Florida Lake Fishing guide

Florida lies within the larger Chippewa River Watershed District and sub watershed of Upper Shakopee Creek. The Chippewa River Watershed District was the lead agency for coordinating: nutrient reduction measures, protection from invasive species, information/education, storm water management and the Shakopee Creek Headwaters Project prior to 2019. The local Soil Water Conservation District is currently the lead agency.

A comprehensive set of in-lake and watershed projects since the mid-1990's have been conducted/proposed as part of the Shakopee Creek Headwaters Project (e.g., lakeshore re-vegetation demonstration sites, buffer strips and grassed waterways, wetland restorations, septic system upgrades, livestock exclusion projects and other various agricultural and shoreland best management practice implementations) to reduce nutrient, bacteria and sediment inputs. The Shakopee Creek Headwaters Project was composed of individuals representing several lake associations (Florida, Norway & Games and Andrew), private landowners and various government agency personnel in order more efficiently enact beneficial watershed projects. Thus far, DNR Fisheries has provided assistance with lakeshore re-vegetation and water quality monitoring projects within the watershed.

Black Crappie abundance was low in 2024 (0.80 fish/trapnet). The Black Crappie trapnet historical average catch rate is 1.70 fish/trapnet. The Black Crappie catch rate from the 2024 gillnets (1.25 fish/gillnet) was similar to the historical average (1.08 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Black Crappie average size was moderate in trapnets (0.52 pounds and 8.87 inches), but large in gillnets (0.89 pounds, 11.57 inches). The Black Crappie historical average weight is 0.32 pounds and 0.57 pounds from trapnets and gillnets respectively. The largest Black Crappie captured was 12.68 inches.

Bluegill abundance was low in 2024 (13.80 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (34.96 fish/trapnet) in Florida. The 2024 Bluegill average size was moderate (0.19 pounds and 5.95 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.15 pounds from trapnets. The largest Bluegill captured was 8.74 inches. Approximately 10% of the Bluegill were 8.00 inches and larger from gillnets and trapnets combined. A special regulation bag limit of 10 Sunfish is currently in place for Florida.

Largemouth Bass abundance was moderate in 2024 (3.75 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Largemouth Bass average size was moderate (0.90 pounds and 11.13 inches) from gillnets. The largest Largemouth Bass captured was 15.55 inches. Spring electrofishing was not conducted in 2024. A post spawn Largemouth Bass night electrofishing survey was conducted during mid-June of 2019. Sampling was done at 6 representative sampling stations. Abundant numbers of Largemouth Bass were captured (37.00 fish/hour, 1.34 pound and 12.57 inches average length) in the 2019 June electrofishing survey. A pre-spawn night electrofishing survey for Largemouth Bass in Florida was last done during 2001 (17.59 fish/hour and 9.4 inches average length).

Northern Pike abundance was high in 2024 (19.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (9.27 fish/gillnet). The highest Northern Pike catch rate occurred in 2015 (25.67 fish/gillnet, 19.42 inches). The 2024 Northern Pike size was small (2.01 pounds and 20.79 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 2.13 pounds from gillnets. The largest Northern Pike captured was 31.85 inches. Approximately 12% of the Northern Pike were 24.00 inches or larger from gillnets and trapnets combined. Northern Pike growth rates were below normal for ages 1-6 compared to area lakes. The 2022 year class comprised 48% of the 2024 Northern Pike gillnet and trapnet catch. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Florida in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two Northern Pike longer than 26.00 inches; and all from 22.00 to 26.00 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one Northern Pike may be between 22.00 and 26.00 inches or two larger than 26.00 inches.

Walleye abundance was high in 2024 (13.25 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (8.36 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate (1.77 pounds and 16.43 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.88 pounds from gillnets. The largest Walleye captured was 26.57 inches. Approximately 60% of the Walleye were 15.00 inches or larger from gillnets and trapnets combined. Walleye growth rates were slightly below normal for ages 3-7 compared to area lakes. Three Walleye year classes that comprised the majority of the 2024 gillnet and trapnet catch included 2022 (36%), 2017 (31%) and 2019 (10%). The Walleye population is due primarily to stocking. Young of year "YOY" Walleye abundance was low or absent (fry stocked years) in 2017 (20.57 YOY/hour, 6.22 inches), 2019 (2.40 YOY/hour, 5.24 inches) and 2023 (0.0 YOY/hour) fall electrofishing surveys. Florida was recently stocked with Walleye in 2017 (256,823 fry; 18,170 fingerlings, 1,069 pounds), 2019 (267,702 fry; 12,621 fingerlings, 1,160 pounds; 126 adults/yearlings, 28 pounds), 2021 (3,845 fingerlings, 751 pound; 174 adults, 74.5 pounds), 2023 (201,248 fry; 11,078 fingerlings, 501 pounds; 160 yearlings, 34 pounds; 10 adults, 10 pounds) and 2024 (4,828 fingerlings, 653 pounds; 4 yearlings, 2 pounds; 9 adults, 6 pounds).

Yellow Perch abundance was low in 2024 (4.50 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (30.42 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.09 pounds and 5.88 inches) from gillnets. The Yellow Perch historical average weight is 0.13 pounds from gillnets. There were no Yellow Perch 8.00 inches or larger present in the 2024 survey nets. Yellow Perch growth rates were below normal for ages 1-3 compared to area lakes. The 2021 year class comprised 100% of the 2024 Yellow Perch gillnet and trapnet catch.

Freshwater Drum abundance was low in 2024 (1.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (6.09 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Freshwater Drum average size was large (4.86 pounds and 21.51 inches) from gillnets. The Freshwater Drum historical average weight is 2.15 pounds from gillnets. Freshwater Drum are an under-utilized food fish. They are good to eat if prepared properly, especially if the small amounts of red and belly fat meat are trimmed from the fillets. Freshwater Drum are an excellent choice for a fish fry since they can be easy to catch in high numbers. Many good Freshwater Drum recipes can be located on the internet by searching "drum recipes".