The Top 5 Freshwater Fishing Spots Near Sarasota

Sarasota, Florida may be better known for its top-tier saltwater fishing, but its freshwater fishing puts up a good fight. While it may not offer the same variety and abundance of fish, it can still provide a thrilling and enjoyable experience for anglers. Here are the top freshwater fishing spots in the Sarasota area:

1. Myakka River State Park:

Myakka River State Park is one of the largest state parks in Florida, USA, covering an area of around 58 square miles (150 square kilometers). The park features diverse ecosystems such as wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pine forests and is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, bobcats, multiple types of fish, and over 300 species of birds.

Within the park, there are numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, wildlife viewing, and most importantly—fishing! Here's some information on the best spots to fish in Myakka River State Park, what you can catch, and the best time of year to go:

Best spots to fish at Myakka River State Park

This park offers freshwater fishing in the Myakka River and several lakes. Here are the most notable:

Upper Myakka Lake: This large lake in the park is known for its bass fishing, with anglers often catching largemouth and spotted bass. There are several fishing piers and boat launches available for use.

Lower Myakka Lake: Another popular spot for bass fishing, this lake also offers opportunities to catch panfish and catfish. Boat rentals are available at the park's concession stand.

Myakka River: The river is home to a variety of fish species, including snook, tarpon, and redfish. Anglers can fish from the riverbank or rent a canoe or kayak to explore the river.

Fish you can catch at Myakka River State Park

Largemouth Bass: This species is common in the park's lakes, including Upper Myakka Lake, Lower Myakka Lake, and the Deep Hole.

Bluegill: Bluegill can be found in most of the park's bodies of water, including the Myakka River and the lakes.

Black Crappie: This species is abundant in the park's lakes, particularly in Lower Myakka Lake.

Channel Catfish: Channel Catfish are commonly found in the Myakka River.

Tilapia: Tilapia can be found in the park's canals and ponds.

Myakka River State Park is primarily a freshwater ecosystem, but it does have some brackish areas where you may be able to catch popular Florida saltwater species like snook, tarpon, and redfish.

Best time of year to fish at Myakka River State Park

The best time of year to fish at Myakka River State Park depends on what species you are targeting:

Largemouth bass and panfish are most active during the spring and fall months. Snook, tarpon, and redfish are more active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall.

2. Myakka River Wilderness Park

While it may sound similar to Myakka River State Park, Myakka River Wilderness Park is another awesome freshwater fishing spot near Sarasota. While both parks share the name "Myakka River," they are separate entities and offer different experiences.

Myakka River Wilderness Park is a private campground and recreational area located in Charlotte County, Florida. It is a smaller park than Myakka River State Park and is not affiliated with the state park system. The park offers campsites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, as well as outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Best spots to fish at Myakka River Wilderness Park

While the fish you can catch are similar to Myakka River State Park, some of the best fishing spots in addition to Upper Myakka Lake, Lower Myakka Lake, and the Myakka River mentioned above include:

Deep Hole: This is a deep spot in the river that is known for its large bass. It can be accessed by boat or by hiking along the river.

Clay Gully Creek: This creek flows into Upper Myakka Lake and is a good spot to fish for bass and panfish.

3. Lake Manatee State Park

Lake Manatee State Park is a beautiful state park located in Bradenton, Florida, in the United States. The park covers over 3,000 acres of land and includes a 2.5-mile-long lake, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

In addition to the lake, the park features a variety of natural habitats, including pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and wetlands, which provide a home for a diverse array of plant and animal species. Visitors can explore the park's trails on foot, bike, or horseback, and observe wildlife such as white-tailed deer, bobcats, and alligators.

The park also offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, picnicking, and kayaking. There is a boat ramp and a fishing pier for those who want to fish, and a swimming area for those who want to cool off in the lake. The park also has a playground and a volleyball court, as well as facilities for grilling and picnicking.

Best spots to fish at Lake Manatee State Park

To state the obvious, this park offers fishing in Lake Manatee, with a variety of fish species available to catch. The reservoir has a surface area of approximately 2,400 acres (9.7 square kilometers) and a maximum depth of around 21 feet (6.4 meters). It is primarily used for water supply, flood control, and recreational activities like fishing. Some of the best spots to fish at Lake Manatee State Park include:

The fishing pier: The fishing pier located near the picnic area is a popular spot to fish for bass, catfish, and sunfish. The pier is wheelchair accessible and offers plenty of space for anglers to cast their lines.

The shoreline: The shoreline along the lake is an excellent spot for bank fishing. Anglers can target bass, crappie, and bluegill in the shallow waters.

The boat ramp: The boat ramp is a great place to launch a boat and explore the deeper waters of the lake. Anglers can find schools of bass, as well as catfish and bluegill, in the deeper waters.

The dam: The dam at Lake Manatee State Park is a prime spot for bass fishing. The water is deep and the current is strong, making it an ideal habitat for these fish.

The spillway: The spillway is a popular spot for anglers targeting catfish. The area is also home to other species like bluegill, crappie, and bass.

Fish you can catch at Lake Manatee State Park

They don’t call Florida an angler’s paradise just for the saltwater fishing. Here’s a taste of what you can catch in Lake Manatee:

Largemouth Bass - The lake is known for its population of largemouth bass, which can be found throughout the lake. The best spots to catch them are around structures such as docks, fallen trees, and weed beds. The best time of year to target them is during the spring and fall when they are more active.

Bluegill - Bluegill can be found in the shallow areas of the lake and around structures such as docks and fallen trees. The best time to target them is during the summer months when they are more active.

Black Crappie - Black crappie can be found in deeper areas of the lake, around structures such as submerged brush piles, and along drop-offs. The best time to target them is during the winter months when they move into shallower waters.

Catfish - Several species of catfish can be found in the lake, including channel catfish and blue catfish. They can be found in the deeper areas of the lake, around structures such as fallen trees and brush piles, and along drop-offs. The best time to target them is during the summer months when they are more active.

4. Oscar Scherer State Park

Oscar Scherer State Park is a popular Sunshine state park, located in Sarasota County. The park covers an area of 1,400 acres and features a diverse range of natural habitats, including pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, and a blackwater stream. The park is named after Oscar Scherer, a local environmentalist who worked to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and of course, fishing. There are over 15 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Lester Finley Trail, which winds through a variety of habitats and offers stunning views of the park's natural beauty.

One of the park's unique features is Lake Osprey, a 22-acre freshwater lake that is popular for fishing and boating. Visitors can also rent canoes and kayaks to explore South Creek, a blackwater stream that flows through the park and offers an up-close look at the local wildlife.

Camping is also available at Oscar Scherer State Park, with both RV and tent sites available for rent. The park offers modern amenities such as showers, restrooms, and a laundry facility. The park also has a playground for children and a picnic area for families and groups.

Overall, Oscar Scherer State Park is a beautiful natural area that offers a range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages.

Fish you can catch at Oscar Scherer State Park

Some of the fish that you can catch at Lake Osprey, the main lake located within Oscar Scherer State Park, include:

Largemouth Bass - Largemouth Bass are a popular gamefish in Florida and can be found in Lake Osprey. The best spot to catch Largemouth Bass is near structures such as docks, vegetation, and submerged logs. The best time of year to target Largemouth Bass is during the cooler months, from October to April.

Bluegill - Bluegill are a common panfish that are easy to catch and good to eat. They can be found throughout Lake Osprey, but the best spots are near vegetation and brush piles. The best time of year to target Bluegill is during the warmer months, from May to September.

Black Crappie - Black Crappie are a popular panfish that can be found in Lake Osprey. The best spot to catch Black Crappie is near submerged structures such as logs and brush piles. The best time of year to target Black Crappie is during the cooler months, from October to April.

Catfish - Catfish are a popular species for anglers and can be found in Lake Osprey. The best spot to catch Catfish is near the bottom of the lake, near structures such as submerged logs and drop-offs. The best time of year to target Catfish is during the warmer months, from May to September.

Best spots to fish at Oscar Scherer State Park

Oscar Scherer State Park unsurprisingly offers a variety of fishing opportunities. Here are some of the best spots to fish in the park:

Lake Osprey: At 22 acres, this is the largest lake in the park and offers a great fishing experience. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and tilapia.

South Creek: This is a scenic stream that runs through the park and offers good fishing for bluegill, catfish, and sunfish.

Lake Louise: This small lake is great for fishing for bluegill and catfish. It is also a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking.

Shady Haven: This is a shaded fishing spot located along South Creek. It offers good fishing for catfish and bluegill.

The Canals: There are several small canals located throughout the park that offer good fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill.

5. T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve

The T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve is a 24,000-acre protected area located in Sarasota County, Florida, in the United States. The reserve was established in 1972 and was named after T. Mabry Carlton Jr., a former state senator who was instrumental in the creation of the reserve.

The reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, bobcats, and white-tailed deer, as well as numerous species of birds. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and camping, as well as guided tours and educational programs.

The T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and its mission is to preserve the natural resources of the area for future generations while also providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and education.

Fish you can catch at T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve

Carlton reserve features several streams and lakes that are home to a variety of fish species. Some of the fish that you can catch in the streams and lakes include:

Largemouth Bass: This is one of the most popular game fish in the reserve's lakes. The best spots to catch largemouth bass are around weed beds, submerged timber, and other structures. The best time of year to target them is in the spring when they are spawning, or in the fall when they are feeding heavily in preparation for winter.

Bluegill: These panfish can be caught in the shallows and around weed beds in the reserve's lakes. The best time to target them is in the summer when they are most active.

Crappie: This species is also known as speckled perch and can be found around submerged timber, brush piles, and other structures. The best time to target them is in the winter when they school up in deeper water.

Catfish: This species can be caught using a variety of baits including live bait, cut bait, and stink baits. The best spots to catch them are around drop-offs and deep holes in the lakes. They can be caught year-round but are most active in the warmer months.

Fish you can catch at Carlton Reserve

Given its size, there are several great spots to fish within Carlton reserve, including the following:

Myakka River: The Myakka River runs through the Carlton Reserve and offers excellent fishing opportunities. You can expect to catch a variety of freshwater fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Fox Creek: Fox Creek is another popular spot for fishing within the reserve. It's a smaller creek that runs through the southern part of the reserve and is known for its largemouth bass.

Lake Carlyle: Lake Carlyle is a small lake located near the western edge of the Carlton Reserve. It's known for its good-sized largemouth bass and is a great spot for kayak fishing.

South Creek: South Creek is a tidal creek that runs through the southern part of the reserve and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. It offers excellent fishing for a variety of saltwater species, including redfish, snook, and tarpon.

Sarasota Freshwater Fishing

Overall, the best time to go freshwater fishing in Sarasota is in the fall and winter when the water temperatures are cooler. Largemouth bass are the most popular species to catch, but bluegill and catfish are also commonly caught.

It's important to note that Florida has specific fishing regulations, including size and bag limits for certain species, so be sure to check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website for current regulations before you go. And don’t forget a license if you need one!

If you're new to fishing, new to the area, need a boat, or just want to hit the water with an expert to get on the fish, check out our Sarasota fishing charters and get out there!