New Orange Lake/Lochloosa Lake Largemouth Bass Regulations

Hello Orange Creek Basin Stakeholders,

 

Effective today, April 16, 2024, the Largemouth Bass regulations will change on Orange and Lochloosa Lakes. 

 

The new Largemouth Bass regulations are:

-No Largemouth Bass over 20 inches in length may be killed or possessed.

-Circle hooks are required when fishing with natural bait over 3 inches in length.

-Daily Harvest/Bag Limit:  5 fish

 

Reminder:  Bass Tournament Exemption Permits will not be issued from June 17 to September 15, 2024.

 

These management actions are a component of the Florida Trophy Bass Project, which involves using innovative techniques to produce more large bass.  Current conditions in Orange Lake represent a “trophy bass window” and FWC is attempting to make the most of it.  These actions will help protect large bass and allow more bass to reach larger sizes.  Click HERE for information on how to safely handle bass and increase chances of survival.   If you catch a Largemouth Bass over 8 lbs, consider submitting it to TrophyCatch for a chance to win prizes and to provide FWC valuable data. 

 

Please email OrangeCreekBasin@MyFWC.com if you have any questions.