Harris Chain of Lakes fishing charters
Guided largemouth bass trips on the Harris Chain of Lakes around Leesburg, northwest of Orlando.
The Harris Chain is 8 main lakes, about 75,000 acres, in Lake and Orange counties northwest of Orlando. Largemouth bass are the main target. Book 4-, 6- or 8-hour trips online with live dates.
Book your Harris Chain 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
Your guide picks the lake and 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 Harris Chain of Lakes fishing charter?
iOutdoors books 4-, 6- and 8-hour guided largemouth bass trips on the Harris Chain, around Leesburg, northwest of Orlando, 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
Harris Chain of Lakes
The Harris Chain of Lakes is 8 main lakes (Apopka, Harris, Griffin, Eustis, Dora, Beauclair, Carlton and Yale), about 75,000 acres, in Lake and Orange counties northwest of Orlando. It has more than 30 public boat ramps.
FWC has stocked fish, installed fish attractors and planted habitat across the chain. Every trip on this page fishes the Harris Chain for largemouth bass, which share the lakes with black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish. Your guide picks the lake and confirms the ramp and start time with you before the trip.
Fish you can catch on the Harris Chain
Know your fish →
Size limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Reviews from Leesburg-area lake trips
4.994 reviews
We had an amazing fishing trip with Captain Brad on the Harris Chain of Lakes! His boat was spotless and fully equipped with the latest fishing gear and electronics. Brad is extremely knowledgeable, not only about fishing but also in how he operates his Ranger bass boat with total confidence and…
Shelby Schutta · March 2026 · Google
Great trip.Capt. Brad was very professional and knows his stuff.and a good guy too.will use you again
Chari Scott · March 2026 · Google
Capt. Brad Leifermann... Extremely Professional. From pre-trip contact to finish we were provided with perfect equipment, and amenities, tailored to meet our needs. We fished pre-determined locations with action at all sites. He even had rods set with different types of lures for each of us, so…
Edward Kubicki · February 2026 · Google
Great day on water with Brad. Still caught fish with tough conditions
DOUG · February 2026 · Google
Ocala Should be the Fishing Capital!
Can\'t believe all the great variety of fisheries from Ocala. If you want pond hoping, kayaking, and big bass fishing experience, there is something for you. We love going to Ocala National Forest, but we also put our boat in the Harris Chain of Lakes and drive forever it seems.
Sandra Loads · January 2026
Excellent Area of Lakes
The area has some of the best bass fishing in the country. I personally like the Harris Chain of lakes, but there are many good lakes in the area.
Spencer · January 2026
We had an excellent experience scheduling our fishing trip. Customer service was exceptional.Highly recommended Capt Bradley Leifermann. Very personable and made the day out on the water a fantastic time had by all.
Paul Valenta · December 2025 · Google
Captain Brad was great landed 22 fish
devin payne · November 2025 · Google
Captain Brad was great, very personable and helpful,his boat was in great shape had all the equipment needed ,highly recommend him and we will definitely fish with him again , and he put us on fish
Linda Salas · May 2025 · Google
Top-tier fishing charter! The guide was extremely professional and genuinely enthusiastic about the trip. Everything was well-prepared, and safety was clearly a priority. We had an absolute blast and caught some impressive fish. Already planning our next outing.
Jacob Mitchell · April 2025 · Google
Couldn’t have asked for a better fishing trip. Everything was on point—the timing, the gear, the guidance, and the fun. The guide was enthusiastic and truly passionate about fishing. We caught more than we expected and had an amazing day overall. Will definitely be coming back soon!
Sarah Green · April 2025 · Google
The trip was incredible from start to finish. The guide had great energy and kept us entertained between catches. We visited multiple hot spots and never went long without some action. The boat was spacious, and all the gear was in excellent shape. Highly recommend to both experienced anglers and first-timers.
Jaxon Marlowe · April 2025 · Google
Harris Chain fishing: what you can catch
Harris Chain fishing is about largemouth bass. FWC also lists black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish, plus stocked sunshine bass in some lakes. Winter and early spring bring the spawn; in summer, the early-morning bite is best.
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.
Harris Chain of Lakes fishing guide
The Harris Chain of Lakes is 8 main lakes in Lake and Orange counties, northwest of Orlando. Largemouth bass are the main target.
Where you’ll fish
The Harris Chain includes Lakes Harris, Griffin, Eustis, Dora, Beauclair, Carlton, Yale and Apopka, with more than 30 public boat ramps. Every trip on this page fishes the Harris Chain. Your guide picks the lake and 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 Harris Chain of Lakes trips
How much does a Harris Chain of Lakes fishing charter cost?
Trips start at $350 for 4 hours, $450 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. The live calendar shows the price for each date.
What fish can I catch on the Harris Chain?
Largemouth bass are the main target. FWC also lists black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish, and has stocked sunshine bass in some lakes of the chain.
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 or 8 hours for more time on the water and a better shot at a big bass.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. The Harris Chain is around Leesburg, northwest of Orlando; your guide tells you which lake and ramp.
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 the Harris Chain?
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.
Nearby lakes
More lakes with guided bass trips around Leesburg and Orlando.
