Fishing Orange Lake
AKA: Lake Orange
Popular Fish Species Orange Lake, FL
Black Crappie Fishing
Black crappie are also abundant in Orange Lake, providing anglers with enjoyable fishing opportunities. Crappie, aka "specs", can be targeted using small jigs, live minnows, or crappie-specific baits. Sunfish, including bluegill and redear sunfish, can be caught using worms, crickets, or small artificial lures. These species offer a great experience for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because 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.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Bass fishing is a major attraction on Orange Lake, and it is renowned for its trophy-sized largemouth bass. The lake's expansive vegetation, submerged structure, and ample forage create an ideal habitat for bass to thrive. Anglers can use a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, soft plastics, or crankbaits to entice these powerful game fish. A history of careful fisheries management by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Orange Lake, FL, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a favorite tradition at Orange Lake, FL. 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, black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish at Orange Lake in Florida.
Orange Lake Fishing Video
Giant bass and big fat crappie are the main attraction at Orange Lake, a 12,700-acre lake located in the northeast part of the state, 10 miles south of Hawthorne. A wide variety of aquatic vegetation lines much of the fifty miles of shoreline, creating an excellent environment for the bass, crappie and sunfish thriving here.
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 Orange Lake. Adhering to these regulations helps maintain the health of the fishery and ensures sustainable fishing for future generations.
Whether you're an avid angler or a recreational fisherman, Orange Lake in Florida offers a variety of fishing opportunities. With its popular fish species such as bass, crappie, and sunfish, as well as the options for boating and camping, Orange Lake provides a memorable fishing experience surrounded by the beauty of nature.
The boat ramp at Heagy Burry, in the southwest corner of the lake is the only public ramp that provides access during low water-level conditions. There are rental boats, bait, tackle, restaurants, camping and lodging all at, or nearby, the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Orange Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Orange Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Orange Lake, allowing anglers to explore the lake's waters and access different fishing areas. Motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes can be used to navigate the lake, with boat ramps available for easy launching. Boaters can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake while seeking their favorite fishing spots.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, northeast side, off County Road 325, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Orange Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off W 191st Place, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Orange Lake
Gainesville Bass Fishing Guide Service - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Florida Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near Orange Lake, providing anglers with the option to extend their fishing trip and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Camping allows anglers to fully experience the tranquility of the lake and enjoy the serenity of the outdoors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Sportman's Cove Campground - 352 591-1435
Twin Lakes Fishing & Camping - 352 466-3194
Grand Lake RV Park - 352 591-1251
Water's Edge Oaks RV Park - 352 595-4590
Orange Lake FL Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Orange Lake
Heagy Burry Boat Ramp
5040 NW 191st Pl.
Reddick, FL 32686
352 671-8560
Fishing lakes in each state.
073024
Orange Lake in FL
FLORIDA
Fishing for bass and crappie in northeast FL.
