Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes Fishing
Citrus County, FWC North Central region, 19,111 acres.
- 6ramps
- 19,111acres
Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY 2.5
An angler's guide to Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes lies in Citrus County and is managed from the FWC North Central regional office. FWC gives its size as 19,111 acres. The closest town is Inverness, about under a mile from the middle of the lake.
Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie are the fish FWC lists at Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes. FWC records 6 public ramps for Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, with 6 free to use.
From the FWC page for Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
FWC tips for Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
“The Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes is 19,111 acres of shallow, heavily vegetated marshes intermingled with open water pools.”
“Water control structures separate the chain of lakes into three main pools named after nearby towns: Floral City, Inverness and Hernando.”
“Public boat ramps are available for each pool:”
“Hernando Pool: 1/4 mile east of the intersection of U.S. Hwy 41 and SR 200”
“Inverness Pool: Highway 44 Boat Ramp, Eden Park, and North Apopka Boat Ramp”
“Floral City Pool: Duval Island Road”
Quoted from the FWC site page: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
This season on Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
“Anglers should fish minnows in deeper water and near the edges of lily pads until they find schools of black crappie.”
“Live shiners or long, plastic worms are also good choices for bait.”
“Fish shallower areas with sandy bottom and vegetation when targeting bluegill.”
“Anglers looking to target Florida bass should find plenty of success fishing all three pools.”
Quoted from the FWC fishing forecast: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
Public access to Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
- Gobbler Drive Roadside Park Primitive Ramp (Canoe Access)1 lane ramp, free
- Hernando Public Boat Ramp (Citrus County)2 lane ramp, free, 32 trailer spaces, portable toilet
- Lake Henderson Public Boat Ramp on State Road 442 lane ramp, free, 12 trailer spaces, temporarily closed
- Little Lake Spivey – Eden Park Public Boat Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 18 trailer spaces
- North Apopka Avenue Public Boat Ramp (No Parking)1 lane ramp, free, temporarily closed
- Withlapopka Isles Public Boat Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 3 trailer spaces
Source: FWC Boat Ramp Inventory, October 2026.
Catch list for Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
Fishing rules for Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes follows the statewide freshwater limits below.
| 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.
Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes next to its neighbors
| Lake | Distance | Acres (FWC) | Public ramps | TrophyCatch bass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes | 19,111 | 6 | ||
| Lake Panasoffkee | 13 miles east | 4,460 | 5 | 179 |
| Lake Rousseau | 20 miles northwest | 3 | 367 | |
| Lake Weir | 26 miles northeast | 5,685 | 3 | 103 |
| Lake Hiawatha | 27 miles east | 69 | 0 | |
| Middle Lake | 29 miles south | 200 | 1 |
Near Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
More fresh water near Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
- Lake Panasoffkee13 miles east
- Lake Rousseau20 miles northwest
- Lake Weir26 miles northeast
- Lake Hiawatha27 miles east
- Middle Lake29 miles south
Closest bait to Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
- Codella's Heritage Sporting Collectiblesbait and tackle, Inverness, 2 miles
- 44 Tackle Cobait and tackle, Inverness, 3 miles
- Bluegill Bait Shopbait and tackle, Hernando, 5 miles
- Fish Ops Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Citrus, 7 miles
- Floral City Bait & Tackle Outfittersbait and tackle, Floral City, 7 miles
- Patriot Sporting Goodsbait and tackle, Citrus Springs, 10 miles
Towns around Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
- Invernessunder a mile
- Floral City10 miles
- Lake Panasoffkee13 miles
Where Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes sits by county
- Citrus Countyseat: Inverness
Quick answers for Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
Where is Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes?
In Citrus County, about under a mile from Inverness.
What is the acreage of Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes?
The FWC figure is 19,111 acres.
How many ramps does Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes have?
There are 6 ramps on record.
What species live in Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes?
Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie, according to FWC.
Are there trophy bass in Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes?
Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes has no TrophyCatch count on its FWC page.
Are there special fishing rules on Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes?
No; statewide freshwater limits apply on Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes.
Can I fish Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes without a license?
Yes, a freshwater license unless exempt, and residents pay $17 a year.
What does FWC stock in Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes?
The FWC reports show no stocking at Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes.
Is Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes low right now?
No public gauge reports for Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes.
Get on Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes
Read the rules, then pick a ramp.