Fishing Lake Harris

AKA: Harris Chain of Lakes, Ocklawaha Chain of Lakes

Most Popular Fish
Lake Harris Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Harris, FL

Popular Fish Species Lake Harris, FL

Lake Harris Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Harris has been offering pretty good fishing for largemouth bass for many years. Recently, the fishing for bass is impressing many anglers. Fishing enthusiasts can find big bass roaming Lake Harris, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. Fish the vegetation and ditches, especially along the edges. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Harris on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

Lake Harris Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Black crappie reside in excellent number and sizes throughout Lake Harris this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition throughout the Harris Chain of Lakes, especially here at Lake Harris. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, spotted sunfish, warmouth, striped bass, bowfin, chain pickerel and longnose gar at Lake Harris in Florida.

Lake Harris Fishing Video

Boating and great fishing are the main draws at Lake Harris, a 13,800-acre lake located in the central part of Florida, immediately south of Leesburg. Harris Lake has over 40 miles of shoreline for fishing and other recreation.

Lake Harris in Florida is a great fishing destination that attracts anglers from all over. The lake is known for its diverse fish populations and offers a variety of species to target.

Bass fishing is a popular pursuit on Lake Harris, and anglers come here in search of largemouth bass. The lake's extensive vegetation, submerged structure, and ample forage provide an ideal habitat for bass to thrive. Anglers can use various techniques such as flipping, pitching, or topwater lures to entice these prized game fish.

Catfish are also abundant in Lake Harris, providing anglers with exciting opportunities. Channel catfish and bullhead catfish can be found throughout the lake's waters. Anglers often target them using a variety of baits, including stinkbaits, chicken liver, or cut bait. Catfish are known for their hard-fighting nature, making them a favorite among many anglers.

Crappie, sunfish, and other panfish species are prevalent in Lake Harris, making it an excellent destination for family-friendly fishing. Anglers can enjoy catching crappie using small jigs or live minnows, while sunfish can be caught using worms or crickets. These species provide a fun and rewarding fishing experience, particularly for younger anglers.

Lake Harris is also home to striped bass, which add an exciting dimension to the fishing opportunities. Striped bass are known for their strong fights and can be targeted using a variety of techniques such as trolling, casting with artificial lures, or live bait fishing.

Chain pickerel, with their toothy jaws and aggressive feeding habits, are another sought-after species in Lake Harris. Anglers targeting chain pickerel often use spoons, jerkbaits, or flashy lures that imitate small fish. These predatory fish provide an additional challenge and excitement for anglers.

It is important for anglers to be aware of the fishing regulations and licensing requirements set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for Lake Harris. Adhering to these regulations helps maintain the health of the fishery and ensures sustainable fishing for future generations.

Whether you're a dedicated angler or a recreational fisherman, Lake Harris in Florida offers a variety of fishing opportunities. With its popular fish species such as bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, striped bass, and chain pickerel, along with the options for boating and camping, Lake Harris provides a memorable fishing experience for all.

Bass, striped bass, crappie, sunfish, chain pickerel and gar all reside here awaiting anglers. Bank fishing is available from a few locations around the lake at parks, campgrounds and nearby several boat launch ramp areas. The lake is ideal for all type of boats from canoes and kayaks to sophisticated fishing boats, pleasure boats and speed boats. Marinas, stores, restaurants and shopping are all available at or nearby the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Harris

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Harris Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

In addition to fishing, Lake Harris offers boating and camping amenities. Anglers can explore the lake's waters by motorized boats, kayaks, or canoes. The lake features boat ramps and marinas for convenient access. Camping facilities are available in nearby parks, providing anglers with the opportunity to extend their fishing trip and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Harris Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing pontoon boats
407 928-1035

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Harris Boat Ramps
Located mid lake, east side, at the north end of the State Highway 19 Bridge, this is a ten-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Little Lake Harris - Astatula Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake on Little Lake Harris, east side, off Florida Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Ski Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Ball Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Fisherman's Cove Marina
3950 N. Eichelberger Road
Tavares, Florida 32778
352 343-1233

Marina del Rey
10400 County Road 48
Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737
352 268-9574