Fly Fishing Near Orlando Florida

While Orlando and Central Florida may not be a well known fly fishing destination to many, it is certainly popular with those in the know. One advantage we have here is you can fly fish all year round due to our sub-tropical climate. There are fly fishing opportunities in both fresh and salt water in and around Orlando. Many of the inshore saltwater species are non-migratory meaning you can catch them no matter when you come to visit. If you are making your first fly fising trip, be sure to watch my video on Preparing for your Saltwater Fly Fishing Trip

The Mosquito Lagoon offers the closest and best saltwater fly fishing near Orlando. The main species we target are redfish(red drum), seatrout, snook, tarpon, and black drum. These fish are found on shallow flats normally less than two feet deep. Almost all the fly fishing we do here is sight fishing where you are casting to fish you can see from the bow of the boat. These fish are commonly caught using flyrods ranging between 5 and 10 weight with floating lines depending on the wind and size of the fish. Want to get an idea of what to expect on your fly fishing trip? Watch this video of a client Saltwater fly fishing near Orlando

Other species found in Mosquito Lagoon include the black drum, which are closely related to the redfish, and the spotted seatrout. In the summer and fall, there are chances to catch tarpon and snook. When you book a saltwater fly fishing trip with Capt. Chris, you may bring your own equipment or use top quality flyrods and reels supplied by him. Casting is key and will be far more important than the type of fly being used.

Typical casts are 30-50ft at fish which may be moving or stationary. Single fish may be much closer and large groups may be a bit farther. Speed is an important factor and we usually only have time for 2 or 3 back casts. See my video on my Top Fly Fishing Charter Tips to get a better idea of the casting skills needed.

Freshwater Fly Fishing Opportunities

The St. John's River offers freshwater fly fishing for bass, crappie, and a variety of panfish. In the winter months, fly fishing anglers flock to the central Florida area to catch American Shad. These hard fighting fish travel up the river in a mass migration spawning run. When the fishing is hot, catches of over twenty shad per day are common. This fly fishing can be done by novice and beginner anglers that may not have the skill to catch the saltwater species. See my video on catching shad in the St. John's River.

Nearly every pond in and around Orlando will hold bass and panfish as well. Topwater flies, both large and small, are good early and late in the day. A 3 or 5wt rod is sufficient for any of these fish.