Fishing Lake Griffin
Lake Griffin, located in Central Florida's Lake County is approximately 7 miles long and 3 miles wide. Covering 9,428 acres of water, it is the last lake in the Harris Chain before the water flows into the Ocklawaha River running north to join the St. Johns River toward Jacksonville. Lake Griffin is the only Harris Chain lake with controllable water levels. A lock on Haines Creek and a lock at the north end at Moss Bluff allows the Water Authority to control the water flowing into and out of the lake. Until recently, the water quality in lake Griffin was poorer than Lake Eustis or Lake Harris. This largely under developed lake has seen it's share of problems. Twenty years ago, a drawdown greatly improved the fishery, but resistance from property owners kept the State from completing the job. A multimillion dollar dredging project was completed in 2010 to clean out the residential canals and prepare the lake for another drawdown. Read more...
In 2015, water levels have returned, the water has cleared and Lake Griffin is now one of the best bass lakes in the chain. In addition, Lake Griffin has been the beneficiary of significant bass stocking efforts. Ponds near the Orlando Airport were attracting water birds who were interfering with passenger jet traffic. When the ponds were filled, the resident bass were relocated to Lake Griffin. Some of these bass were quite large with one reportedly exceeding 14 pounds. The State bass hatchery has also been stocking bass in Lake Griffin with significant results. Another interesting development was the opening of two access points into the Emeralda Marsh. These former vegetable farms are full of hydrilla and added significantly to the bass habitat of the lake.
Where to Fish in Lake Griffin
Currently, most of the reliable bass fishing in Lake Griffin is centered around the lake's canals, backwater areas and the
Ocklawaha River itself. A natural spring in the back of the Lake Griffin State Park feeds clear spring water into the park and
surrounding bay, making this area a good choice for bass. Top water fishing directly in the park can be excellent with numerous large
fish being taken from there each year. The residential canals around the lake are known for holding bedding bass, some of which are clear
enough to sight fish successfully. The canal system leading into the Country Club development of Harbor Hills can be especially good.
The grass all around the Treasure Island Peninsula is good flipping water. All the canals hold bedding fish in the Spring when water levels allow it. Bass Fishing on the river at the top of Lake Griffin and past the Moss Bluff lock fluctuates from year to year. Tournament anglers willing to make the a long run usually have the area to themselves. The 2012 B.A.S.S. Open Tournament in January 2012 was won in this area.
If you have questions or comments about the Little Griffin bass fishing, please contact me.
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