Fishing at Velburton Lake, Hillsborough County, Florida

• Overview

  Hillsborough County, Florida, is where Velburton Lake sits. The ground around here is open low country. It measures about 27 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. The town to know is Keystone, 2.7 miles out. Citrus Park is 3.5 miles and Westchase 4.5 miles. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Velburton Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Records collected within a few miles name largemouth bass, bluegill, Florida gar and redear sunfish. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. Fish Velburton Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 82°F and January near 60°F on the long-run figures. Year-round warmth means year-round fishing, with early starts in summer. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Plan any trip to Velburton Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. A ramp at Canoe Landing is mapped half a mile away. Fishing from a pier is possible half a mile away. A campsite is mapped about half a mile away, which makes an early start easier. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Little Moon Lake, 0.5 miles away. For Velburton Lake in particular, ask before you travel.