The Kit Lake Solace

MARCH 2025

          It was a month of success in chaos on Kit Lake, my home water in central Florida’s largemouth bass country. We juggled fishing times like a confused travel agent, juggled computers like a skilled drummer, and juggled fishing outfits to put the right fly in front of our fish.

          Changing weather drove fish around the lake. And as the pages of the calendar flipped, days became multi-season. This provided anglers who could wing it, a special chance to fish all day.

          After sleeping late, some of those lucky ones found some bass had moved up to structure. When the sun was higher, little bluegill became active in about four feet of water. As this action ceased in the late morning, they hunted spots on flats that were previously pointed out by birds. Then, afternoons without wind or rain were not hot, so it was time to check the drop-offs. Some days bass were on the pasture-side, and some days inside of the docks. Those who could, stayed on to fish the evening. For tired anglers, crappie were still susceptible to flies presented slowly near pads in about eight feet of water.

          Anglers gave themselves chances for success by coming to the water with multiple outfits; Small poppers, and larger sinking flies like wooly buggers. Small top water flies like spiders dropping small trout nymphs, and heavy Clousers for deeper work.

          New growths of pickerel weed are sprouting where old vegetation died, and help has arrived. Alligators are beginning to grunt to each other, and summer is coming. The future seems to have fishy options.