Orlando fishing calendar
What’s biting each month, and the best months to book.
Plan your Orlando fishing trip with our month-by-month calendar for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill & shellcracker. Peak means the best fishing of the year, Good means steady fishing and Fair means possible but slower.
When is the best time to fish in Orlando?
The best fishing in Orlando is Dec–Apr, when largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill & shellcracker are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for largemouth bass and crappie; spring is best for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill & shellcracker; summer is best for bluegill & shellcracker; fall is best for largemouth bass.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): best for largemouth bass and crappie.
- Spring (Mar–May): best for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill & shellcracker.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): best for bluegill & shellcracker; also largemouth bass.
- Fall (Sep–Nov): best for largemouth bass; also crappie.
Orlando fishing calendar by month
How good the fishing is for each fish, month by month. Tap a fish for our full guide.
- Peak best fishing of the year
- Good steady fishing
- Fair possible, but slower
- – slow, out of season or closed
| Fish | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakes | ||||||||||||
| Largemouth bass | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak |
| Crappie (speckled perch) | Peak | Peak | Peak | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | |||||
| Bluegill & shellcracker | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair |
Seasons, size limits and bag limits change every year: see FWC saltwater rules and FWC freshwater rules. Snook and some other fish are catch-and-release in closed months.
What’s biting each month in Orlando
Swipe to see every month →
January
Peak Largemouth bass and Crappie (speckled perch)
February
Peak Largemouth bass and Crappie (speckled perch)
March
Peak Largemouth bass and Crappie (speckled perch)
Good Bluegill & shellcracker
April
Peak Largemouth bass and Bluegill & shellcracker
May
Peak Bluegill & shellcracker
Good Largemouth bass
June
Peak Bluegill & shellcracker
Good Largemouth bass
July
Good Largemouth bass and Bluegill & shellcracker
August
Good Largemouth bass and Bluegill & shellcracker
September
Good Largemouth bass
October
Good Largemouth bass
November
Peak Largemouth bass
Good Crappie (speckled perch)
December
Peak Largemouth bass and Crappie (speckled perch)
Best months for each fish in Orlando
- Largemouth bass: best Nov–Apr; good all year.
- Crappie (speckled perch): best Dec–Mar; good Nov–Mar.
- Bluegill & shellcracker: best Apr–Jun; good Mar–Aug.
Reviews from Orlando trips
4.9143 reviews
While on vacation to Orlando we booked a fishing trip with Captain Galen Fugh thru bassonline.com. BEST fishing trip ever! We caught some beautiful large mouth bass. Capt Galen felt like a family member. He was kind, welcoming, knows the lake, and knows fishing. It was a beautiful, peaceful day on…
Angela Avery · August 2026 · Google
Chris was a phenomenal guide who made our day fishing in Orlando. He guides the fishing trip to however you want it to be and kept us entertained the entire time.
James Cameron · March 2026 · Google
February Fishing
First time large mouth bass fishing and my daughter’s first time fishing. Had a great time with Steve. Steve was great taking time to teach us both and when we return to Orlando we will be calling Steve again.
Thomas Griffiths · February 2026
My mother, aunt and I drove down from Gainesville, Florida, and had an awesome time with Captain Mike. He was so helpful and humorous. We were more than happy with the bass that we caught and we will definitely use his services again when we return to Kissimmee.
Denise McGinnis Brown · November 2025 · Google
Me my brother and father all went out with Capt. Dave at 6:45 AM and had a great time fishing on our 4 hour trip. We caught about 10 fish and got to explore the Butler chain of lakes with a true professional. We learned a thing or two, laughed together and will certainly recommend you go fishing…
Cody Behn · September 2025 · Google
Captain Mike met us in the morning for a great fishing day! Mike was knowledgeable and punctual resulting in some great Bass fishing! Would highly recommend and we will be booking next time we are in Orlando!!
alex mcclenaghan · August 2025 · Google
Hey, 👋 my family and i have been using Captain Davon for the past 4 years now and i must say he's the best in the whole of Florida! He knows how to keep his customers happy and he knows where the big mouth bass fishes are because everyone in my family has caught lots of fish every trip we went on…
Dwayne Delancey · August 2025 · Google
Captain Devin was AWESOME! Booked our trip for our son’s 16th birthday. Devin was responsive with communication and knew the exact spot to hit for our trip! Next time we are in the Orlando area we will be calling Devin for our next trip out on the lake!
Curt Cooper · July 2025 · Google
The trip was great! Captain Devin was very helpful with baiting hooks to helping with backlashes etc! He supplied everything we needed rods, reels, lures you name it! We’ve been done for about 10 minutes and our boys are already asking us when we can come back to Florida to fish with him again…
Nicole oister sarr · June 2025 · Google
Captain Devin was amazing!!! I wanted to give my son and nephew a fishing trip they would never forget while vacationing in Orlando and Capt. Devin delivered! It was such an amazing day of catching lots of fish. My boys and I loved every minute of it! We will definitely be back!
Kevin Harvey · June 2025 · Google
This is our 2nd time with Captain Dickerson. He is my Dude ! If you are ever in Orlando . He is a must book ! Unless you are afraid of catching fish 😂😂😂! If we were in a tournament that day! Capt Dickerson's boat would've had a nice bag with a 5 fish limit! At least 17 plus lbs. We will definitely be back !
Ellis N Orlando · May 2025 · Google
Great time!
Great time! Randy was an excellent guide, very professional and friendly!
Steve O · March 2025
Orlando fishing calendar FAQ
When is the best time to fish in Orlando?
The best fishing in Orlando is Dec–Apr, when largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill & shellcracker are at their peak. There is something to catch all year: winter is best for largemouth bass and crappie; spring is best for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill & shellcracker; summer is best for bluegill & shellcracker; fall is best for largemouth bass.
What fish are biting in Orlando in winter?
From December to February, largemouth bass and crappie are at their best. Pick calm days between cold fronts.
What fish are biting in Orlando in summer?
From June to August, bluegill & shellcracker is at its best, and largemouth bass is good. Book an early start to beat the heat and afternoon storms.
What is the best month for largemouth bass in Orlando?
Largemouth bass fishing in Orlando is best Nov–Apr, and good all year.
When is the best time for crappie in Orlando?
Crappie (speckled perch) fishing in Orlando is best Dec–Mar, and good Nov–Mar.
Do fishing seasons and limits apply in Orlando?
Yes. Some fish have closed seasons, size limits and bag limits that change from year to year. Months marked “–” on this calendar are slow, out of season or usually closed. Your captain follows the current rules; check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for this year’s dates.
How do I book a fishing trip in Orlando?
Pick your trip and date on the Orlando fishing charters page and book online with a local captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your trip, and a full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call or text (407) 392-4593.