Pretty Lake Fishing Guide, Hillsborough County, Florida

• Overview

  In Florida, Pretty Lake falls inside Hillsborough County. Elevation runs to 56 feet. With some 85 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. A shoreline of some 1.7 miles keeps the choices simple. On our Hillsborough County list it sits near the top for size. Citrus Park sits 2.1 miles from the bank. Greater Northdale is 2.5 miles and Northdale 3.9 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Pretty Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Open occurrence data for the surrounding area lists largemouth bass, bluegill, Florida gar and redear sunfish. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. At Pretty Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 82°F at the top of summer and 60°F at the bottom of winter. Summer is the season to work around, not winter. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. It holds true on Pretty Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Lake Josephine sits 0.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Rules at Pretty Lake are worth checking on the day.