Fishing at Lake Madeline, Pasco County, Florida

• Overview

  Lake Madeline is set in Pasco County, Florida. The coast is 15 miles away. At roughly 13 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. On size it sits at the modest end of our Pasco County list. Nearest place of any size is Land O' Lakes, 2.4 miles away. After that come Connerton at 4.8 miles and Lutz at 6.6 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Lake Madeline

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include largemouth bass, bluegill, bowfin and Florida gar. Use it to know what is possible here, not what is certain. On Lake Madeline the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 82°F, with January the cold end at about 59°F. Winter is simply the pleasant end of an unbroken season. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Plan any trip to Lake Madeline around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Should this one be busy, Wistaria Lake is 0.6 miles off. Check the position on Lake Madeline before loading the car.