Starvation Lake Fishing Guide, Hillsborough County, Florida

• Overview

  Starvation Lake sits in Hillsborough County, out in Florida. Elevation runs to 16 feet. Surface area is around 31 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. It lies lower than most water we list in Florida. Greater Northdale sits 1.8 miles from the bank. Tampa is the closest city, 12 miles away. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Starvation Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. 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. Nearby survey and observation records mention largemouth bass, bluegill, dollar sunfish, swamp darter and warmouth. Presence in the area does not guarantee a fish in this exact water on the day. On Starvation Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 82°F and January at 60°F. The season is continuous, with heat as the only real check. 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. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Starvation Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Round Lake sits 0.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Starvation Lake before loading the car.