Fishing Lake George in Hillsborough County, Florida

• Overview

  Out in Hillsborough County, Florida, sits Lake George. It sits 8.9 miles in from the sea. Around 26 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The closest town, Lake Magdalene, is 1 mile distant. Then Carrollwood, 1.4 miles, and Carrollwood Village, 2.1 miles. Within a short run: 0.2 miles away is North Lake, West Lake a touch under 0.4 miles, 0.4 miles away is Lake Senac, Lake Ellen a touch under 0.7 miles and 0.8 miles away is Dorset Lake. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Lake George

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include largemouth bass, bluegill, dollar sunfish and swamp darter. Records show what people reported, not what is stocked. Fish Lake George to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 60°F to 82°F. Every month fishes, though midsummer narrows the useful hours. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. That shapes the year on Lake George.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. The water sits inside or beside a mapped nature reserve, so expect additional rules. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try North Lake, 0.2 miles away. For Lake George in particular, ask before you travel.