Fishing Lake Virginia in Hillsborough County, Florida

• Overview

  Lake Virginia lies within the bounds of Hillsborough County, Florida. This is warm green lowland country. The water measures roughly 18 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It lies lower than most water we list in Florida. Nearest town is Cheval, 1.8 miles off. The big place round here is Tampa, 15 miles distant. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Lake Virginia

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records collected within a few miles name largemouth bass, bluegill, bowfin, Florida gar and black crappie. It is a record of sightings and surveys, so use it as a guide. Lake Virginia fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 82°F for July and 60°F for January. Summer is the season to work around, not winter. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer squeezes it into the edges of the day. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lake Virginia.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Reserve land runs up to the bank here, so read the notices. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Lake Harvey, 0.2 miles out. Signs at Lake Virginia carry more weight than any list.