SARA

Bass populations on Lake Istokpoga

As we’re settling into peak Black Crappie fishing months on Lake Istokpoga, I thought this would be a great question to answer for this month’s column.

Bass fishing on Lake Istokpoga can be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, experiences for an angler. Spending time around the lake you will often hear “90% of the bass are found in 10% of the lake” meaning that it may be hard to find them at first, but once you find them, you’re on them. Lake Istokpoga is currently ranked third in the state for FWC’s TrophyCatch submissions since the program began in 2012. In 2022, the Lake was ranked 2nd in Florida and 3rd in the Southeastern US for bass fishing by Bassmaster Magazine.

There have been multiple tournaments in recent seasons that have taken over 30 pounds to win (5 fish bag), and that feat is something that any angler should find very impressive. As mentioned in previous articles, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) conducts electrofishing surveys every February to assess the bass populations in the lake. Each year FWC samples 25 randomly selected sites that encompass the entirety of the lake perimeter and islands to get a robust population estimate. This year, we collected 215 bass in our survey. This is almost double what was collected in 2022 and was the highest number of fish collected in the past six years. Except for our 2022 sample, there has been an increase in bass caught each year since Hurricane Irma. The low number of bass collected in 2022 was most likely due to weather conditions at the time of our survey. It was rainy, windy, and water temperatures were probably not quite warm enough to trigger those females to move into shallower water to spawn. Because we sample roughly the same time each year, we may find years with abnormally lower collection numbers due to differences in weather conditions from year to year.

However, it was great to see that our 2023 sample bounced right back up and had very high success. Another fish metric that FWC biologists look at is relative weight. This shows how “plump” a fish is, indicating whether there is a good food base in the lake and if the fish are utilizing that food base to achieve heavier, healthier weights. The relative weights for bass on Istokpoga are in the range of a healthy fish population.

There is no shortage of forage and bait fish in this lake, with shad representing the primary food source for bass on Istokpoga. If you’ve caught bass on Istokpoga, you know these fish are like footballs! As big around as they are long.

Tight lines!

— If you have any comments on any information related in this article, please reach out to Sara Menendez at sara.menendez@myfwc.com

The Chain Of Lakes

Some great fishing going on in Winter Haven. Lots of different lakes and all kinds of cover to fish. Each lake you fish different.

Lake Summit is deep and lots of grass and clean water.

Lake Eloisa Brown and muddy tint.

Lake Winterset clean and lots of Grass.

Great fishing on all 3 lakes.

Artificial lures and Shiner fishing. Some big bass are being caught out deep in 16 to 20 feet of water.

The smaller bass are close to the bank, 10 to 12 feet deep.

Top water action. Zara spook.

Bang a lures spinner on the back. Black buzz baits.

SHINERS. Small bait fished deep WORKS well, floats or free line. I'm catching 20 bass up to 5 or 6 pounds on 4 hr guide trips every day...

— Captain Reno Alley, Memory Makin' Guides 800-749-2278

WE ARE ONE OF THE LARGEST SUZUKI OUTBOARD RE-POWER DEALERS IN OUR AREA. Call

Bass & Seasonal Crappie / Bluegill Tours

“My brother and I had a blast fishing with Corky. The fishing was pretty good, as long as you were moving around. Corky never kept us at a standstill, recognizing each time it was time to move to the next one to avoid a doldrum, we were constantly busy. The boat was clean and ready to fish, the waters were cold and Corky was quick and eager to get us fishing. It was a great way to burn up the afternoon, I’m sure we’ll be fishing with Corky again.”

- Christian G

“My father and I had a time crappie fishing with Tangie. The fishing was tough but Tangie was persistent in finding the right spots and we ended up having a very productive day. Plus Tangie is just a joy to be around. Thanks for a great day!”

- David D.

Let’s grow with Florida together.

Confessions of a Fishaholic, by Thatch Maguire, is a hilarious and irreverent look at one man’s quest to catch fish in spite of life’s annoying interferences. You’ll travel with this awkward adventurer as he risks home and health to pursue his passion for fishing...regardless of the consequences. Anglers of all expertise levels will immediately identify with why his addiction is incurable. This book defines the blurred line between passion and obsession.