Fishing Hart Lake in Hillsborough County, Florida

• Overview

  Hart Lake falls in Hillsborough County, part of Florida. It sits 16 miles in from the sea. Small at around 6 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Our Hillsborough County list holds plenty of bigger water. Lutz is the closest place, 2.1 miles off. Then Land O' Lakes, 3.7 miles, and Cheval, 5.2 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Hart Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Public wildlife records from this area list largemouth bass, bluegill, bowfin and Florida gar. Local agencies keep the authoritative list for each water. On Hart Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 82°F; by January the average is down near 59°F. There is no dead season here at all. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Hart Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. A pier half a mile from here gives a platform over deeper water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Tampa Lake is 0.6 miles distant. Treat access at Hart Lake as something to verify.