Complete Fishing Guide
Trophy bass at Rodman Reservoir, crystal-clear spring fishing, and 46,000-acre Lake George — Ocala is a freshwater fishing paradise.
Top Fishing Spots Near Ocala
Rodman Reservoir (Lake Ocklawaha)
9,500 acresConsistently ranked as one of the top bass fishing lakes in Florida. Trophy-size bass over 10 lbs caught regularly.
Species: Largemouth bass (trophy), crappie, catfish, bluegill
Best Season: October - April
Access: Kenwood boat ramp, Orange Springs ramp
Drive: 30 min east from Ocala
Lake Weir
5,685 acresMarion County's largest lake with excellent all-around freshwater fishing. Great for both boat and bank fishing.
Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, chain pickerel
Best Season: Year-round
Access: Carney Island boat ramp, multiple public access points
Drive: 25 min south from Ocala
Lake Kerr
2,830 acresScenic lake inside Ocala National Forest. Less crowded than other options with excellent bass fishing.
Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, sunshine bass
Best Season: Fall and spring
Access: Lake Kerr boat ramp off SR 316
Drive: 35 min east from Ocala
Silver River
Crystal-clear spring-fed river with sight fishing opportunities. Kayak fishing is popular here.
Species: Bass, bream, gar, mullet
Best Season: Year-round
Access: Silver Springs State Park ($2 entry)
Drive: 10 min east from Ocala
Oklawaha River
Wild and scenic river flowing through forests. Great for kayak fishing and bank fishing.
Species: Largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish
Best Season: Spring and fall
Access: Multiple launch points in Marion County
Drive: 20 min east from Ocala
Lake George
46,000 acresFlorida's second-largest lake. Massive fishery accessed via the St. Johns River system.
Species: Bass, crappie, striped bass, catfish, shad
Best Season: Fall through spring
Access: Salt Springs Marina, multiple ramps
Drive: 45 min northeast from Ocala
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
Spring (Mar-May)
65-80°FSpawning season. Bass move shallow. Top-water lures excel. Best overall fishing season.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
80-95°FFish early morning or late evening. Deeper water patterns. Live bait (shiners) effective.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
70-85°FBass feed aggressively preparing for winter. Excellent crankbait and spinnerbait season.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
55-75°FSlower action but quality fish. Focus on sunny days when water warms. Jigs and worms work best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best bass fishing near Ocala Florida?
Rodman Reservoir (Lake Ocklawaha) is widely considered the best bass fishing destination near Ocala, consistently producing trophy-sized largemouth bass over 10 pounds. Lake Weir and Lake Kerr are also excellent options closer to town. All three lakes are within 35 minutes of downtown Ocala.
Do you need a fishing license in Ocala Florida?
Yes, a Florida fishing license is required for freshwater fishing in Marion County for residents age 16 and older. Florida residents can purchase an annual freshwater license for approximately $17. Non-residents can buy 3-day ($17) or 7-day ($30) licenses. Licenses are available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at local bait shops.
What fish can you catch in Ocala area lakes?
Lakes near Ocala support a wide variety of freshwater fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie (speckled perch), channel catfish, chain pickerel, sunshine bass, striped bass, and gar. Largemouth bass is the most popular target species, with trophy fish exceeding 10 pounds caught regularly at Rodman Reservoir.
Can you fish in the Ocala National Forest?
Yes, fishing is excellent in the Ocala National Forest. Lake Kerr and several smaller lakes offer great bass and crappie fishing. Salt Springs Run provides bank fishing opportunities. The forest also borders Lake George (Florida's second-largest lake). A Florida fishing license is required. Some areas have specific regulations — check with the USFS for current rules.
Where can I buy bait and fishing gear in Ocala?
Bait and fishing gear are available at several Ocala locations including Bass Pro Shops (nearby), local bait and tackle shops near the major lakes, Walmart and Academy Sports for general tackle, and OBS Feed Store for some fishing supplies. Live shiners (the most popular bass bait in Florida) are available at most bait shops near the lakes.
Is bank fishing available near Ocala?
Yes, bank fishing is available at multiple locations near Ocala. Carney Island Recreation Area on Lake Weir has a fishing dock and shoreline access. Silver Springs State Park offers bank fishing along the Silver River. Several county parks and roadside access points along the Oklawaha River also provide bank fishing opportunities.