At
1,765 acres, this deeply tannin-stained lake is one of the
larger lakes in the Ocala National Forest. Public boat ramps are
located on the western shore just off S.R. 19. The northern ramp
is in a fee area operated by the U. S. Forest Service.
Bluegill, shellcracker, and speckled perch fishing is good seasonally.
Largemouth bass generally are small but an occasional
trophy-size fish is caught.
Little Lake Dorr is in my opinion the most beautiful bass lake
in Florida. Nestled in the
Ocala National forest off highway
19, this lake looks like it came out of a picture postcard. Surrounded by pine forest covered hills, the black tannic
colored water reflects a scene out of a Canadian nature
documentary.
Bass fishing in this lake is a bonus. Top water action can be
good early in the morning with Carolina rigged worms working
later in the day. The bottom is very hard and deep and the bass
are beautiful and full of fight. The lake has a nice ramp in
Lake Dorr Park off highway 19 just north of the City of
Umatilla.
Throughout the Ocala National Forest there are many other small
forest lakes. Most of the bass caught in these lakes run about
1 to 3 pounds, but a few can be very large. The National Park
prints a brochure that can be obtained at the park information
centers detailing all the lakes and providing access
information. Fly fisherman love these lakes as they are a treat
to fish with light tackle.
In case you're wondering about Rodman Reservoir,
Lake Toho or
the St. Johns River, they are not in Lake County. Rodman is
about 45 minutes north of my home in Eustis. Lake Toho is about
an hour south and some of the best fishing on the St. John's
River is only about 1/2 hour from my home.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Disney World and all the rest of the
theme parks are about 45 minutes away (just in case your wife
and kids don't fish!).
BOAT
ACCESS: There are two main ramps that provide
suitable launching for all classes of fishing boats. Both are
located on improved roads adjacent to State Road 19, about 12
miles south of State Road 40.
Anyone interested in fishing Lake Dora should
consult with
local guides and resources before
heading out to fish.
View
a Larger Map of Lake Dorr
