FISH AT LOCHLOOSA
What’s in the lake?
Lake Lochloosa is a freshwater fishing destination near Hawthorne, Florida. FWC describes the lake as roughly 5,700 acres, with cypress-lined shores and aquatic vegetation.
Black crappie Specks
A favorite for a cool-weather fishing trip. FWC suggests minnows, grass shrimp and jigs, moving from open water toward vegetation as spring approaches.
Florida bass
Look to vegetation with topwater lures or soft plastics. Check the lake’s special bass regulations before fishing.
Bluegill & redear sunfish Bream & shellcracker
Along with warmouth, these panfish give anglers another reason to spend a day on Lochloosa.
Pick your season.
FWC highlights this period for crappie around spatterdock, using minnows or grass shrimp.
A productive period for bluegill, redear and warmouth. Some bream can be caught throughout the year.
For crappie, FWC suggests drifting open water with minnows or grass shrimp.
These are seasonal pointers, not a promise of a catch. Weather, water levels and vegetation change the day’s fishing.
Before you launch.
Lochloosa Harbor has boat-ramp access and a store for bait, ice and supplies. Call 352-481-2114 for current launch arrangements, fees, hours and bait availability. Grass shrimp and shiners are seasonal.
Check FWC’s latest Lochloosa forecast ↗ for current conditions and public-access information. Ask locally about water depth and your route before heading out.
Special bass rules apply.
FWC currently requires black bass measuring 20 inches or longer to be released immediately on Lochloosa and Orange lakes. Circle hooks are required when using natural bait longer than 3 inches. Check the current FWC rules ↗ and ramp signs before your trip.
Make a fishing weekend of it.
Stay close to the water in an RV site, cabin, 2-bedroom lodge or 3-bedroom house. Explore places to stay, plan a stop at the harbor store, or ask about rentals and guide options.
Check availability for your dates, or call the office for help planning a longer stay.
Lochloosa on screen.
The earlier harbor website featured an episode of On The Hook with Jeremy Mattingly fishing Lake Lochloosa. Watch the archived fishing feature on YouTube ↗. The video is a historical feature; confirm current services and conditions before your visit.
Fishing resources
Guide reviewed October 25, 2026. Seasonal advice is summarized from FWC’s Lochloosa Lake guide ↗ and FWC’s crappie guide ↗. Check freshwater license information ↗ and current fishing regulations ↗ before fishing.