Natural lake

Lake Istokpoga

Highlands County, Florida

A large, shallow natural lake in Highlands County between Sebring, Lake Placid and Lorida. It is known for one of the highest largemouth bass catch rates in Florida and a steady run of trophy bass.

Air temp Loading current temperature…

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Current air temperature at Lake Istokpoga (National Weather Service) ↗

Surface area27,692 acres

Max depth10 ft

Shoreline—

Boat motorsCheck local rules

Species

Fishery rating out of 5.

Largemouth Bass●●●●●

Fish bulrush lines and spatterdock with plastic worms and lizards. Big fish come on live wild shiners in late fall and winter.

Black Crappie●●●●○

Drift open water in winter, especially the northeast and southwest corners. Minnows under a cork or small jigs.

Bluegill●●●○○

Shallow spawning beds in spring and summer. Worms or crickets around vegetation.

Redear Sunfish●●●○○

Spawning beds in spring. Worms fished on the bottom near grass edges.

Boat launches

5 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.

Istokpoga ParkPublic
Highlands County park, 720 Istokpoga Park Access Rd off US 98. Ramp and dockDirections ↗
Lake Istokpoga ramp (Cow House Rd)Public
Highlands County ramp at 2011 Lake Blvd. Wade fishing possible hereDirections ↗
Windy PointPublic
Highlands County ramp at 65 Windy Point Rd, Lake Placid. Dock and fishing pondDirections ↗
Boggy BranchPublic
Highlands County ramp at 623 Lakesedge Dr, Lake PlacidDirections ↗
Henderson's Fish CampMarina
Private fish camp on the lake, Lake Placid. (863) 465-2101Directions ↗

Size & creel limits

Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Lake Istokpoga are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ↗

Rules change, so confirm current limits with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you fish.

Bait & tackle nearby

Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.

Trails End Fishing ResortNearby
4232 Trails End Rd, LoridaDirections ↗

Search more bait shops near Lake Istokpoga ↗

Local tips

The lake averages only about 4 ft deep, so it gets rough fast in wind. Watch the forecast.
Bass fishing improves as the water cools; late fall into early spring is prime time for big fish on shiners.
When the gates are open, the Istokpoga Canal off CR 621 offers bank fishing for bass.

View on interactive map

Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.

More Florida lakes

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Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.