Rodman Reservoir Fishing Guide, Marion County, Florida

• Overview

  Rodman Reservoir is one of the Marion County waters in Florida. It sits at 13 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to some 7.2 sq miles, so a boat and a plan are both worth having. The bank runs about 28 miles in total, split between open shore and sheltered corners. Size puts it in the front rank of our Marion County list. Nearest town is Interlachen, 7.6 miles off. The big place round here is Gainesville, 29 miles distant.

• Where to Fish on Lake Ocklawaha

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Documented catches and surveys in the area cover blackbanded darter, spotted sunfish and largemouth bass. Use it to know what is possible here, not what is certain. Read Rodman Reservoir before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 81°F, the coldest about 55°F. Cold never becomes a factor on this one. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. On Rodman Reservoir that shapes the whole year. Late evening often out-fishes the whole afternoon.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. A marina sits within 0.9 miles of the water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Hewitt Lakes at 3.8 miles is the nearest alternative. For Rodman Reservoir, the notice at the access point is the final word.