Lake Reaves, Florida: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Lake Reaves lies in Orange County, Florida. The surface lies 95 feet up. The water measures roughly 24 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. For supplies, Lake Butler is 2.2 miles out. Orlando is the closest city, 11 miles away. What else is close: Lake Beulah sits 0.7 miles out, Lake Roberts just 0.7 miles, Lake Whitney sits 0.7 miles out, Lake Rhea just 1.1 miles and Lake Crescent sits 1.2 miles out. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Reaves

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records collected within a few miles name largemouth bass, bluegill and redear sunfish. The list reflects reported sightings and surveys rather than what is stocked. On Lake Reaves that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 82°F, while January sits near 59°F. Winter is simply the pleasant end of an unbroken season. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Lake Reaves fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Mapping is blank for access, so scout the approach before committing the car. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Lake Beulah, 0.7 miles away. For Lake Reaves, the notice at the access point is the final word.