About Lake Kissimmee, FL

Lake Kissimmee is a lake in Osceola and Polk Counties, Florida, United States, situated approximately 15 miles east of Lake Wales and 40 miles away from Orlando. It is the third-largest lake in Florida and the biggest lake in the Kissimmee Chain, measuring 35,000 acres. It consists of at least five islands – southern Brahma Island, northern Sturm Island, Bird Island, Rabbit Island, and eastern Ox Island.

Lake Kissimmee is recognized worldwide for its cowboy heritage, magnificent wildlife, and enormous largemouth bass fishing reports. The “cow camp” is the most-visited attraction and living history site in Lake Kissimmee, depicting the 1876 era of cattle camp and Florida cowboys. The bass fishing opportunity in Lake Kissimmee attracts anglers from around the globe, ensuring an unbeatable fishing experience with its Florida Bass tournaments and Bassmaster classic events. Big largemouth bass catches in Lake Kissimmee do not lead to destructive fishing pressure due to the richness of vegetation in the lake. 

All About Fishing in Lake Kissimmee, FL

In Lake Kissimmee, a single day of bass fishing can give you anywhere from 5 to 8 pounds, as seasoned anglers typically report 10 pounds of trapped largemouth bass from a day of exploration. In addition to bass, popular species caught in Lake Kissimmee include bluegill, black crappie, and Redear sunfish. The state park of Lake Kissimmee serves as a habitat for a diverse group of wildlife, such as alligators, turkeys, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, ospreys, bobcats, sandhill cranes, and shorebirds. From marshes to shady hammocks, the rich vegetation in the park allows these species to thrive and survive. Among the park’s flora include sawgrass, mosses, butterfly orchids, fetterbush, and gallberry. Aside from fauna and flora viewing, you can also visit the state park to try boating, canoeing, hiking, camping, picnicking while overlooking the picturesque scenery of the lake.

Anglers have had success along the shoreline stretch of Lake Kissimmee because of techniques such as fly fishing, light tackle, and baitcasting. Their secret to successful bass fishing lies in the baits and lures. About four to seven inches long of gold shiners are the common bait of choice in Lake Kissimmee fishing. What to expect when you use shiners is that they typically begin coming to the surface of the water, indicating the presence of bass following right behind them. Agitated shiners swimming away from a specific area in the water can mean a concentrated number of bass nearby. Note, however, that you need at least half an hour before you witness any effective results of shiners. You have to be patient and skillful at the same time to catch that big largemouth bass. Ribbon tail worms, lipless crankbaits, jerk baits, and white spinnerbaits also work well in Lake Kissimmee bass fishing. Another tip that anglers found recommendable is facing the wind while fishing whenever possible. Bass swims along with the current, implying that facing the wind allows your target to run into your bait before they become aware of you and your boat’s presence. 

Fishing Seasonality

Lake Kissimmee has a relatively warmer water temperature, making it the bass haven of Florida. Anglers prefer to head out to the lake during summertime as the heat brought by the season produces large-sized fish catches. There is also an ongoing hype of successful fishing during the full moon, as the light directs the fish closer to the shallow portions of the water for an effortless catch. If you find it hard to look for bass in the lake, remember that maiden cane, bulrush, and common knotgrass are their common hiding spots due to the growth and protection that these vegetations serve. 

Fishing Seasonality

Lake Kissimmee has a relatively warmer water temperature, making it the bass haven of Florida. Anglers prefer to head out to the lake during summertime as the heat brought by the season produces large-sized fish catches. There is also an ongoing hype of successful fishing during the full moon, as the light directs the fish closer to the shallow portions of the water for an effortless catch. If you find it hard to look for bass in the lake, remember that maiden cane, bulrush, and common knotgrass are their common hiding spots due to the growth and protection that these vegetations serve. 

All About Fishing in Lake Kissimmee, FL

In Lake Kissimmee, a single day of bass fishing can give you anywhere from 5 to 8 pounds, as seasoned anglers typically report 10 pounds of trapped largemouth bass from a day of exploration. In addition to bass, popular species caught in Lake Kissimmee include bluegill, black crappie, and Redear sunfish. The state park of Lake Kissimmee serves as a habitat for a diverse group of wildlife, such as alligators, turkeys, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, ospreys, bobcats, sandhill cranes, and shorebirds. From marshes to shady hammocks, the rich vegetation in the park allows these species to thrive and survive. Among the park’s flora include sawgrass, mosses, butterfly orchids, fetterbush, and gallberry. Aside from fauna and flora viewing, you can also visit the state park to try boating, canoeing, hiking, camping, picnicking while overlooking the picturesque scenery of the lake.

Anglers have had success along the shoreline stretch of Lake Kissimmee because of techniques such as fly fishing, light tackle, and baitcasting. Their secret to successful bass fishing lies in the baits and lures. About four to seven inches long of gold shiners are the common bait of choice in Lake Kissimmee fishing. What to expect when you use shiners is that they typically begin coming to the surface of the water, indicating the presence of bass following right behind them. Agitated shiners swimming away from a specific area in the water can mean a concentrated number of bass nearby. Note, however, that you need at least half an hour before you witness any effective results of shiners. You have to be patient and skillful at the same time to catch that big largemouth bass. Ribbon tail worms, lipless crankbaits, jerk baits, and white spinnerbaits also work well in Lake Kissimmee bass fishing. Another tip that anglers found recommendable is facing the wind while fishing whenever possible. Bass swims along with the current, implying that facing the wind allows your target to run into your bait before they become aware of you and your boat’s presence.