Fish Tales: Catch the Big One in our Local Lakes

Passionate about fishing? Professional and amateur fishermen come here from around the world to cast a line in area lakes. There’s always something biting in Kissimmee, and you’ll surely get hooked.

Fishing in Florida is a given. Fishing the Kissimmee area? It's practically a high art. This is where the headwaters of the Everglades converge, where the bass are so bountiful just about every angler from here to Ohio has heard about them, and where getting the lay-of-the-lakes means getting an education in bass fishing that involves 21,000 acres of water and a spate of prominent tournaments. Given all that, freshwater fishing might be the best way to experience Kissimmee.

Find Your New Favorite Fishing Spot

The centerpiece of the fishing enterprise is Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) and it’s huge—over 18,000 acres—which means the fishing and wildlife habitat and the vegetation that supports it are also enormous. No other lake can match the trophy bass possibilities here.

The Kissimmee Lakefront Park, along Lake Toho's shores, has recently benefitted from enhanced green space and state-of-the-art landscape design. The redone park now incorporates more paved trails, a boat launch, and a new venue for additional tournaments.

Several other area lakes are also popular fishing destinations. Dishpan-shaped East Lake Toho (or East Lake) is crystal clear with visibility to depths up to 10 feet. The lily pads, Kissimmee grass, and abundant hydrilla fuel the fish population at Lake Cypress. Just upstream from Lake Kissimmee, Lake Hatchineha's shallow waters and arrowhead grass host panfish and bluegill.

Outdoor Adventures Abound in Kissimmee

Planning your big trip to Kissimmee? Get the inside scoop on all things outdoors by visiting our Outdoors & Nature page, where you'll find everything you need to build a wild adventure the entire family will love.