Orlando Bass Fishing Report & Mosquito Lagoon Inshore Fishing Report – February 2026
Fishing across Central Florida is heating up as we move deeper into late winter, and both Orlando bass fishing and Mosquito Lagoon inshore fishing are producing strong results this week.
Orlando Bass Fishing Report
The lakes around Orlando are transitioning into pre-spawn mode, and that means big female largemouth bass are starting to stage on outside grass lines and hard structure. Local favorites like Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho), Butler Chain of Lakes, and Lake Conway are producing quality fish in the 4- to 8-pound range, with occasional double-digit bass being caught by anglers targeting spawning flats early.
Water temperatures are climbing into the mid to upper 60s on warm afternoons, which has increased shallow water activity. Early mornings have been productive with topwater baits like walking plugs and prop baits around submerged hydrilla and eelgrass. As the sun rises, soft plastics, swim jigs, and lipless crankbaits worked along grass edges have been key for consistent bites.
For anglers searching “best bass fishing near Orlando Florida,” focus on:
- Grass lines in 4–8 feet of water
- Isolated shell beds
- Residential docks with deeper water access
- Wind-blown shorelines
Live wild shiners are still putting numbers in the boat for trophy hunters, especially around spawning pockets. Artificial anglers are seeing success with creature baits and Texas-rigged worms pitched into heavy cover.
With stable weather patterns this week, expect the Orlando bass bite to continue improving as we approach peak spawning season.
Mosquito Lagoon Fishing Report
Over on the east coast, the legendary Mosquito Lagoon is delivering excellent winter inshore action. Water clarity has been solid across most of the lagoon, allowing sight fishing opportunities on calmer days.
Redfish remain the headline species, with schools cruising shallow flats in 1–2 feet of water. Midday sun has made it easier to spot fish pushing wakes or tailing over mud and potholes. Soft plastic paddletails, gold spoons, and weedless jerk baits have all been effective. For fly anglers, shrimp and crab patterns are producing solid eats.
Speckled trout fishing has also been steady, especially along deeper grass flats and drop-offs. Look for trout staging in 3–5 feet of water during cooler mornings and sliding shallow as temperatures warm. Suspending twitch baits and soft plastics under popping corks have been consistent producers.
Black drum are mixed in along bars and muddy shorelines, particularly on moving tides. Fresh shrimp remains the go-to bait for anglers targeting drum and slot redfish.
For those searching “Mosquito Lagoon redfish report” or “inshore fishing near Orlando Florida,” conditions are favorable heading into spring. Light winds and warming trends are improving bait movement, and mullet schools are becoming more active throughout the lagoon system.
Fishing Outlook for Central Florida
With warming water temperatures, longer daylight hours, and stable weather, both Orlando bass fishing and Mosquito Lagoon inshore fishing are entering prime time. Expect the bass spawn to intensify over the next few weeks, while redfish and trout activity continues to improve across the flats.
Whether you’re chasing trophy largemouth in Orlando’s lakes or sight-casting redfish in Mosquito Lagoon, late winter fishing in Central Florida is delivering strong opportunities right now.
Give me a call and let’s go fishing!
Tight lines,
Capt. Jonathan Moss
Go Castaway Fishing Charters
407-760-8593
www.gocastaway.com