Lake Manatee Fishing
Manatee County, FWC Southwest region, 1,400 acres.
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Fishing Lake Manatee
You will find Lake Manatee in Manatee County, part of the FWC Southwest region. FWC gives its size as 1,400 acres. The closest town is Bradenton, about 15 miles from the middle of the lake. Lake Manatee carries fish management area status (open to fishing).
TrophyCatch shows 4 Florida bass caught and released at Lake Manatee at 8 pounds or better. Expect Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, sunshine bass and channel catfish in Lake Manatee, per FWC. Lake Manatee has 2 public ramps in the FWC inventory; 1 charge no fee. Stocking reports show 29,160 fish released into Lake Manatee.
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How FWC says to fish Lake Manatee
“The state park also allows fishing from their fishing docks.”
“Catfish, hybrid sunshine bass, and black crappie fishing can be productive as well.”
“Lake Manatee is a 1,180-acre public reservoir east of Bradenton, in Manatee County.”
“A fish consumption advisory is in effect for Lake Manatee.”
“The east ramp can be accessed off Highway 64, and the west ramp is accessible through Lake Manatee State Park with an entrance fee.”
“This quiet lake offers plenty of fishing opportunities in addition to the amenities offered in the state park.”
“Two boat ramps provide access to the lake however, boats must be less than 20 horsepower.”
Quoted from the FWC site page: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
Current FWC forecast for Lake Manatee
“Try targeting areas near vegetation and other structure with live worms or crickets for the best chances at success.”
“Try targeting flats, creek mouths, and points in the morning and evening using chicken liver, stink bait, or cut bait.”
“Crankbaits, jigs, and Texas rigs should produce some bites in these areas.”
“Bluegill and Redear fishing should continue to be good in the lake.”
Quoted from the FWC fishing forecast: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
Launching at Lake Manatee
- Lake Manatee Public Boat Ramp (20 HP Motor Restriction)1 lane ramp, free, 6 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Lake Manatee State Park (20 HP Motor Restriction)2 lane ramp, fee, 17 trailer spaces, flush toilet
Source: FWC Boat Ramp Inventory, October 2026.
What bites in Lake Manatee
TrophyCatch bass from Lake Manatee
TrophyCatch counts as shown on the FWC page (Lake Manatee). Only bass 8 pounds and up, released alive, are counted.
Keeping fish from Lake Manatee
Extra FWC rules for Manatee Lake, Manatee County:
- Open to fishing
- Trotlines may be used from sunset until 9 a.m., Sunday through Thursday
- Outboard motors more than 20 h.p. may not be used
- No bag limit for channel catfish
| Species | Statewide daily bag | Length rule |
|---|---|---|
| Florida bass | 5 | only one 16 in or longer |
| Black crappie | 25 | none statewide |
| Bluegill and other panfish | 50 combined | none statewide |
FWC freshwater regulations, 2026-27 season, checked October 2026. All Florida limits and license prices.
FWC stocking at Lake Manatee
| Site | Fiscal year | Species | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Manatee FMA | 2021-22 | 29,160 2022 YC Striped Bass Hybrids | 29,160 |
FWC Completed Stockings reports, fiscal years 2021-22 to 2023-24. Florida stocking by county.
Nearby lakes compared with Lake Manatee
| Lake | Distance | Acres (FWC) | Public ramps | TrophyCatch bass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Manatee | 1,400 | 2 | 4 | |
| Steven J. Wortham Park Lake | 23 miles north | 10 | 0 | |
| Deer Lake | 24 miles northeast | 0 | ||
| Lake Hardee | 24 miles northeast | 4 | ||
| Lake Firefly | 24 miles northeast | 1 | ||
| Gator Lake | 24 miles northeast | 0 |
Beyond Lake Manatee
Neighboring lakes to Lake Manatee
- Steven J. Wortham Park Lake23 miles north
- Deer Lake24 miles northeast
- Lake Hardee24 miles northeast
- Lake Firefly24 miles northeast
- Gator Lake24 miles northeast
Tackle shops close to Lake Manatee
- Manatee Fish Campbait and tackle, Myakka City, 2 miles
- Premier Tackle | Fishing + Tackle Suppliesbait and tackle, Bradenton, 6 miles
- Marina's Dust & Shinemarina, Parrish, 8 miles
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Bradentonsporting goods store, Bradenton, 8 miles
- L.L.Beanbait and tackle, Sarasota, 10 miles
- DICK'S Sporting Goods Sarasotasporting goods store, Sarasota, 10 miles
Communities near Lake Manatee
- Bradenton15 miles
- Ruskin16 miles
- Sarasota16 miles
Lake Manatee by county
- Manatee Countyseat: Bradenton
Spinning, baitcasting and a weigh grip
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Fish worth targeting at Lake Manatee
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Photo: Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US, Public domain
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Photo: moxostoma, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Fishing Lake Manatee: common questions
Where is Lake Manatee?
In Manatee County, about 15 miles from Bradenton.
What is the acreage of Lake Manatee?
FWC puts it at 1,400 acres.
How many ramps does Lake Manatee have?
FWC lists 2 ramps.
What species live in Lake Manatee?
Mainly Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, sunshine bass, channel catfish and black crappie, per FWC.
Are there trophy bass in Lake Manatee?
4 bass from Lake Manatee are logged with TrophyCatch.
Are there special fishing rules on Lake Manatee?
Yes. Open to fishing
Can I fish Lake Manatee without a license?
Yes, a freshwater license unless exempt, and residents pay $17 a year.
What does FWC stock in Lake Manatee?
Yes, 29,160 fish over the fiscal years listed.
Is Lake Manatee low right now?
There is no live gauge on Lake Manatee; FWC forecasts note low water.