date back to WWII, when the Navy built bomb targets in Lake George and nearby Crescent Lake and stationed people in the area to keep up the marks and do search and rescue operations for downed pilots.

Things to know about George

The average depth is less than 8 feet; Lake George’s west side is situated within the Ocala Forest. The flow of three significant springs into Lake George on the west side provides a significant amount of salt content. Salt Springs enters the northwest side of the lake and contributes mineral-rich, saline spring water to this part of the St. Johns system.

About midway down on the west side of the lake, Silver Glen Springs enters the lake. From Juniper Creek, multiple springs flow into Lake George on the southwest side, with Juniper Springs at the creek’s headwater.

The large island on the far north side of the lake is Drayton Island. The St. Johns River flows out of the lake at the north end at Rocky Point. 

The Lake’s Wildlife

The lake also hosts various wildlife, ranging from migratory waterbirds and alligators to several common marine animals. Local springs in Lake George (and throughout the St. Johns River) impart enough salt to the system to make the habitat suitable to resident and migratory marine species, including the Atlantic stingray, various mullet species, striped bass, and blue crabs.

There is a large enough blue crab population to support a local fishery, making it one of the world’s only freshwater blue crab fisheries.

There are miles of Lake George Conservation Area to explore. Hiking trails through the palms are top-rated; the sights of old southern hardwood and cypress trees are a glimpse of ancient Florida at its best. It’s not uncommon to see a glimpse of ospreys, foxes, squirrels, deer, and wild turkey, as well as an occasional owl.

Fishing Lake George, Florida

Mat-fishing tactic: Around floating vegetation and shoreline mats, free-lining live shiners beneath the cover can be especially effective for largemouth bass. One Bass Online Lake George trip produced a quality 5-pound largemouth with this approach, while artificial worms, spinnerbaits and other weedless presentations remain good options around grass and reeds.

Designated as a Florida fishing destination, Lake George is famous for largemouth bass, bluegill, striped bass, crappie, and shell cracker. Boating, including pontoons, speedboats, kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft, is a popular activity enjoyed on the lake.

Keep clear of marked military facilities and restricted areas. Historic target structures are not a substitute for current navigation and access instructions.

Striped bass and sunshine bass are cool-water fish. FWC notes that fall through spring is generally the stronger period, with the Croaker Hole, the south-end jetties and cool spring refuges around Juniper Cove, Silver Glen and Salt Springs among the important seasonal areas.

Stands Among the Best

Lake George is considered a Florida trophy lake; it’s not uncommon to catch six to nine-pounders. The overall health and population of fish on the lake are excellent. It peaks during the spawn, as all the fish in the surrounding creeks come into the lake’s edge to spawn. One of the popular areas is Nine Mile Point. Bass fishing success comes with plastic worms rigged in Texas-rig or Carolina-rig, targeting the pilings. The darker colors seem to work well in the brackish water. You’ll also find some good mixes of eelgrass and reeds along the bank here, suitable for bass fishing. Anglers use spinnerbaits, worms, and even spoons to bring the bass out of the grass.

There are many fish camps and facilities around Lake George, particularly along the lake’s northern side. Others at the South end, at Volusia Bar, and the Pine Island facility is on the Eastside. Additionally, the town of Crescent City is only 15 minutes East of George and has ample facilities for overnight stays.

Where’s it located?

It is positioned between Jacksonville to the north, Daytona Beach to the east, and Orlando to the south. Lake George is a beautiful escape, back to old Florida. Astor to the south has widespread access to Lake George; it has all the basic town needs, and it’s on the river.

Palm Coast and Daytona are a straight shot away and offer a wide range of housing options, restaurants, and stores, all within minutes of Deland Municipal Airport. 

Is Lake George Freshwater or Brackish?

Lake George is part of the freshwater St. Johns River, but it has mild estuarine characteristics because saline springs feed the lake and the lower river is influenced by the Atlantic. That mix helps explain why freshwater grass beds and largemouth bass coexist with species that tolerate more salinity, including striped bass, mullet, blue crabs and Atlantic stingrays.

For anglers, the practical takeaway is that Lake George is a unique transition fishery rather than a typical isolated freshwater lake. Water flow, springs, temperature and seasonal salinity can all influence where fish concentrate.

Lake George Nearby Fun

When it comes to a popular tourist destination, none exceeds Daytona Beach. The home to attractions like the Daytona International Speedway or Daytona Beach Bandshell, on top of the beautiful beach.

The theme parks and Disney World, the country’s favorite family-friendly attraction, are geographically near Lake George. Jacksonville is to the northernmost point of the st johns River and has its own set of amusement, shops, and museums for the family.

Official fishery and access information

Use the FWC Lake George fishery page for species and seasonal habitat information. The Lake George Conservation Area visitor page describes land recreation; confirm the actual boat launch separately. Review FWC freshwater regulations and operator-specific trip details before booking.