Top fish species at Clearwater Lake

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Check which species have trophy potential in Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake fishing reports

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Bonnethead shark

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Spotted seatrout

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Pinfish

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Common snook

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Ladyfish

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Gag grouper

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General info

Clearwater Lake is a lake located in Marion County, Florida, United States. It is most popular for fishing Ladyfish, Common snook, and Spotted seatrout.

Location

29°04′21.5″N 82°30′14″W
Directions

When are Snook biting on Clearwater Lake?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at Clearwater Lake. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at Clearwater Lake, FL

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Florida can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Ladyfish

Ladyfish

Regulation boundaryFL State Waters
Additional information
No established size limit or bag limit. General limit of 100 pounds applies. This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Poor
Synonyms
Elops saurus
Season open: September 1 - December 14
Common snook

Common snook

Regulation boundaryFL Snook Northeast
Bag limit1

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size28" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size32" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Spears

Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.

Multiple Hooks

Harvest of this species by or with the use of any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.

Zero Bag for Captain

Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.

Hook & Line Only

Allowable gear: hook and line.

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Required licenses
Snook permit required when saltwater fishing license required
Additional information
No commercial harvest or sale of snook is permitted.Regulations apply to state and adjacent Federal Waters. For more information, see MyFWC Snook.This species may be eligible for prizes and recognition if you submit photos through CatchaFloridaMemory.com. Visit their website for more information.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Centropomus
Season open: year-round
Spotted seatrout

Spotted seatrout

Regulation boundaryFL Seatrout Northeast
Bag limit3

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size15" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Max size19" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Restrictions & requirements

Gigging

Harvest by gigging prohibited.

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Multiple Hooks

Harvest of this species by or with the use of any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited.

Zero Bag for Captain

Bag and possession limit for captains and crew on for-hire vessels is zero.

Hook & Line Only

Allowable gear: hook and line.

Additional information
NortheastRecreationalSlot limit: 15–19 inches total lengthBag limit: 3 per person/daySeason: Open year-roundOver-slot allowance: May not possess fish over 19 inches StatewideIllegal Gear: cannot harvest using any multiple hooks in conjunction with live or deadnatural bait; snatching prohibitedAllowable Gear: hook and line and cast netZero captain and crew bag limit when on a for-hire trip Northeast: All Florida Waters and adjacent federal waters lying south of the Florida-Georgia border andnorth of the Indian River Lagoon Region, all waters of the counties highlighted in yellow, all waters ofVolusia County north and west of the Indian River Lagoon Region, including all waters of the St. JohnsRiver and its tributaries, excluding all waters of the Withlacoochee River, Kissimmee River, Cypress Lake,Lake Hatchineha, and Lake Kissimmee.
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Cynoscion nebulosus, Speckled Trout
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Local laws and licenses

Florida fishing license

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Cities nearby

Rainbow Springs

4.1 miles away

Dunnellon

4.7 miles away

Rainbow Lakes Estates

5.9 miles away

Citrus Springs

6.1 miles away

Pine Ridge

9.8 miles away

Inglis

9.8 miles away

Rainbow Park

10.6 miles away

Black Diamond

11.5 miles away

Hernando

11.6 miles away

Crystal River

13.5 miles away

Citrus Hills

13.6 miles away

Yankeetown

14.1 miles away

Ocala Estates

14.7 miles away

Morriston

14.9 miles away

Lecanto

16.4 miles away

Liberty Triangle

17.2 miles away

Williston Highlands

18.1 miles away

Homosassa Springs

18.1 miles away

Inverness

18.7 miles away

Marion Oaks

19.3 miles away

East Williston

22.4 miles away

Ocala

22.5 miles away

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FAQ about Clearwater Lake fishing

📍 Where is Clearwater Lake located?
Clearwater Lake is a lake located in Marion County, Florida, United States. Its coordinates are:
29°04′21.5″N 82°30′14″W
.
🎣 Where on Clearwater Lake is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on Clearwater Lake by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in Clearwater Lake?
The most common species in Clearwater Lake are:
📢 What are the latest Clearwater Lake fishing reports?
The latest Clearwater Lake fishing reports are:
🗓️ What species are in season at Clearwater Lake right now?
According to fishing regulations at Clearwater Lake, some of the species in season this November include: Common snook, Fat snook, Atlantic bluefin tuna, Lane snapper, and Grey triggerfish. For full details on other species — including bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits, and seasonal closures — download the .
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at Clearwater Lake?

Fishing in Florida requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Freshwater, saltwater, or combination licenses are available for residents and visitors, purchasable online, by phone, or at authorized retailers.

In Florida, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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