Fish Like the Pros at Orange Lake

Bass fishing, boat ramp, lodging & dining. If you are looking to cast a line where the pros showcased their skills, this itinerary delivers everything you need—from boat ramps to the best local bites and stays.

Aerial image of Orange Lake with blue water and a bass fishing boat with 3 people on it.

When Major League Fishing chose Orange Lake as the battleground for the Kubota Heavy Hitters tournament Presented by Bass Pro Shops it confirmed what local anglers have known for generations: this North Central Florida gem is a world-class big-bass factory. Covering over 12,500 acres, Orange Lake is the largest lake in the region and a premier stop within Ocala/Marion County for anyone chasing a legendary, double-digit trophy.

What Fish are Biting

Orange Lake is a designated Fish Management Area by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The unique Florida lake offers shallow depths (averaging 5.5 feet), dense lily pad fields, and drifting plant tussocks that create the ultimate nursery and hunting ground for predatory fish. So what fish can you catch?

Largemouth Bass: The undisputed king of Orange Lake. It is common to pull double-digit bass from these waters, which is exactly why the Heavy Hitters tournament featured it so prominently. Bass fishing is phenomenal year-round, peaking from winter through early spring.
Black Crappie (Speck): A popular species for local anglers, particularly in deeper pockets during winter.
Panfish: Bluegill and Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker) are abundant throughout the lake's vegetation.

Where to Launch

The marshy shoreline means boat access is concentrated at dedicated ramps.

Heagy-Burry Boat Ramp & Public Fishing Pier
Address: 5040 NW 191st Pl, Citra, FL

Located on the southwestern shore in Marion County, this is the primary public launch for larger outboard vessels and one of the most convenient access points for anglers targeting Orange Lake. Amenities include:

Multi-lane concrete boat ramp
Permanent bathrooms
Ample vehicle and trailer parking
Handicap-accessible fishing pier with floating dock system
Fish attractor structure
Shoreline access and staging areas

Lodging

Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake

One of the closest lodging options to Orange Lake, Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake offers waterfront RV sites, full hookups, vacation cottages, and plenty of space for boats and trailers. Guests can enjoy easy lake access along with resort amenities including a pool, golf, pickleball courts, planned activities, and the waterfront Eagles Nest Cafe.

Old Florida RV Park

Located just a short drive from Orange Lake, Old Florida RV Park offers a quieter, more relaxed camping experience surrounded by natural Florida landscapes. The park features full-hookup RV sites with room for larger rigs and trailers, making it a convenient home base for anglers visiting the lake.

Camp Margaritaville at Orange Lake

Officially opening in August 2026, this new waterfront resort will bring a full-scale destination camping experience to Orange Lake. The 150-acre resort features 430 RV sites, island-inspired cottages, full hookups, oversized pull-through pads, and boat-friendly accommodations ideal for anglers traveling with rigs and trailers.

Resort-style amenities include the Fins Up Falls Water Park, lazy river, pools, Tiki Bar, Fins Bar & Chill restaurant, golf cart rentals, live entertainment, fitness center, and Barkaritaville Dog Park. Visit Camp Margaritaville at Orange Lake's website for the latest information.

Places to Eat Nearby

Eagles Nest Cafe: Located at Sun Retreat Ocala Orange Lake Resort, this casual waterfront café serves lunch and dinner daily with burgers, sandwiches, seafood baskets, and cold drinks overlooking the lake.

Georgie's Lakeside Restaurant and Lounge: A laid-back spot right on Orange Lake serving burgers, seafood, cold drinks, and classic bar favorites with lake views. Popular with anglers for its relaxed Old Florida atmosphere and close proximity to the boat ramp.

Flyers Cafe: Cozy local café in Citra offering made-from-scratch Italian-American comfort food, smoked barbecue, burgers, breakfast favorites, and hearty homestyle meals.

Off The Rail Pizza: Quick and casual pizza stop in Citra known for fresh dough, pizza, calzones, subs, and easy takeout for anglers heading back to camp or the boat ramp.

Major League Fishing's Kubota Heavy Hitters 2026 Tournament Presented by Bass Pro Shops

Nearby Things to Do

Orange Lake Community Park

Marjorie A. Hoy Memorial Park at Orange Lake Overlook

Wrigley Fields

Crones’ Cradle Conserve

The Orange Shop

Author

Ocala/Marion County

Florida's Natural Wonder

The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau is the county’s official resource for vacation and meeting planning information. We are dedicated to increasing tourism and economic growth within our beautiful county.