Fishing at Lake Huntley, Highlands County, Florida

• Overview

  Lake Huntley lies in Highlands County, in Florida. Land around it is open low country. At some 668 acres it is far too large to cover on foot in a day. The margin runs to about 4.8 miles in total. Size puts it in the front rank of our Highlands County list. Lake Placid lies 1.9 miles from the water. Port Saint Lucie is the closest city, 61 miles away. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Lake Huntley

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Nearby survey and observation records mention bluegill, blue tilapia, Nile tilapia and redear sunfish. The list reflects reported sightings and surveys rather than what is stocked. At Lake Huntley the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August near 82°F and January near 62°F on the long-run figures. Heat, not cold, decides when to be on the water. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. It holds true on Lake Huntley more years than not. Weed growth peaks in late summer and changes where you can fish.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Lake McCoy, 0.7 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. What applies at Lake Huntley may have changed since it was mapped.