Lake Myakka is a Reservoir located in Sarasota County, FL. Starting in the Lake Myakka has a total surface area of 1.5 miles. The Lake Myakka has an elevation of 13 feet. Find maps, fishing guides and recreation info at Guidesly.

About Lake Myakka, FL

Lake Myakka is a large body of water divided into Upper Myakka Lake and Lower Myakka Lake, both flowing through Myakka City. Lake Myakka feeds from the Myakka River, where water from the river flows to the Lower Myakka Lake and then to a private dam that forms the Upper Myakka Lake. In terms of water area, Upper Myaka Lake and Lower Myakka Lake are 958 and 564 acres, respectively.

Lake Myakka is within the Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County and is considered a part of the Myakka River, one of the two “wild and scenic” rivers in Florida. Myakka River State Park is one of the first developed state parks in Florida. It is highly monitored as it is home to wildlife, exotic birds, alligators, and a diverse range of fish species.

Myakka River State Park has become a popular tourist destination with many outdoor activity opportunities such as hiking, cycling, bird watching, and camping. The park also offers recreational water activities such as canoeing, boat tours, and fishing. 

All About Lake Myakka, FL

Both Upper and Lower Myakka Lake feature waterbeds that are covered with grass and other aquatic vegetation. Water in the Myakka Lake is also noted to be shallow, so using canoes, kayaks, or any small boat is advised. The grass-covered portions of the lake are typically where fish species such as largemouth bass take refuge. The narrow waterway that water flows through from the Lower Myakka Lake to Upper Myakka Lake is a hotspot for panfish like bluegill. However, the rest of the Lake Myakka area is a great place to catch gamefish as although fish are not as abundant, and they tend to grow in massive sizes. Popular game fish in Lake Myakka is largemouth bass, channel catfish, and snook. 

Game fish tend to be aggressive and quick to bite, so bringing the appropriate gear would be necessary. Anglers typically utilize spinning techniques when targeting game fish, ensuring to bring sturdy rods and lines that won’t break easily. In narrow portions of the lake and near the mouth of the Myakka River, fly fishing is also a great option. 

To access Lake Myakka, anglers must use the Myakka River State Park’s designated boat ramp that leads to the Upper Myakka Lake. For anglers who are unsure where to launch their boat or for anglers who do not have a boat at all, the state park provides scenic lake tours daily, using two of the world´s largest airboats. 

Fishing Seasonality

Lake Myakka offers year-round fishing opportunities, even during the colder months. During the summer and fall seasons, the water levels are typically higher, making the season ideal for anglers targeting gamefish such as bass and snook. Snook specifically are most abundant during the cold winter months. Notably, anglers must consider that the months between June and November are within Florida’s “Hurricane Season,” which means a downpour of rain could be too aggressive, leading to safety risks when fishing in water bodies such as Lake Myakka. Especially since Lake Myakka is underdeveloped and most of its regions are untouched and have varying depths, anglers are advised to look for weather reports before planning a fishing trip. 

Fishing Seasonality

Lake Myakka offers year-round fishing opportunities, even during the colder months. During the summer and fall seasons, the water levels are typically higher, making the season ideal for anglers targeting gamefish such as bass and snook. Snook specifically are most abundant during the cold winter months. Notably, anglers must consider that the months between June and November are within Florida’s “Hurricane Season,” which means a downpour of rain could be too aggressive, leading to safety risks when fishing in water bodies such as Lake Myakka. Especially since Lake Myakka is underdeveloped and most of its regions are untouched and have varying depths, anglers are advised to look for weather reports before planning a fishing trip. 

All About Lake Myakka, FL

Both Upper and Lower Myakka Lake feature waterbeds that are covered with grass and other aquatic vegetation. Water in the Myakka Lake is also noted to be shallow, so using canoes, kayaks, or any small boat is advised. The grass-covered portions of the lake are typically where fish species such as largemouth bass take refuge. The narrow waterway that water flows through from the Lower Myakka Lake to Upper Myakka Lake is a hotspot for panfish like bluegill. However, the rest of the Lake Myakka area is a great place to catch gamefish as although fish are not as abundant, and they tend to grow in massive sizes. Popular game fish in Lake Myakka is largemouth bass, channel catfish, and snook. 

Game fish tend to be aggressive and quick to bite, so bringing the appropriate gear would be necessary. Anglers typically utilize spinning techniques when targeting game fish, ensuring to bring sturdy rods and lines that won’t break easily. In narrow portions of the lake and near the mouth of the Myakka River, fly fishing is also a great option. 

To access Lake Myakka, anglers must use the Myakka River State Park’s designated boat ramp that leads to the Upper Myakka Lake. For anglers who are unsure where to launch their boat or for anglers who do not have a boat at all, the state park provides scenic lake tours daily, using two of the world´s largest airboats.