OCALA FOREST LAKES (Lakes & Marion counties): Deep in the heart of central Florida, away from the bustle of attractions and congestion of retirement regions, the Ocala National Forest is a relatively unspoiled area covering over 380,000 acres. Nestled between two rivers, the mighty St. Johns River (flowing north) on the eastern boundary and the Ocklawaha on the west, the Ocala National forest is the southernmost national forest in the continental US east of the Mississippi River. It is also the last major Sand Pine community left in Florida.

 There are three first magnitude springs on the forest that are the sources for three crystal clear runs that provide excellent canoeing and boating in this part of the state. Major recreation facilities (camping, canoeing, hiking) are located at most of these springs, with Silver Glen being a day use only area. There are approximately 600 natural lakes in the Ocala National Forest with lakes Bryant, Mill Dam, Kerr, Crooked, Wildcat, Lou Echo, Grasshopper, Eaton and Quarry Fish Pond being the most popular. A booklet titles "Fishing Opportunities in the Ocala National Forest" by the Ocala National Forest Interpretive Association is available at the Visitors Welcome Center at the intersection of S.R. 40 and C.R. 315. This booklet describes sport fishing locations, with recommendations for fishing methods and accessibility, as well as a topographic map. Due to a continued drought, access to many smaller lakes is limited to small jon boats and canoes. Boat ramps on larger lakes, such as Bryant, Kerr and Wildcat, are still accessible to larger boats, such as bass boats.

 Florida's most outstanding bass fishing opportunities with world renowned Rodman Reservoir system forming most of the northern and north western border. The Cross Florida Greenways system also runs through the area, as well as the Florida Trail. Its proximity to the major tourist destinations of St. Augustine and Daytona Beach has made it a favorite vacation spot for northern visitors for years. Major commercial attractions like Silver Springs, Disney World/Orlando Attractions, Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Center and are within a few hours drive from the OCALA National Forest, contributing to its popularity as a vacation spot.

 The word Ocala is thought to be a derivative of a "Timucuan Indian" term meaning fair land or big hammock. The lush Ocala National Forest lives up to its name: Towering palms, large live oaks, and scrubby sand pines dominate the forest's scrub oak ecosystem. The Ocala's sand pine scrub ecosystem is the world's largest continuous forest of its type. But that's not all. Between the river boundaries of this forest lie central highlands, coastal lowlands, swamps, springs and hundreds of lakes and ponds.

 It's the lakes and ponds that make the Ocala exceptional. The forest is riddled with slow-moving rivers. In the Florida and south Georgia, the word prairie refers to submerged flatlands, not the rolling grasslands of America's midwest. They are sunny, shallow expanses of water, usually ringed by cypress trees and filled water lilies and other with aquatic plants. The wonderful rivers and wetlands make Ocala probably the most famous canoeing destination in Florida outside of the Everglades.

 Like most of the rest of Florida, the Ocala is low elevation and generally flat. No far reaching views here. Because the Ocala is just north of Orlando in Central Florida, it's the most heavily visited of the three national forests in Florida. Its lushness and topographical evenness offer a real benefit. Despite its popularity, the forest provides an extraordinary sense of solitude. If you can't see the forest for the trees, you can't see the people for the forest.

 The Ocala climate is characterized by long, warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. So when the chill wind blows, head for Florida. But bypass the mouse for dose of real adventure. Who needs a high tech carnival ride when reality is so much better?

Ocala Forest Lakes fishing for largemouth bass action is good on live shiners, surface lures and plastic worms along grasslines. Black crappie fishing is good on minnows while drifting offshore areas.
Note: There is a slot and special bag limit on Lake Kerr. No person shall kill or possess any largemouth bass that is 15” or more in total length and less than 24 inches in total length. No person shall take in one day more than 3 largemouth bass of which only one may be 24” or longer in total length.
Please note: Lake Wildcat has a special regulation requiring all largemouth bass to be released immediately.

THE OCALA FOREST LAKES

(Special thanks to the FWC for providing article information)
 

Other important links:
http://www.floridaadventuring.com/juniper-prairie-wilderness.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/
http://www.floridatrailriders.org/articles/ONF.htm
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/crossflorida/trails/ocala_nat_forest.htm
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/recreation/index_oca.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocala_National_Forest