Fishing at Lake of the Woods, Orange County, Florida

• Overview

  Florida holds Lake of the Woods, in Orange County. Warm green lowland runs right down to the water. At roughly 4 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Our Orange County list holds plenty of bigger water. 0.6 miles away sits Orlando, the nearest town. For a city, Orlando is 0.6 miles off. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lake of the Woods

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Nearby survey and observation records mention bluegill, largemouth bass, blue tilapia, Florida gar and black crappie. Local agencies keep the authoritative list for each water. Work Lake of the Woods in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 82°F in July and bottoms out near 60°F in January. The year runs unbroken and warm. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. It holds true on Lake of the Woods more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. A car park sits roughly 130 yards away. 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. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. If the gate is shut, Lake Copeland at 0.3 miles is the nearest alternative. Where Lake of the Woods is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.