Lake with purple sky

Lake Istokpoga Vacation Rentals

Lake Istokpoga, Florida, United States
27.367° N, -81.2833° W
Show on map
Lake Istokpoga
Show on map
pencil

Information not accurate?

Help us improve by making a suggestion.

Spanning 27,692 acres, Lake Istokpoga is Florida’s fifth-largest lake and a bass fishing mecca. Located just south of Sebring, it’s shallow (averaging 4–6 feet) but teeming with aquatic vegetation and submerged timber that make for ideal largemouth bass habitat. Anglers also target shellcracker and black crappie, especially in spring. Several public ramps—including Windy Point Boat Ramp—serve boaters, while nearby parks like Istokpoga Park offer trails and observation decks for wildlife viewing. Bald eagles and osprey are frequently sighted overhead.

Surface area (mi)
67.3
Max depth (ft)
10.01
Elevation (ft)
37.4
Shoreline length (mi)
54.62
Best time to go
Visit Lake Istokpoga from November to March to bask in the mild sunshine and enjoy pristine waters. Revel in the tranquility as you kayak through shimmering reflections, delight in splendid fishing, and savor nature's symphony, all while avoiding the summer throngs.
Water Quality
Lake Istokpoga's water is typically murky or cloudy due to its shallow depth and abundant aquatic vegetation. The water color is often described as tannin-stained or tea-colored, resulting in a silty or hazy appearance.

Ideal for

  • Family friendly:
  • Pet friendly:
  • Romantic getaways:

Popular activities

  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Boating
pencil

Information not accurate?

Help us improve by making a suggestion.

Nearby lakes

Where to stay

Haus in Davenport mit privatem Pool und Blick auf das Naturschutzgebiet
Haus in Davenport mit privatem Pool und Blick auf das Naturschutzgebiet
Davenport, Orlando, USA
$1,082 night
House
Haus in Davenport mit privatem Pool und Blick auf das Naturschutzgebiet
Davenport, Orlando, United States of America
$310 night
Kitchen / Dining Room
Nur wenige Minuten von Disney Pool, Spa und Seeblick
Kissimmee, Orlando, United States of America
$303 night
Pool Outdoor
3-Schlafzimmer-Ferienhaus mit tollem Außenbereich
Kissimmee, Orlando, United States of America
$188 night
Große, luxuriöse Ferienvilla mit Pool und Spieleraum, in ruhiger Umgebung in de
Große, luxuriöse Ferienvilla mit Pool und Spieleraum, in ruhiger Umgebung in de
Davenport, Orlando, United States of America
$263 night
Haus in Davenport mit großem Pool und Blick auf das Naturschutzgebiet
Haus in Davenport mit großem Pool und Blick auf das Naturschutzgebiet
Davenport, Orlando, USA
$1,274 night
Abgelegene Villa mit Pool und Spa - der perfekte Familienausflug
Abgelegene Villa mit Pool und Spa - der perfekte Familienausflug
Kissimmee, Orlando, USA
$915 night
in Davenport mit Pool in Südlage und herrlicher Aussicht
in Davenport mit Pool in Südlage und herrlicher Aussicht
Davenport, Orlando, USA
$1,202 night

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Lake Istokpoga has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, it is not always safe to swim in Lake Istokpoga. Health officials have issued alerts for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in the lake, and water quality can vary due to high levels of nutrients and other contaminants.

  • Lake Istokpoga is a popular destination because of its excellent fishing, particularly for black crappie and bass. The lake’s large size, nearly 28,000 acres, and its scenic sunsets also attract many visitors. Its shallow waters and various recreational activities make it a favorite among anglers and boaters.

  • In Lake Istokpoga, Florida, the daily bag limit for black bass is three fish per day, with only one of the three fish allowed to be greater than 24 inches. For other species, there is no bag limit for channel catfish, and panfish have specific release requirements. Bluegill and redear sunfish less than 8 inches must be released immediately.

  • There is no public beach at Lake Istokpoga. The lake has public boat ramps and parks, but it does not have designated public beaches. It is known for its fishing and nature trails instead.

  • Towns near Lake Istokpoga include Sebring, Lake Placid, and Lorida. These towns are located in Highlands County, Florida, where the lake is also situated. Sebring and Lake Placid are particularly close, with Sebring being a major nearby city.