About Lake Weohyakapka, FL

Lake Weohyakapka is a 7,528-acre big and 12-foot deep natural lake located in Polka County, Florida. It is the largest body of water in this county and is known for largemouth bass. Trophy-sized bass is abundant in the lake. After all, what would you expect in Polka County’s best-kept fishing secret?

Weohyakapka means “walking on water” in the Muscogee language. It became the lake’s official name because the turpentine settlement of Walinwa or Walk-in-Water was once situated along the lake. This community was bridged to the other sawmill, turpentine, and lodging industry towns by the Kissimmee River Railway. 

The lake is near other bodies of water, such as Lake Rosalie, Tiger Lake, Lake Pierce, Crooked Lake, Lake Clinch, and Reedy Lake. It would be fun to visit all of them if you want to have a fishing spree. 

Besides fishing, you can also visit nearby places to enjoy some recreational activities. The Highlands Hammock State Park offers full-camping facilities in an old-growth cypress swamp.

All About Fishing in Lake Weohyakapka, FL

Lake Weohyakapka has abundant vegetation including hydrilla, cattail, Kissimmee grass, and bulrush. These vegetations are essential in ensuring the life cycle of many fish species. 

The lake houses several species of species. One of those is the most popular in the lake, which is the largemouth bass. Other species that can be caught here include crappie, panfish, bowfin, channel catfish, mangrove snapper, barramundi, chain pickerel, and bluegill.

Weohyakapka is known for its trophy-sized largemouth bass and many anglers flock this lake hoping that they could catch theirs. This fish is an aggressive feeder, which is why baitcasting is the best fishing method to try if you want to get a bite. You can use a variety of baits, such as shiners, minnows, shads, mice, frogs, and insects. 

Using bait is also the best way to fish for mangrove snapper. It will also take on different kinds of live bait, like pilchards, shrimp, mullet, ballyhoo, grunts, and squid. This fish isn’t as fussy as other species, which is why it is much easier to target. 

The barramundi, on the other hand, is prized by sport-fishing enthusiasts and anglers because of its ability to put up a fight. This fish species has become an expert in avoiding fixed nets, which is why you will have to rely on lines and fishing lures. Hard-bodied lures are the best choice for baits. 

Both inshore and offshore fishing is allowed in Lake Weohyakapka. Furthermore, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also installed seven fish attractors marked with buoys all around the lake. These fish attractors help concentrate fish in one place and make it easier for anglers to catch them. 

Fishing Seasonality

The largemouth bass is present throughout the year in Lake Weohyakapka. However, if you are aiming for a trophy-sized, it is best to target this fish during spring and summer because of the spawn. These seasons take place every March to September. 

If you are interested in catching mangrove snapper, it is also open all year round. However, it is best to catch them during a full moon because larger mangrove snappers will swarm the reef to spawn. When it comes to barramundi,  early morning and late afternoon are the best times of the day. 

Fishing Seasonality

The largemouth bass is present throughout the year in Lake Weohyakapka. However, if you are aiming for a trophy-sized, it is best to target this fish during spring and summer because of the spawn. These seasons take place every March to September. 

If you are interested in catching mangrove snapper, it is also open all year round. However, it is best to catch them during a full moon because larger mangrove snappers will swarm the reef to spawn. When it comes to barramundi,  early morning and late afternoon are the best times of the day. 

All About Fishing in Lake Weohyakapka, FL

Lake Weohyakapka has abundant vegetation including hydrilla, cattail, Kissimmee grass, and bulrush. These vegetations are essential in ensuring the life cycle of many fish species. 

The lake houses several species of species. One of those is the most popular in the lake, which is the largemouth bass. Other species that can be caught here include crappie, panfish, bowfin, channel catfish, mangrove snapper, barramundi, chain pickerel, and bluegill.

Weohyakapka is known for its trophy-sized largemouth bass and many anglers flock this lake hoping that they could catch theirs. This fish is an aggressive feeder, which is why baitcasting is the best fishing method to try if you want to get a bite. You can use a variety of baits, such as shiners, minnows, shads, mice, frogs, and insects. 

Using bait is also the best way to fish for mangrove snapper. It will also take on different kinds of live bait, like pilchards, shrimp, mullet, ballyhoo, grunts, and squid. This fish isn’t as fussy as other species, which is why it is much easier to target. 

The barramundi, on the other hand, is prized by sport-fishing enthusiasts and anglers because of its ability to put up a fight. This fish species has become an expert in avoiding fixed nets, which is why you will have to rely on lines and fishing lures. Hard-bodied lures are the best choice for baits. 

Both inshore and offshore fishing is allowed in Lake Weohyakapka. Furthermore, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also installed seven fish attractors marked with buoys all around the lake. These fish attractors help concentrate fish in one place and make it easier for anglers to catch them.