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Lake Information for Orange Lake
Orange Lake is the largest lake in the North Central Region at 12,550 acres. It is designated as a Fish Management Area and is located about 20 miles southeast of Gainesville. Orange Lake averages 5.5 feet deep with a maximum depth of 12 feet. Water levels fluctuate an average of 2 feet, annually. Outflow is controlled by a fixed-crest weir located at Highway 301 (southeast portion of lake). Orange Lake receives inflow from Newnans Lake through River Styx and from Lochloosa Lake through Cross Creek. Cross Creek (1.8 miles) is navigable to most boats during normal water levels.
Orange lake has an extensive aquatic vegetation community, dominated by spatterdock (lily pads) and periodically hydrilla. Shallow marsh areas are inaccessible to anglers due to the dense growth of vegetation. Bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and largemouth bass are generally caught in the deeper spatterdock, emergent grasses and hydrilla.
During the cooler months: As the water temperature starts to cool down, black crappie anglers should drift or troll minnows and/or jigs along the emergent grass edges or pads. Largemouth bass anglers can currently enjoy catches of 1-2 pound fish around the majority of the Hydrilla edge, although catches of larger fish have become more common. Spinnerbaits, jerk worms and plastic worms will be the top baits.
Businesses Located Nearby
Boat Rental
- Monterey Boats
- 635 N Main St - Williston, FL
- (352) 528-9412
- South Moon Fishing Camp
- 1983 S Camp Moon Rd - Astor, FL
- (386) 749-2383
- A-Crystal River Kayak Company
- 1326 Se Us-19 - Crystal River, FL
- (352) 795-2255
Vacation Rental
- Home Away From Home Vacation Rentals
- 2710 Grand Island Shores Rd - Eustis, FL
- (352) 357-4569
- Dunnellon Lake House Vacation Rentals
- 620 Sw Shorewood Dr - Dunnellon, FL
- (888) 621-8956
- Fort King Lake Rentals
- 10655 Se 95th Ter - Belleview, FL
- (352) 629-4780