Lochloosa Lake

Lochloosa Lake is a 5,700-acre freshwater fishery about five miles south of Hawthorne in north-central Florida. Spatterdock, knotgrass and cypress shoreline give anglers cover to explore for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish. The FWC Lochloosa Lake guide provides the lake overview and seasonal fishing information.

Lochloosa and Orange Lake are separate fisheries

Lochloosa connects toward Orange Lake through Cross Creek. A reservation for Orange Lake does not mean the trip will fish Lochloosa. Water levels and vegetation affect whether a boat can travel between the lakes; confirm the route and launch before setting out.

Bass fishing around vegetation and cypress

Work the edges and openings of spatterdock and other shoreline vegetation rather than treating every patch as equal. Soft plastics let you fish cover slowly; a weedless presentation can help where vegetation is thick. Compare shaded cypress cover, clearer openings and nearby depth changes as temperature, wind and water clarity change. These are starting points for finding fish, not a promise of catches or trophy size.

Crappie, bluegill and redear fishing

Cooler winter and early-spring weather is a useful planning window for black crappie. Minnows and small jigs can be fished around vegetation or drifted through open water where conditions permit. In warmer months, look for bluegill and redear around deeper vegetation and spatterdock edges. Grass shrimp and other suitable small baits are options; adjust depth and location to the day’s conditions. Consult the dated FWC forecast rather than assuming an older fishing report describes the current bite.

Boat ramps and bank access

FWC identifies a public boat ramp off U.S. 301 in the town of Lochloosa, Lochloosa Harbor Fish Camp north of town, and a public fishing pier at Burnt Island south of town. Check opening arrangements, water depth and any fees directly before traveling. Fish Camp services, boat rentals and accommodation availability should be confirmed with the operator.

The Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area offers additional information about the surrounding landscape. Follow posted access rules and keep clear of wildlife, particularly around shoreline cover.

Choosing a guided trip

The booking cards on this page lead to nearby Orange Lake fishing trips. Ask whether a Lochloosa-specific trip is available before reserving if this lake is your destination. Confirm the meeting point, hours, passenger capacity, equipment, live-bait costs and cancellation terms for the selected product. The regional Gainesville fishing guide can help with broader trip planning.

Fishing rules and trip preparation

Check FWC Fish Management Area rules and current freshwater regulations for applicable licenses and harvest restrictions. Carry suitable safety equipment and allow for wind, shallow water and changing vegetation. Confirm a practical return route before crossing the lake or entering Cross Creek.