Florida's Inland Waterways: The 10 Largest Lakes in the Sunshine State

While we tend to gravitate to Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the inland areas can often get overlooked. Florida’s inland lakes and waterways provide recreation, navigation (via outflowing rivers) and excellent angling. In fact, the World Fishing Network lists several of them on its top 10 list of best bass fishing sites.

There are nearly 7,800 natural lakes in Florida. Don’t worry, we’re only going over 10 of them today. Whether you’re motoring out from wherever you're renting a private dock or taking a road trip, here are some lakes to visit from your Florida boat slip rental.

Lake Okeechobee

Photo: Pixabay

At 448,000 acres, Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida. Located in the southeastern part of the state, it serves as a filter for the Everglades. The lake is part of a 152-mile waterway across the middle of the state called the Okeechobee Waterway.

The Caloosahatchee River flows from Lake Okeechobee to Fort Myers on the West Coast, making it a convenient destination for private boat slip rentals in Cape Coral or along the Caloosahatchee.

Okeechobee is popular with boaters, birdwatchers and anglers. Fish for largemouth bass, speckled perch, catfish and blue gills. Take an agriculture tour of the local sugarcane farms and mills. The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is 110 miles long and offers great photo ops while bicycling and hiking. Other activities and attractions include airboat tours, camping and the Lake Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park.

Lake George

Lake George, the second largest, is located along 46,000 acres in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida. It feeds into the St Johns River, which flows north to Jacksonville. Swim or kayak in the crystal-clear natural springs at Silver Glen Run, Juniper Spring and Salt Spring or go boating and fishing for mullet, striped bass and even blue crabs.

The lake gets just enough salt from local springs and the St Johns River to have Atlantic stingrays and other saltwater creatures. The salt factor also contributes to its unique distinction of having the only freshwater blue crab fishing operation in the world.

Lake Seminole

Photo: Wikimedia

Coming in at number three is the 37,500-acre Lake Seminole. Located in the Panhandle, near the borders of Georgia and Alabama, it’s a good spot for bass fishing, duck hunting and birdwatching. There are several parks and campgrounds along the shore.

The lake was created when the Jim Woodruff Dam on the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers closed. It’s used for hydroelectric power production as well as boating and fishing. The Apalachicola River flows out of it.

Lake Kissimmee

Central Florida's Lake Kissimmee is located on about 35,000 acres within Lake Kissimmee State Park. You’ll find ospreys, deer, alligators and bobcats as well as horseback and hiking trails, historic sites, nature programs, playgrounds and picnic areas, as well as an 1876-era "cow camp."

The lake connects to Lake Tohopekaliga to the north and Lake Okeechobee through various rivers and canals. It’s about 40 minutes from the Orlando theme parks, so if you’re visiting the area, it makes a great day trip from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or a private boat lift rental along the St. Johns River.

Lake Apopka

Photo: Flickr/Jared

The 30,000-acre Lake Apopka is found about 15 miles northwest of Orlando. It’s within convenient access to private boat docks for rent near Winter Garden. Fed by the St. Johns River, the lake makes up the headwaters of the Ocklawaha River.

The area was a popular fishing destination in the 20s and 30s (Cary Cooper and Babe Ruth were just a few of the famous visitors). You can catch bluegill, black crappie and largemouth bass. The lake is fairly shallow, so watch your prop. Check out the Lake Apopka Loop Trail for hiking and biking or take a sightseeing drive along the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

Lake Istokpoga

Photo: Unsplash

Lake Istokpoga is very shallow, approximately four to six feet deep, so it’s best for low draft boats like flats or bass boats. It’s 27,000 acres and about five miles wide by 10 miles long. Located near Sebring, northwest of Okeechobee, the lake is fed by Josephine Creek and Arbuckle Creek. Largemouth bass is the fish of choice. There are several public boat ramps and campgrounds. Lake Istokpoga Park has a fishing pier, a double boat ramp, restrooms and nature trails.

Lake Tohopekaliga

Photo: Pixabay

Number seven on our list is the 19,000-acre Lake Tohopekaliga, or Toho or short. Not to be confused with East Lake Toho (which comes in later on our list), it’s well-known for its scenic beauty, islands and wildlife such as turtles, waterfowl and more. It does have a lot of vegetation along the shoreline and in the lake.

Toho is considered one of the best bass fishing spots in the world. The Bassmaster’s Classic is often held here. It’s just 10 miles from the theme parks of Orlando. Amenities include picnic areas, a playground, a marina and a boat launch.

Crescent Lake

Originally known as Dunn’s Lake, Crescent Lake is 15,960 acres and located in north/central Florida just west of Flagler Beach. It connects to the St Johns River to the north and is popular for bass fishing. The lake gets its name from its long and narrow crescent-like shape.

A paddlewheel steamboat named Alligator sank there in 1909 (there were only two watchmen on board and no injuries). The boat caught on fire, burned and sank. There have been searches in recent years but nothing was found.

Orange Lake

Orange Lake, located southeast of Gainesville in Alachua County, comprises about 12,500 acres and is Florida’s 9th largest lake. The average depth is approximately six feet, so it’s perfect for canoes, kayaks, airboats and low draft boats such as bass, flats and bay boats. There are grass beds and lots of submerged vegetation, which is great for the fish but not so much for your boat prop.

Speaking of fish, you’ll want to grab your fishing buddies and cast out for bluegill and largemouth bass. Birdwatchers can catch sight of sandhill cranes, bald eagles and great blue herons. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park offers trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

East Lake Tohopekaliga

Photo: Unsplash

Last but not least is East Lake Tohopekaliga. Located south of Orlando, it’s 11,968 acres and linked to Lake Toho (west) by a canal. Average depth is 10 to 14 feet. You can find largemouth bass, walleye and spotted bass swimming among its waterways. East Lake Toho forms nearly a perfect circle and has quite clear water. Visit Lakefront Park or East Lake Fish Camp for restaurants, activities and playgrounds.

Hopefully this has given you some ideas for new places to visit from your private boat lift rental. Smooth sailing and happy boating!