Find a Fishing Buddy in Orlando
Florida
Orlando is the trophy largemouth bass capital of the eastern United States. The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes — Lake Toho, East Lake Toho, Lake Kissimmee, and Lake Hatchineha — produces double-digit bass every spring and is the destination of choice for Florida-strain bass anglers from across the country. The Butler Chain and Conway Chain inside the city also hold quality bass, plus crappie, bluegill, and sunshine bass. The St. Johns River sits 30 minutes east and adds shellcracker (redear sunfish) and striped bass to the mix. MyFishingBuds matches Orlando-area anglers so you can share a bass boat on Toho, hit the urban lakes after work, or split a guide for the spawn.
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When to fish Orlando
February through April is the spawn — and the months that put Toho on the national bass map. Sight-fishing for 8-12+ pound bedded females happens in 1-3 feet of water on the north end of the lake. November through January are the pre-spawn months and produce the year's largest fish, though the bite is slower. Summer (June-September) is topwater and frog season early/late in the day, with crappie and bluegill picking up the slack midday. Hurricane season (Aug-Oct) is the weather caveat — afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily.
→ Today's best fishing times in Orlando (sunrise, sunset & moon)Top species
- 🎣 Largemouth Bass
- 🎣 Black Crappie
- 🎣 Bluegill
- 🎣 Sunshine Bass
- 🎣 Shellcracker
Where to fish
- 📍 Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho)
- 📍 East Lake Toho
- 📍 Lake Kissimmee
- 📍 Butler Chain of Lakes
- 📍 St. Johns River
- 📍 Conway Chain
Local tips for Orlando
Big Toho Marina (Kissimmee) is the most-used Toho launch and a hub for guides. For East Lake Toho, the Chisholm Park ramp is best. Butler Chain access is at RD Keene Park (need an Orange County permit). Without a boat, the dam at Lake Toho holds bass and crappie within casting distance of the bank, and the Bill Frederick Park bank at Lake Turkey (Conway Chain) is productive in winter. Pair up for the wild card lakes — Hatchineha, Cypress, and Lake Marian all have stretches that are hard to find without a partner who's fished them.
🪪 Florida fishing license
Anglers fishing in Orlando need a valid Florida fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete state-by-state guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
See Florida license prices →Orlando fishing FAQ
When is the best time to bass fish in Orlando?▾
February through early April for sight-fishing the spawn — this is when Lake Toho gives up its biggest bass of the year. November through January is the pre-spawn 'big fish window' (slower bite, larger average size). May and October are also great topwater months.
Where do you go bass fishing near Orlando?▾
Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho) in Kissimmee is the headliner — a 22,700-acre lake with a self-sustaining trophy largemouth fishery. The rest of the Kissimmee Chain (East Lake Toho, Cypress, Hatchineha, Kissimmee) extends the system. The Butler Chain inside the city (Lake Tibet Butler, Down, Pocket) is high quality but heavily regulated (homeowners' permits required at some ramps).
Do I need a freshwater fishing license in Florida?▾
Yes. Florida requires a freshwater fishing license for anglers 16-64. Residents pay $17 annually; non-residents pay $17 for 3 days, $30 for 7 days, or $47 for the year. Buy at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, tackle shops, Walmart, or any FWC office. License is separate from the saltwater license — you need both if you fish both.
Can I fish for bass without a boat in Orlando?▾
Yes, though a boat opens up the best water. Bank fishing happens at the Toho dam (Kissimmee), Bill Frederick Park, Lake Eola downtown (urban, but produces bass), and Wickham Park (Lake Conway). Kayak rentals are easy to find in town — and a buddy with a tandem kayak or a small bass boat is the cheapest way to get on Toho proper.
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→ All fishing buddy cities in Florida🎣 Fishing clubs in Florida→ Browse fishing clubs near meReady to find your Orlando fishing buddy?
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