Lake Tohopekaliga Bass Fishing: Year-Round Patterns, Hotspots, & Proven Techniques

West Toho

Often considered the best section of the lake, West Toho has expansive hydrilla flats, peppergrass lines, and numerous shell bars. I spend a lot of time here in winter, flipping isolated grass clumps for spawning bass. In summer, offshore hydrilla patches can be loaded with fish — electronics are your friend here.

Goblets Cove

A well-known spawning area with protected water and plenty of vegetation. Great for sight-fishing during the spawn. I keep presentations subtle and natural here — white and green pumpkin plastics work well in the clear water.

Brown’s Point

A key point on the west side that acts as a transition area. Bass often stack here in post-spawn and fall as they chase bait. Moving baits shine, especially chatterbaits and crankbaits along the grass edges.

North Cove

Another productive spawning and post-spawn zone. When the wind is calm, this area can produce topwater action all morning. On windy days, focus on wind-blown grass edges with spinnerbaits.

South End / Lock Area

Where Toho connects to Cypress Lake. Current through the lock can concentrate bass, especially in summer. Fish the outflow with crankbaits, swimbaits, or Texas rigs along the edges.

Toho’s bass can be caught a hundred different ways, but these patterns consistently put fish in my boat:

Flipping & Pitching

Hydrilla clumps, pad stems, and peppergrass points are prime flipping targets. I use 65 lb braid, a 7’6” heavy rod, and 3/4 oz tungsten weights with a creature bait or beaver-style soft plastic. Presentations should be deliberate and quiet.

Topwater

From January through late spring, walking baits, prop baits, and frogs over grass flats can produce explosive strikes. I work them with long pauses when bass are spawning or feeding in low light.

Moving Baits

Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits excel in the post-spawn and fall when bass are feeding on shad. Keep them ticking the tops of grass without bogging down.

Offshore Structure Fishing

Summer and winter can push fish to offshore hydrilla or shell beds. Carolina rigs, slow-rolled swimbaits, and deep-diving crankbaits are staples here. Electronics help pinpoint subtle spots in the vast vegetation.

• Water Clarity is Everything: Toho bass prefer clean water for spawning. If your spot turns muddy after a wind change, move to protected areas.
• Wind Helps the Bite: A light wind pushes bait and oxygenates water along grass edges, making fish more aggressive.
• Stay Mobile: Don’t camp on one grass bed too long unless you’re consistently catching fish. Toho is big enough to keep moving until you find them.
• Live Bait Works: While artificials are my go-to, wild shiners are unbeatable for clients wanting a true shot at a double-digit bass.

You’ll need a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Statewide limits apply: 5 bass per day, only one over 16 inches. There’s a public ramp at the Big Toho Marina in Kissimmee, with others around the lake. This is also a regular stop for major bass tournaments, so plan around event dates if you want less fishing pressure.

What’s the record bass caught on Lake Toho?

The current record largemouth bass from Lake Toho weighed just over 17 pounds, placing it among the heaviest ever caught in Florida. While fish of that caliber are incredibly rare, Toho consistently produces 8–12 pounders every season, especially during the pre-spawn and spawn months.

What are the best bass fishing spots on Lake Toho?

Some of the most productive areas include Big Grassy, Brown’s Point, Lanier Point, and the mouth of Shingle Creek. Hydrilla edges, offshore grass flats, and reed lines all hold bass year-round. Hiring a guide can also help you stay on top of the constantly shifting schools.

What is the best time to fish for bass on Lake Toho?

Late winter through spring (January–April) is the prime season for trophy bass, as fish move shallow to spawn. Early mornings during the summer can also produce explosive topwater action, while fall offers consistent numbers as bass chase shad in open water.

Can I catch bass on artificial lures, or do I need live shiners?

Both work very well. Wild golden shiners are the top choice for trophy hunters and are used by most guides targeting double-digit fish. Artificial lures like soft plastics, chatterbaits, and frogs catch plenty of bass too, especially when fishing hydrilla and pads.

Is Lake Toho good for bank fishing?

Yes, there are public access points, parks, and fishing piers that provide good shore fishing opportunities. However, to access offshore hydrilla beds and reed lines where bigger fish often stage, a boat is highly recommended.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Lake Toho?

Yes. A valid Florida freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 16 years of age and older. Licenses can be purchased online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

What tackle and line should I use on Lake Toho?

For flipping reeds and heavy vegetation, use a 7’6”–8’ heavy rod, a high-speed baitcaster, and 50–65 lb braided line. For open-water grass lines, 15–20 lb fluorocarbon paired with Texas rigs, swim jigs, or crankbaits works well. Always match your gear to the cover you’re fishing.

Are there other species to catch besides bass?

Yes. While largemouth bass are the main draw, Lake Toho also holds crappie (speckled perch), bluegill, and catfish. Many anglers bring home panfish for the table after chasing trophy bass in the morning.

Lake Toho isn’t just a great bass fishery — it’s one of the best in the world. From the legendary West Toho grass lines to the quiet pockets of Goblets Cove, there’s always a place to find fish. Approach it with a plan, pay attention to the water, and be willing to adapt, and you might just hook into the bass of a lifetime here.