Rodman Reservoir, also known as Lake Ocklawaha or Lake Oklawaha, is one of Florida's best-known trophy largemouth bass lakes, and it's right outside our gate.

What is Rodman Reservoir?

The reservoir was created on the Ocklawaha River as part of the old Cross Florida Barge Canal project. It stretches about 15 miles between State Road 19 and State Road 315 in Putnam and Marion counties, inside and alongside the Ocala National Forest.

Why bass anglers love it

• Vegetation everywhere: emergent grass, submerged weeds and floating mats of hyacinth, water lettuce, spatterdock and pennywort give bass endless cover.
• The old river channel: it drops to around 30 feet, and its edges are a classic spot for Carolina-rigged worms and deep-diving crankbaits.
• Standing timber and stumps: great fish habitat, and a reason to run slow and watch your depth finder.

Seasonal tips

• Late winter into spring: bass move shallow to spawn; work the vegetation edges.
• Summer: fish early and late, and target shade under floating mats.
• Drawdown years: every few years the lake is lowered several feet in winter to manage vegetation, which pushes bass toward the river channel.

Other fish you'll find

Crappie (speckled perch), bluegill and other panfish, plus catfish.

Before you go

• You'll need a Florida freshwater fishing license (myfwc.com).
• Check current FWC regulations and bag limits.
• Hire a local guide if it's your first trip; the timber and vegetation reward local knowledge.

Make Lake Oklawaha RV Resort your fishing basecamp

Wake up on the water, launch from our ramp, and come back to full 30/50 amp hookups, the pool and a campfire. Bring the boat, or paddle out by kayak.