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Lake Ingraham

Monroe County, Florida. Lake Ingraham ends in Homestead, Florida. 2.39 miles (3.85 sq kilometers)

About The Lake Ingraham

About Lake Ingraham, FL

Lake Ingraham is a 1,906-acre lake connected to the Everglades National Park. It is a natural body of water filled with tidal creeks. The artificial canals of the East and Middle Cape are attached to Lake Ingraham to prevent flooding and excessive water run-offs, especially during hurricane seasons. The majority of the water from Lake Ingraham flows through these two canals. The East Cape connects Lake Ingraham to Florida Bay, and the Middle Cape connects it to the Gulf of Mexico. 

The Lake is considered the southernmost water body in the continental United States and is under Monroe County. The Lake is near the Flamingo Outpost of Everglades National Park and Marathon City. Locals also call Lake Ingraham as Whitewater Lake due to the clear visibility of the water compared to the brownish and brackish waters of most lakes in Florida. While most of its water is still freshwater, there are some parts where it is saltwater and filled with barren mud flats because of its connection to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Lake Ingraham Fishing Description

All About Fishing in Lake Ingraham, FL 

Accessing Lake Ingraham through a boat ride through the Middle and East Cape canals is commonly done by anglers. Locals and visiting anglers also use the shorelines of Cape Sable or the banks of Everglades National Park to access Lake Ingraham. Consultation with local fishing authorities and stocking up on fishing supplies are best practices by veteran fishers on Lake Ingraham. Since the Lake’s fish migrate from one place to another, it is best to come prepared with different types of bait or lures. 

Fast waters, rock structures, bays, and shoals are all around Lake Ingraham, which can be good fishing spots for anglers looking for a challenge and testing their skill level. Lake Ingraham offers a suitable habitat for both saltwater and freshwater fish. Anglers have caught common snook, lemon shark, black drum, and redfish from the Lake. Seaweeds, lotuses, and lilies of the Lake help fish to have a good hiding spot when the sun is up. 

Lake Ingraham Seasonal & Other Description

Fishing Seasonality

On a regular day, fishing from 4:00 am to 7:00 am yields the best catch, as this is the time when the sun is rising. The fish have increased activity as they group up quickly to find food from the organisms in the water. Later during the day, or from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, fishing on the Lake will also reward anglers with a good catch. As the sun starts to go at its peak before going down, the fish become more visible in the water. Bait and lures work quickly during this time as their scent moves towards the fish. 

During the winter or from late December up to March, the wind ranges from 15-20 mph in the Lake, making it chilly. However, many fish ignore the icy waters and push on in search of food. Live baits with pungent scents are especially effective during this season as the fish want to find as much food as possible to help them amidst the cold. 

Temperature and Optimal Seasons

Fishing Seasonality

On a regular day, fishing from 4:00 am to 7:00 am yields the best catch, as this is the time when the sun is rising. The fish have increased activity as they group up quickly to find food from the organisms in the water. Later during the day, or from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, fishing on the Lake will also reward anglers with a good catch. As the sun starts to go at its peak before going down, the fish become more visible in the water. Bait and lures work quickly during this time as their scent moves towards the fish. 

During the winter or from late December up to March, the wind ranges from 15-20 mph in the Lake, making it chilly. However, many fish ignore the icy waters and push on in search of food. Live baits with pungent scents are especially effective during this season as the fish want to find as much food as possible to help them amidst the cold. 

Lake Ingraham Fish Species

All About Fishing in Lake Ingraham, FL 

Accessing Lake Ingraham through a boat ride through the Middle and East Cape canals is commonly done by anglers. Locals and visiting anglers also use the shorelines of Cape Sable or the banks of Everglades National Park to access Lake Ingraham. Consultation with local fishing authorities and stocking up on fishing supplies are best practices by veteran fishers on Lake Ingraham. Since the Lake’s fish migrate from one place to another, it is best to come prepared with different types of bait or lures. 

Fast waters, rock structures, bays, and shoals are all around Lake Ingraham, which can be good fishing spots for anglers looking for a challenge and testing their skill level. Lake Ingraham offers a suitable habitat for both saltwater and freshwater fish. Anglers have caught common snook, lemon shark, black drum, and redfish from the Lake. Seaweeds, lotuses, and lilies of the Lake help fish to have a good hiding spot when the sun is up.