Hamilton County:
Both of these lakes are Fish Management Areas (license is required to fish). Both are green and fertile and deeper than average north Florida lakes, but typically grow more fish per acre due to abundant forage.
Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake (200 acres) is old and very fertile. Steep sides, a maze of narrow cuts with points and sand bars and cattails in the coves characterize the lake. No concrete boat ramps exist. Largemouth bass fishing is best in spring; bluegill, redear sunfish and brown bullhead catfish are best in the summer; black crappie and stocked sunshine bass are best in fall and winter. Eagle Lake produces the fastest sunshine bass growth in this region. Fish up to 8 pounds have been reported at only 23 months of age. Trolling motors only may be operated on Eagle Lake, although gasoline motors may be attached to the boat.
Current Forecast:
Last quarter angler reports were fantastic; expect this pattern to continue into this quarter. Although some largemouth bass spawning has been observed in Citrus County, the spawning in the north Florida is just beginning. This quarter is the best time to catch quality and numbers of bass while there on the hill. Shallow running crank baits, spinner baits, and plastic worms are all sure fire baits this season. As for other species, recall that in 2011 ten thousand channel catfish were stocked making those fish in the 20 inch range now.
Lang Lake
Lang Lake Fish Management Area (86 acres) is a reclaimed pit, meaning all the islands and shoreline have been graded to create gradual slopes with deep water only in the center of cuts. The vegetated shelf thus created is a fertile fish factory with cypress trees, cattails and hydrilla out to about eight feet, dropping like a wall to 20 feet. An 18 inch minimum size provides quality largemouth bass fishing. Large bluegill are caught mostly in late spring through fall. Trolling motors only are allowed although gasoline motors may still be attached to the boat. A minimum size of 10 inches has been established for black crappie.
ANGLERS NOTE: PCS has moved the entrance road to Lang Lake to Rt. 41 north of Genoa. New brochures are available from the Lake City office.
Please note special quality regulations are in effect on Lang Lake: largemouth bass - minimum size 18 inches; black crappie - minimum size 10 inches. Note: The daily bag limits for bass - only one over 22 inches; crappie - 25 fish per day and panfish - 20 fish per day remain unchanged.
Local contact: Powell's Bait & Tackle, White Springs 386-397-2500
Current Forecast:
The boat ramp was moved back to its old location. The access road to get there stayed put, PCS just made their road a little longer. The old ramp was touched up by the FWC boat ramp crew and is a gentler slope making four wheel drives optional. Submerged vegetation is present but shouldn’t be a navigation concern this quarter.
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