Loading trail…
Florida · Fishing
Clermont sits in the middle of Lake County's chain of lakes, and while most visitors fixate on the bigger water nearby, the smaller lakes tucked into town are worth your attention.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
No additional spots match this filter.
Clermont sits in the middle of Lake County's chain of lakes, and while most visitors fixate on the bigger water nearby, the smaller lakes tucked into town are worth your attention. Trout Lake, Wilma Lake, and Jacks Lake are all lake fishing options listed here, and each offers a quieter alternative to the heavily pressured chain lakes. These are warm-water fisheries typical of Central Florida, meaning you're primarily targeting largemouth bass along with bluegill, shellcracker, and catfish depending on the season and structure you're working. Spring is the most productive window overall, when bass move shallow to spawn and are easier to locate in the vegetation and along the banks. Summer fishing is best done early morning or after 5 p.m. to avoid the heat and midday surface temperatures that push fish deep. Fall and winter slow things down but don't shut them off entirely, and cooler months can produce solid bluegill and crappie action. Access points and amenities vary by lake, so it's worth confirming boat ramp availability and any local parking rules before you load up the truck. A Florida freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
These are warm-water Florida lakes, so largemouth bass are the primary target. You'll also find bluegill, shellcracker (redear sunfish), and catfish in most of this type of water. Despite the name, Trout Lake does not refer to cold-water trout species — that's a common point of confusion for visitors from out of state.
Yes. Florida requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 years of age or older. You can purchase one online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or at most local bait and tackle shops. Licenses are available as annual, 7-day, or 3-day options.
Lake Dorr Cabin
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Doe Lake Group Site
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Wilma Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Lake Tohopekaliga - Kissimmee Lakefront Park
~43 min drive
Easy
Clearwater Lake Rec Area
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Jacks Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
St. Johns River - Lake Monroe Access
~58 min drive
Easy
Juniper Springs Rec Area
~1h 19m drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
River Forest Group Site
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Trout Lake
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Sumner Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near FL.
Early morning from first light until around 9 a.m. is consistently the most productive window, especially in summer when afternoon heat pushes fish into deeper, cooler water. The last two hours before sunset are also reliable. Midday fishing in July and August is generally slow and uncomfortable.
A medium-action spinning or baitcasting setup in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations on smaller Florida lakes. Soft plastic worms rigged Texas-style, weedless frogs over vegetation, and small topwater plugs early in the morning are all effective. Matching your presentation to the shoreline cover — whether that's lily pads, reeds, or submerged grass — will matter more than brand selection.
Yes. Smaller lakes like these tend to have less boat traffic than the main chain lakes, which makes them more relaxed for newer anglers or families fishing from the bank or a kayak. Bluegill and shellcracker are easy to catch on light tackle with live crickets or small pieces of nightcrawler, which makes them a good option for kids learning to fish.
