The Clermont Chain of Lakes are centered in Clermont, Florida. The chain is fed primarily by streams and groundwater flow and they make up the middle part of the Palatlakaha River watershed, which then forms the headwaters of the Ocklawaha River.
This chain of lakes totals more than 8,600 acres with 11 lakes and a couple of boat ramps to make it easy to get access to the water. Most of the water will be tea-colored with the exception of Lake Minneola, which is relatively clear compared to most of the lakes in the Central Florida area. The three largest lakes make up the main part of the chain. These lakes are Louisa, Minnehaha and Minneola.
Largemouth bass are the big attraction here for most anglers with good numbers of 2 to 4 pound bass and fish in the 5 to 7 pound range being fairly common. Bass up to and above 10 pounds are available here as well. Bluegill and other sunfish are here as well to go along with catfish and crappie.
Lake Louisa
Louisa the largest lake at more than 3,600 acres. It is shallow and flat-bottomed. It has Lake Louisa State Park on its southern shore. The rest of the lake is developed with homes. The water is very dark and many of the bass will be as well. You can get away with heavier line here due to the murky water.
Lake Minnehaha
There is a short river that connects Lake Susan to Lake Minnehaha, which is the 2nd largest lake in the chain. This lake covers more than 2,000 acres and it is really developed, so plan on seeing plenty of activity on the lake such as boaters and anglers. Lake Minnehaha provides good bass fishing, but these bass do see a lot of lures, so the bite can be tough at times. Anglers get away with heavier line here due to the murky water. There is a lot of good shallow water to fish around cover throughout the lake.
Lake Minneola
Lake Minneola is the 3rd largest lake in the chain and has the deepest water with good amounts of water over 15 feet deep. This lake is the most developed lake in the chain with downtown Clermont and Minneola along its south and eastern shores. This lake has good bass fishing and clearer water than the other big lakes in the chain.
Smaller Lakes
There are number of smaller lakes that also provide some good bass fishing if you’re looking to fish some smaller lakes while visiting here. Anglers do catch some quality bass in the smaller lakes, but the larger lakes are definitely where most of the better quality fish are caught on this chain.
