Lochloosa Lake

About Lake Lochloosa, Florida

Lochloosa Lake covers 5700 acres and is located along Highway 301, about 5 miles south of Hawthorne, close to Lochloosa town. The lake’s shoreline is bordered by aquatic plants such as spatterdock (bonnets) and knotgrass, as well as old-growth cypress trees. Lochloosa Lake, along with various other water bodies within the basin, is recognized for its economic and ecological significance. It has a long-standing reputation among anglers for its sport fishing.

Fishing in Florida Lochloosa Lake -crappie, redear sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, & more

These Florida waters are full of bluegill, redear sunfish, bream, and crappie, which can all be caught year-round but may be more prominent at certain times of the year. Black crappie fishing is best in January through April. The others are best from April through September.

Fishing with a Guide

Lochloosa Lake is an especially popular bass fishery; catching 10-pound bass is not uncommon, especially when getting advice from a local expert. It gets challenging to keep up with the habits of a new Florida environment. Professional guides are familiar with the waters and which spots are best for specific seasons and conditions. Not only will a guided trip be complete with catches, but you will finish the day knowing more about the fish’s habits, making you an all-around better angler. Primary factors include temperature, visibility, and structure. All three affect how you are fishing on the lake.

Lochloosa Lake access point

There is a public boat ramp in Alachua County that will give you access to the lake. It’s located in Lochloosa, at Lochloosa Harbor Fish Camp. There is a convenience store here and a bait & tackle shop where you can get any angling gear you need. You can rent boats, but you need to get your own kicker. This is an excellent place for touring or kayak fishing.

Lochloosa Park, Florida – Fish Management Area

Lochloosa Lake is a Fish Management Area located 5 miles south of Hawthorne, covering 5,700 acres. Most of its shoreline is bordered by plants such as spatterdock, cypress trees, and knotgrass.

A public pier that is located south of the Lochloosa town on Burnt Island. This is a popular fishing site for people who don’t have a boat. Anglers who are targeting bream need to use grass shrimp in deeper grass patches and deep-water spatterdock. If you want to catch black crappie, it is best to visit the lake from January to April. During the fall and summer, crappie anglers should drift open areas with minnows or grass shrimp.

• Region: Florida – Gainesville
• Duration: 4, 6, & 8 hrs
• Cancellation: 12 hrs in advance
• Weather-Related: Full refund
• Instant Online Confirmation
• Includes All State Taxes

• All Fishing Equipment
• Professional Captain
• Boat & Fuel
• Cooler & Ice
• Bottled water
• Photos

• Florida Freshwater Fishing License for those ages 16+
• Live bait, if desired, is also additional and is purchased the morning of the trip. (optional)
• Food or Specialty beverages

Amenities:

• Fishing Chairs
• GPS & Fishfinder
• Life Jackets
• Catch and Release Allowed
• Keep Fish Allowed within Laws

About this Tour:

• Boat Specs: 20+ ft
• Boat Capacity: 4 People
• All Fishing Equipment
• Boat & Fuel
• Photos

Fishing Techniques:

• Light Tackle
• Heavy Tackle
• Livebait
• Fly Fishing
• Artificial Lures

Fishing Equipment:

• Spinning Rods
• Baitcasting Rods
• Left & Right Handed
• Fly Rods (request only)
• Braid & Mono Line

Gainesville Fishing Guides

Meet the TEAM of local Gainesville Fishing Guides, we know the best spots, baits, and techniques to give you the best fishing experience.

Lochloosa Lake Campground & Things to do

Lochloosa Harbor Camp provides excellent fishing and camping experiences in the state. People will find rustic cabin rentals, a house, and a lodge. All these amenities will give you access to the beautiful lake. 

The camp is located in a rustic setting in Florida, but is still close to a few restaurants. Apart from fishing, you can also observe several Osprey, White Heron, Eagles, Otters, and Turtles in their natural habitat. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to spot an alligator or two in the Spanish moss or cypress stumps. 

This camp can be your home away from home for a family vacation, providing everything you need to have a great time.

Fishing from the Lochloosa Lake Boat Ramp

When you are planning to fish in Lochloosa Lake, you should look for spots along the shoreline containing patches of aquatic vegetation like reeds or lily pads. If there is little or no vegetation, keep an eye out for rock or log piles. This kind of structure will offer shelter for game fish in the natural lake. Hiring a guide is the best way to catch fish in a new location, but it is possible to catch fish in Lochloosa Lake from the ramp.

Local Ramp Species

Before you go fishing, you need to know which types of fish are available. 

• Burbot: This slow-moving animal likes hiding in dark places. It is a freshwater species related to cods. This is also called eelpout or lawyer. It is closely related to the cusk or ling. Burbots are suitable for eating but are hardly used as food due to their eely appearance. 
• Bass: This is a name shared by different species of well-known game fish. An average largemouth bass weighs about 1-2 pounds and is 8-18 inches long. 
• Common Grass Carp: These are found in shallow shipwrecks and inland lakes. Most carp have a fishy taste and aren’t considered suitable for eating. 
• Channel Catfish: Even though this is suitable for eating, it is a bottom feeder. However, it is one of the most fascinating inhabitants of the lake. 
• Yellow Perch: Another bottom feeder you might come across. It has a slow and deliberate bite. It can eat almost anything but prefers worms, insect larvae, and plankton. Tackle might range from a fly rod in summer to a short jigging or whippy rod in the water. Since perch prefer cooler temperatures, the best fishing is generally in deeper water.

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