Lake Rousseau fishing charters
Guided largemouth bass trips on Lake Rousseau, a cypress-lined impoundment of the Withlacoochee River near Crystal River and Dunnellon.
Lake Rousseau is an impoundment of the Withlacoochee River in Levy and Citrus counties, full of cypress trees and pennywort islands. Largemouth bass are the main target. Book 4- or 6-hour trips online, or call for 8 hours.
Book your Lake Rousseau fishing trip
Every calendar below shows live availability. Choose your number of guests, a date and a time, then book.
4-hour bass charter
6-hour bass charter
8-hour bass charter
Call to bookCall (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we’ll set up your 8-hour trip.
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the guide cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
How do you book a Lake Rousseau fishing charter?
iOutdoors books 4- and 6-hour guided largemouth bass trips on Lake Rousseau, near Crystal River and Dunnellon, with live dates online. The guide provides the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures, and each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
What's included and what's not
- Professional local fishing guide
- Boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (required for most anglers 16 and older)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Lake Rousseau
Lake Rousseau is an impoundment of the Withlacoochee River in Levy and Citrus counties, built as part of the original Cross Florida Barge Canal project. It is full of cypress trees and pennywort islands, with a deeper river channel and shallow backwaters known as the flats.
Every trip on this page fishes Lake Rousseau for largemouth bass, which share the lake with bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and catfish. Stumps and cypress give the fish plenty of cover. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
Fish you can catch on Lake Rousseau
Know your fish →
Size limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Reviews from Lake Rousseau trips
4.45 reviews
Bass galore
I am new to bass fishing, we live just down the street from the lake. My daughter and I go out in a small john boat 2-3 times a week for an hour or so. A slow day is 1 fish each. Often we land 3 or 4 good sized bass at sunset. Lots of fun.
tyler w ross · April 2025
Liv on the lake
If if all your cash is brand and card, you don’t know how to fish this lake is loaded with bass
Jeff adtean · February 2025
Liv on the lake
For all your cash, you don’t know how to fish this lake is loaded with bass.
Jeff adtean · February 2025
Lake Rousseau
This Lake may have had good fish in the past but it sucks now in my opinion. We fished nearly every day during a 2 week vacation on the lake. Although experienced Bass fishermen, we managed to catch a total of 9 fish for 4 of us and none were over 3 1/2 lbs. We fished weeds, structure, channels and…
Mark Warren · February 2021
Fun lake to Visit and Fish
Every year I come down and fish this lake, over the years have had some great success.
Johnny B · February 2020
Lake Rousseau fishing: what you can catch
Lake Rousseau fishing near Crystal River is about largemouth bass among the cypress stumps and along the river channel. FWC also lists bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and big catfish. Winter and early spring bring the spawn; in summer, fish early or late in the day.
What's biting by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Bass spawn season and the best shot at a big fish
Spring Mar–May
- Late spawn and post-spawn bass
- Bluegill on beds
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning topwater bass, then deeper cover as it heats up
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Every angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Buy it online before the trip.
- Black bass: 5 per person per day, and only 1 may be 16" or longer. Some waters have special bass rules; your guide will tell you before the trip.
- Crappie: 25 per person per day, 10" minimum.
Source: FWC. Limits change; your guide has the current rules.
Lake Rousseau fishing guide
Lake Rousseau is an impoundment of the Withlacoochee River in Levy and Citrus counties. Largemouth bass are the main target.
Where you’ll fish
Lake Rousseau has a deeper river channel and shallow backwaters known as the flats, with cypress trees, stumps, pennywort islands and at times hydrilla. Every trip on this page fishes Lake Rousseau. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time before the trip.
How the trips work
Trips run from a bass boat. Your guide provides rods, reels and artificial lures, and can set you up with live wild shiners, which are optional and cost extra. Most bass are photographed and released.
Best time to go
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish. In summer, go early before the heat and afternoon storms.
Tips for planning your trip
Buy a Florida freshwater fishing license online before the trip. Morning trips usually fish best, especially in summer.
Questions about Lake Rousseau trips
How much does a Lake Rousseau fishing charter cost?
Trips start at $325 for 4 hours and $375 for 6 hours. For an 8-hour trip, call (407) 392-4593. The live calendar shows the price for each date.
What fish can I catch on Lake Rousseau?
Largemouth bass are the main target. FWC also lists bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and catfish in the lake.
What is included?
Your guide, the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels and tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. The Florida freshwater license, live shiners and the guide’s tip are not included.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.
How many people can come?
Up to 4 people on the bass boat. Choose your number of guests in the calendar.
Which trip length should I book?
A 4-hour trip is a good first trip and fits families. Book 6 hours for more time on the water. For an 8-hour trip, call (407) 392-4593.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Lake Rousseau is near Crystal River and Dunnellon.
What should I bring?
Your fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a light rain jacket, water and snacks, and a phone or camera in a dry bag.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule. You can also cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
When is the best time to fish Lake Rousseau?
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish; in summer, go early in the morning.
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