Mount Dora is known as “the New England of the South” to many people. In keeping with the combination of Southern hospitality and New England charm this theme does not stop at the entrance to this spectacular community.

The city of Mount Dora surrounds Lake Dora and embraces this theme with its milder climate, sophisticated shopping and vibrant cultural life, which makes it a unique Florida destination. It has won many awards for being such a wonderful place to live and fish some others are:

• “Top Places to Live Today” by Money magazine

• “50 Best Places in the World to Ride a Bike” by Bicycling magazine

• “Best Antique Shopping” in the state by Florida Living

• “Friendliest Small Town”

• “Best Romantic Escape”

• “100 Great Towns of America”

Lake Dora, a 4,500 acre lake, is one of the seven lakes of the Harris Chain of Lakes located in Lake County in central Florida. The lake is a favorite location for fishing and recreational boating. The Dora Canal connects Lake Dora to Lake Eustis to the north, and Lake Dora is connected to Lake Apopka to the south by way of Lake Beauclair and the Apopka-Beauclair Canal.

 There are two public boat ramps for direct access to Lake Dora: one is located on the northern shore in Tavares and the other is located on the eastern shore in Mount Dora. Both are very nice ramps with plenty of parking for vehicles and boat trailers. The southwestern shore of Lake Dora consists of a wetland with the southeastern shore consisting of a narrow piece of land that separates Lake Dora from Lake Beauclair.

Lake Dora is teeming with wildlife, including many types of fish, waterfowl, reptiles, and mammals. The Dora Canal is a popular area for bird-watching and is the main focus of guided tour boats that ply the waters of the area.

Anyone interested in fishing Lake Dora should consult with local guides and resources before heading out to fish.

View a Larger Map of Lake Dora