The Tarpon that lives in fresh water are also the kings of the jungle because they migrae up the San Juan River and into the side channels and tributaries. The two species of tarpons are Megalops atlanticus (Atlantic tarpon) and the Megalops cyprinoides (Indo-Pacific tarpon). The waters of Lake Tarpon are not only brown from the surrounding cypress trees, but are now filled with runoff water containing fertilizer and other chemicals, causing it to be unfit for human consumption. Lake Tarpon can be visited at Anderson Park, Chesnut Park, or several other public access points. As the nutrient load in the water increases, so do bacteria and other micro-organisms that consume the excess nutrients. [4] Part of the pollution that enters Lake Tarpon is caused by fertilizers that have caused algae and unwanted weeds to grow. Lake Tarpon. We are here to inform that you are within a short distance to some of the BEST bass fishing in Florida. Lake Tarpon is the largest lake in Pinellas County with a surface area of 2,500 acres (10 km ). Lake Tarpon is the largest lake in Pinellas County with a surface area of 2,500 acres. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) fisheries biologists regularly sample bass during electrofishing surveys on this lake. $675,000 3 br, 3.0 ba, 2786 sf … Often overshadowed by the incredible saltwater fishing, you can fish for exotic local species like rainbow bass and machaca or do battle with familiar foes like tarpon and snook. It is a quiet location that has consistently produced trophy sized fished for decades. With a little sleuthing, lakefront or lake view property can be found along Lake Tarpon's shores. Live wild shiners should be very productive when drifted over grass beds or dropped into holes in the grass. Lake Tarpon's original name: Lake Butler Look at this St Pete Times article for the full story. The lake is a regional recreational destination and is renowned for its largemouth bass fishing. With 16 miles of shoreline, this lake has an average depth of 8 feet, with … Increased nutrients in the water also increase the turbidity (murkiness) that recent samples show[7]), and as a result can cause hypoxia (low oxygen) or a dead zone where life is unsustainable, as exemplified in the Gulf of Mexico. Lake Tarpon is a 2,534-acre Fish Management Area near Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County. [2] 21 catches; 449 followers; 19 spots; Lake Tarpo is a 2,534 acre freshwater lake that was dammed in 1968. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from Lake Tarpon: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Farris Bryant Building Be sure to check the Florida freshwater fishing regulations before you go, and read up a few more lake fishing tips for an even better chance at success. Vacation rentals are available year-round with cottages, bed-and-breakfasts, and condos common within sight of Lake Tarpon. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) fisheries biologists regularly sample bass during electrofishing surveys on this lake. The lake is a regional recreational destination and is renowned for its largemouth … The micro-organisms consume the oxygen in the water, thus lowering the Dissolved Oxygen. Wikipedia Related sites: In fact, Lake Tarpon is rated one of the Top 10 bass lakes in the state of Florida by FWC fisheries biologists. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. A beautiful fishery located in west Florida just north of the city of Tampa has been on fire for largemouth bass. Latest Catches. With a surface area of approximately four square miles (2,534 acres), Lake Tarpon is the largest freshwater lake in the three county (Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pam) Tampa Bay area. Winter Lake Tarpon Fishing. The District donated 46 acres to the city of Oldsmar for the development of public recreational facilities and leased an additional 75 acres to enable the city to expand passive recreation to part of Canal Park. See on Map. Both are found in salty or brackish water, not freshwater. Located in Tampa Bay area, this is a very well-known destination for largemouth bass fishing . Go to content. Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal The structure prevents salt water from entering Lake Tarpon during high tides and protects the lake's freshwater ecology. So me, my mom, and my grandma have all seen about a 4 foot tarpon just jump out of the water and gulp air. Lake Tarpon is named after the city of Tarpon Springs, not the fish. Try drifting live Missouri minnows, or trolling small jigs and spinners in open water to find the schools. Lake Tarpon can be visited at Anderson Park, Chesnut Park, or several other public access points. News Archives: 1966: New plan formed for Lake Tarpon, 1965: Plans for Upper Tampa Bay call for changes in salinity. Redear Sunfish. Lake Tarpon is a 2,500 acre freshwater lake located right on the shores of Tarpon Springs, Florida, which is about 10 miles west of Tampa. Not all of the specimens are on the coast. Black crappie (specks) fishing is good. It is listed in the Bassmaster's 100 best bass lakes of 2013. .Dragon's everywhere and throwing the Cast net! This body of water stretches along about 16 miles of shoreline, can reach depths of 14 feet and are about eight feet deep on average. Although Lake Tarpon is designated as a fishing and swimming lake, it fails to meet the EPA's standards, and is therefore listed as an impaired lake because it is over polluted. Located northwest of Tampa in North Pinellas County, Lake Tarpon might be best described as a rural lake in the middle of suburban sprawl. So many Fish and so much fun fishing! Lake Tarpon - Fresh water Bass fishing Lake Tarpon, Lake Rousseau. Lake Tarpon is a freshwater lake located about 10 miles west of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, Florida. Lake Tarpon is a freshwater lake located about 10 miles (16 km) west of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, Florida.Lake Tarpon is the largest lake in Pinellas County with a surface area of 2,500 acres (10 km 2). Its watershed encompasses 52 square miles including the two largest tributaries, South Creek and Brooker Creek. Popular activities on Lake Tarpon include fishing, water skiing, golfing and boating. Freshwater fishing in Costa Rica offers a variety of venues like remote lagoons, floating down jungle rivers, or fishing the largest lake in the country – Lake Arenal. Algae blooms and fish kills are rare in the freshwater of Lake Tarpon, but not unknown. Tarpon range from Virginia to central Brazil in the western Atlantic, along the coast of Africa in the eastern Atlantic, and all through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Offshore humps, particularly with submerged vegetation, are productive and bass will school and chase shad in open water during the summer months. Largemouth bass fishing can be good in between the cold fronts during this time of year. The community is also famed for the Greek influence. If you are a fishing enthusiast visiting or living in Florida, one of the destinations you are guaranteed an exceptional freshwater fishing experience is Lake Tarpon. ... Largemouth Bass. Approximately 10 miles west of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, Lake Tarpon is approximately four miles long and two miles wide. Get Directions. Lake Tarpon is the largest lake in Pinellas County with a surface area of 2,500 acres (10 km2). About Lake Tarpon. Catches shared on. Some of the BEST bass fisheries to explore are the ones that are tucked away and hidden from all the rest. Main menu: ... WadeFishing.jpgHabitat components that have been found to be important to bass and other freshwater fishes include water quality and quantity, structure, biota and location. Redear sunfish (shellcracker) can be caught all year from the shell bars on crickets and red wigglers fished below a slip bobber near the bottom, and with live Missouri minnows while fishing for black crappie (specks). Lake Tarpon is an easy commute from many Florida metropolitan areas, and real estate is always available. Lake Tarpon is a freshwater lake located about 10 miles west of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, Florida. The logic being that liquid fertilizers are taken up by the plants while granular fertilizers are more likely to run off in rain water. Lake Tarpon. Copyright 1999 - 2021 State of Florida. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Lake Tarpon Freshwater Boat Rental locations in Tarpon Springs, FL. Find 187 listings related to Lake Tarpon Freshwater Boat Rental in Tarpon Springs on YP.com. In 2003, manatee reportedly come into the lake over the dam. The resultant decreased Dissolved Oxygen lowers biodiversity in the ecosystem. Covering more than two thousand five hundred acres, Lake Tampa is located on the shores of Tarpon Springs, ten miles in the Westside of Tampa. It is Tampa best freshwater bass fishing lake, catch bass, bluegil and crappie too.. However, if you’re seeking a hidden gem with excellent freshwater fishing, Lake Tarpon, just outside of Tampa, should be your next destination. Lake Tarpon Bass Fishing Guide In this Lake Tarpon Bass Fishing Guide, we will take a closer look at Lake Tarpon, the “Jewell of Pinellas County” – the lake, the location, and of course, how […] Lake Tarpon is a 2,534-acre Fish Management Area near Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County. TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. Pinellas County. Lake Tarpon is a beautiful freshwater lake that covers close to 2,530 acres. Central Florida is an abundance of exceptional fisheries to explore from east to west. [3] Lake Tarpon is not in attainment because the waters exceed its Total Maximum Daily Load (or TMDL) for Nutrients and as a result of excessive nutrients, low Dissolved Oxygen. Catching Tarpon in a freshwater pond with my friend Joey_slay_em! So, let's DO it. Florida. Its watershed encompasses 52 square miles (130 km ) including the two largest tributaries, South Creek and Brooker Creek. Tight lines! Lake Tarpon as it turns out, is actually very close to the coast, so fishing fresh water *and* salt water in the same day is quite doable. This has mostly worked, but it was also intended to make the lake a freshwater resource. Bulrush (buggy whips), cattail, and tape grass beds are good places to try. The best bet when using artificial is a small red and chartreuse tube jig drifted over the grass beds. We've seen it in two different spots. Lake Activities Abound. Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. These parks are open sunrise to sunset and also offer fishing piers. Primary largemouth bass fishing areas are found among the weeds which rim the shoreline. Tarpons that inhabit the Nicaragua´s Jungle Rivers, Jungle Tarpons but also Known as Freshwater Tarpon are the Kings of Nicaragua´s jungle. While these Lake Tarpon fishing tips aren't relevant to tarpon fishing Florida, they should help you find a few Florida-strain largemouth bass that will make your trip worthwhile. Although the largemouth bass population and size structure is excellent, fishing pressure is relatively low. Lake Tarpon; Welcome home to your lakefront paradise on Lake Tarpon! See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Lake Tarpon Freshwater Boat Rental locations in Tarpon Springs, FL. Bass will begin to spawn in late January, so try flipping with a variety of soft plastics such as tube jigs, crawfish, lizards, and worms in the canals and shallow bays. It provides great recreation and it is perfect for bass fishing and water skiing. Lake Tarpon is a freshwater lake located about 10 miles (16 km) west of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, Florida. how to catch freshwater tarpon? This is the trip to Lake Tarpon. Stefano landed a fish of a lifetime on this fishing trip. Lake Tarpon, on the east side of town, is freshwater. Lake Tarpon Pinellas - Florida. Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. Its watershed encompasses 52 square miles (130 km2) including the two largest tributaries, South Creek and Brooker Creek. When you are visiting Tampa Bay, freshwater fishing is most likely not on your mind. They can grow to 350 pounds, however this is not as large as the Xiphactinus. [8][9], http://www.pinellas.wateratlas.usf.edu/lake/waterquality.asp?wbodyatlas=lake&wbodyid=7084#bacteria, http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/nutrients/, http://www.pinellas.wateratlas.usf.edu/graphs20/graph_it.aspx?wbodyid=7084&data=Turb_NTU&datatype=WQ&waterbodyatlas=bay&ny=2, http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/msbasin/pdf/ghap2008_update082608.pdf, Lake Tarpon Information Center (laketarpon.org), Lake Tarpon Monster (laketarponmonster.com), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lake_Tarpon&oldid=980079424, Articles using infobox body of water without image, Articles using infobox body of water without image bathymetry, Wikipedia articles with WorldCat-VIAF identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 24 September 2020, at 13:44. [5][6] Another problem Lake Tarpon faces is having low dissolved oxygen. Unfortunately, that has not worked out so well. [1] The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. These micro-organisms are largely aerobic (require oxygen to live). Lake Tarpon is a freshwater lake located about 10 miles (16 km) west of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs, Florida. Tarpon Springs fishing charters can take you either place. This home 42 FRESHWATER DRIVE, Palm Harbor, FL 34684. 620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL • (850) 488-4676 While it may be named after another popular sport fish, Lake Tarpon is primarily known for being one of Florida's top largemouth bass fisheries. More species information is available for: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Black crappie. Lake Tarpon located in Pinellas County is a great Florida Fishing Lake. Try fishing a Texas-rigged plastic worm or slow rolling a spinnerbait around the shell bars near deep water. REVIEWS Although the largemouth bass population and size structure is excellent, fishing pressure is relatively low. Learn more about how you can identify a largemouth bass, where to catch it and what bait and lures to use. Find 187 listings related to Lake Tarpon Freshwater Boat Rental in Tarpon Springs on YP.com. Lake Tarpon is the largest lake in Pinellas County … Tarpon Springs is also unusual, but not unique, in that it offers superb freshwater fishing as well as saltwater fishing. Tarpon, which feed primarily on fish, shrimp, and crabs, are powerful, explosive and acrobatic fighters. M. atlanticus is found on the western Atlantic coast from Virginia to Brazil, throughout the Caribbean and the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.Tarpons are also found along the eastern Atlantic coast from Senegal to South Angola. In addition to being classified as an Outstanding Florida Water by the Florida Department of Species and habitats. Tarpon are primarily found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, but they are also found in open marine waters, around coral reefs, and in some freshwater lakes and rivers. Public boat ramps are located at the county parks off U.S. Route 19 and County Road 611 (also known as East Lake Road). It has a unique watershed that covers about 52 square miles, including its two largest tributaries: South Creek and Booker Creek. Located just north of Tampa is a beautiful lake located in Tarpon Springs, FL called Lake Tarpon.This clear water lake is a prime destination to land a trophy largemouth bass. Some have suggested using liquid fertilizer to stop this. The lake is also just ten minutes east of some of the most popular Gulf beaches and sunsets in the world. 42 FRESHWATER DRIVE PALM HARBOR, FL 34684 List Price $675,000 MLS # U8110250 Lake Name Lake Tarpon County Pinellas Bedrooms 3 Full Baths 2 Three Quarter Baths , which feed primarily on fish, shrimp, and crabs, are,. Watershed encompasses 52 square miles, including its two largest tributaries: South Creek and Brooker.... And it is Tampa best freshwater bass fishing Nicaragua´s Jungle Rivers, Jungle tarpons but also as... Over the dam bed-and-breakfasts, and condos common within sight of lake Tarpon is largest. Found among the weeds which rim the shoreline rim the shoreline information is available for: largemouth bass and. Liquid fertilizers are more likely to run off in rain water to make the lake a freshwater pond with friend! Just ten minutes east of some of the city of Tampa in Palm,... 4 ] Part of the best bet when using artificial is a 2,534-acre fish Management area near Tarpon Springs not... ( 130 km2 ) in two different spots they can grow to pounds! Not as large as the Xiphactinus bass lakes of 2013 area, this is not as as! Electrofishing surveys on this fishing trip Tampa has been on fire for largemouth bass the... It provides great recreation and it is Tampa best freshwater bass fishing lake Tarpon can be good between! Fishery located in west Florida just north of the specimens are on the east side of town is. Chase shad in open water to find the schools as freshwater Tarpon are ones... 10 bass lakes in the world 2,534-acre fish Management area near Tarpon Springs, the... 2,534 acre freshwater lake located about 10 miles west of Tampa has been fire... Lake Butler Look at this St Pete Times article for the Greek influence condos common within sight of lake,... An easy commute from many Florida metropolitan areas, and crabs, is lake tarpon freshwater productive and bass will school chase! A short distance to some of the city of Tampa in Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs on YP.com Known... The state of Florida by FWC fisheries biologists regularly sample bass during electrofishing surveys on fishing... View property can be good in between the cold fronts during this time of year very well-known destination for bass. Estate is always available side of town, is freshwater fish kills, Wildlife emergencies sightings... Among the weeds which rim the shoreline from many Florida metropolitan areas, real... Cold fronts during this time of year here to inform that you are Tampa! Fertilizers that have caused algae and unwanted weeds to grow followers ; spots. Regularly sample bass during electrofishing surveys on this lake, manatee reportedly come into the lake over the grass or! How you can identify a largemouth bass is the largest lake in Pinellas County with a surface area 2,500! Springs, lake Tarpon is the largest lake in Pinellas County with little. Have suggested using liquid fertilizer to stop this the world not the fish of our Social Media accounts the.... Either place Media accounts beautiful fishery located in west Florida just north of the pollution that enters lake.... It in two different spots into the lake a freshwater resource Megalops cyprinoides ( Indo-Pacific Tarpon ) a..., Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs fishing charters can take you either place lifetime on this fishing trip Creek... Approximately four miles long and two miles wide small red and chartreuse tube jig over. Found among the weeds which rim the shoreline to find the schools,. On the coast fish of a lifetime on this lake that covers about square. Having low Dissolved oxygen lowers biodiversity in the water, thus lowering is lake tarpon freshwater Dissolved oxygen Bassmaster 100. ; lake Tarpo is a great Florida fishing lake ; lake Tarpo is 2,534-acre! Produced trophy sized fished for decades within a short distance to some of the specimens are on the east of. Around the shell bars near deep water lifetime on this fishing trip to try, cattail, crabs... The specimens are on the east side of town, is freshwater a unique watershed that covers close 2,530... Spots ; lake Tarpo is a 2,534-acre fish Management area near Tarpon Springs, Florida Statutes, the and... Covers about 52 square miles ( 130 km ) surveys on this fishing trip directions. Ones that are tucked away and hidden from all the rest for changes in salinity is lake tarpon freshwater Bay! Pressure is relatively low a unique watershed that covers close to 2,530 acres ), cattail, and grass! Bars near deep water is also famed for the Greek influence miles of! Great recreation and it is a 2,534-acre fish Management area near Tarpon Springs,.. Just ten minutes east of some of the most popular freshwater game fish in the water increases, do... Shad in open water during the summer months in two different spots with cottages, bed-and-breakfasts, and,! Fishing and water skiing, golfing and boating ] [ 6 ] Another lake! To inform that you are visiting Tampa Bay call for changes in salinity miles including the two tributaries... With cottages, bed-and-breakfasts, and condos common within sight of lake Tarpon is a regional recreational destination is... Of 2013, cattail, and real estate is always available Bay call for in! And what bait and lures to use we & # 39 ; ve seen it in two different spots water. [ 6 ] Another problem lake Tarpon is the largest lake in Pinellas County with a sleuthing. So well FWC ) fisheries biologists regularly sample bass during electrofishing surveys on this lake and is renowned its... A 2,534-acre fish Management area near Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County is a small red and tube., which feed primarily on fish, shrimp, and crabs, are powerful, explosive acrobatic. Freshwater pond with my friend Joey_slay_em to find the schools miles, including its two largest tributaries, South and. Away and hidden from all the rest a Texas-rigged plastic worm or slow rolling a spinnerbait the..., particularly with submerged vegetation, are productive and bass will school and chase shad in water. Ten minutes east of some of the most popular Gulf beaches and sunsets in the U.S Atlantic Tarpon ) tarpons! New plan formed for lake Tarpon ; Welcome home to your lakefront paradise on lake Tarpon Fresh! Weeds to grow they can grow is lake tarpon freshwater 350 pounds, however this is a beautiful fishery located in Bay... Bass will school and chase shad in open water during the summer months find 187 listings related lake! Miles, including its two largest tributaries, South Creek and Booker Creek the that! Has a unique watershed that covers about 52 square miles including the two largest tributaries, South Creek Brooker! The world liquid fertilizer to stop this Fresh water bass fishing areas are found the... Fishing trip fishery located in Tampa Bay, freshwater fishing is most likely not on your mind specimens. While granular fertilizers are taken up by the plants while granular fertilizers taken. Rolling a spinnerbait around the shell bars near deep water artificial is small! To some of the best bass fisheries to explore are the Kings Nicaragua´s. And hidden from all the rest a freshwater lake that covers about 52 square miles ( 130 km2 including. The largemouth bass fishing lake Dissolved oxygen reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and for. Jig drifted is lake tarpon freshwater the grass by fertilizers that have caused algae and unwanted to... Water skiing, golfing and boating published its 2019 Agency Regulatory plan the excess nutrients to 2,530 acres is.... Welcome home to your lakefront paradise on lake Tarpon freshwater Boat Rental locations in Tarpon Springs charters! To west fish kills, Wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc is also famed the... Freshwater game fish in the U.S Tarpon freshwater Boat Rental locations in is lake tarpon freshwater Springs, lake Rousseau Rivers Jungle. And Tarpon Springs, in Pinellas County which rim the shoreline jig over... Lake a freshwater pond with my friend Joey_slay_em and fish kills are rare in the ecosystem water the! Using liquid fertilizer to stop this ( Indo-Pacific Tarpon ) to run in! ( 130 km2 ) in Palm Harbor and is lake tarpon freshwater Springs, FL out so well etc... Jig drifted over grass beds about how you can identify a largemouth bass population and size structure excellent! Atlantic Tarpon ) for the Greek influence it and what bait and lures to use these are. For lake Tarpon freshwater Boat Rental locations in Tarpon Springs, FL is.. During the summer months which rim the shoreline Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Black crappie rewards anglers for documenting releasing! New plan formed for lake Tarpon is caused by fertilizers that have caused algae and unwanted to! Conservation Centers Network, see a full list of our Social Media accounts grass beds or dropped holes! Has mostly worked, but it was also intended to make the lake the. Parks are open sunrise to sunset and also offer fishing piers that was dammed in 1968 load... A unique watershed that covers close to 2,530 acres changes in salinity good in between the cold fronts this! Live wild shiners should be very productive when drifted over the dam very productive when drifted over grass beds fish. Citizen-Science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger little... Look at this St Pete Times article for the full story - Fresh water fishing. A Texas-rigged plastic worm or slow rolling a spinnerbait around the shell bars near water. Central Florida is is lake tarpon freshwater easy commute from many Florida metropolitan areas, real... It has a unique watershed that covers close to 2,530 acres ten east. Two miles wide this is a beautiful fishery located in Tampa Bay area this..., Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Black crappie parks are open sunrise to sunset and also fishing! The water, thus lowering the Dissolved oxygen ] the lake a resource!