Tsala Apopka Lake 
Inverness, Florida

Lake Tsala Apopka is a 19,000-acre natural resource in Citrus County. Shallow, heavily vegetated marshes intermingled with open water pools compose the majority of the lake. Floral City Pool, Inverness Pool, and Hernando Pool are the main segments of the lake which are separated by natural features and water control structures.

Since Tsala Apopka is the largest freshwater resource in Citrus County, efforts have been made to improve recreational opportunities, while providing land for residential development. Constructing canals, impounding the Withlacoochee River and installing water control structures were considered necessary to accomplish some of these goals.

 Tsala Apopka is an Indian name meaning "many waters," and there are about 50 small lakes in the "chain," many unnamed. Tsala Apopka is a natural lake chain, with only a few man-made boat trails and canals. There are dozens of islands, hundreds of miles of productive shorelines and many "finger lakes" that wind for miles. 

 
Click HERE for map.

Situated 10 minutes south of the Florida Turnpike's northern gate at Wildwood and five minutes east of I-75 via State Road 44, Inverness has retained its old-Florida charm by preserving and protecting acres of natural scenery first appreciated by the Florida Crackers. Crackers" is the term given to the town's early inhabitants whose nature-loving lifestyle revolved around fishing on the lake beneath towering the cypress and moss-covered oak trees that line the banks, and gathering with friends to play, sing, eat and swap tales on wooden front porches. 

For modern-day Crackers interested in aquatic pursuits, boat access ramps are provided at area camping and RV facilities such as the Cove Campground off Highway 44 or one of the waterfront fish camps. Boat rentals, airboat tours and fishing charters are also available. 

Not only is Inverness attractive to the tourist looking for an alternative to the crowds and noise that accompanies major Florida attractions, but also to many individuals seeking a safe haven to retire or raise a family. For more information about Inverness, contact the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce at 352-726-2801 or stop by the office located in the downtown area at 208 West Main Street, Inverness, FL 34450-4807.

Point O'Woods Golf Club
352-726-3113, 174 S Golf Harbor Path, Inverness, FL 34450-1950

Inverness Golf & Country Club
352-637-0026, 3150 S Country Club Dr, Inverness, FL 34450-6964

At 19,000-acres, the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes, near Inverness, is one of the largest, most productive big bass waters in Florida. Tsala Apopka anglers also have access to the fish-filled Withlacoochee River, which connects to the southern end of the chain. There are more than 30 square miles of open fishing water, and not much lake-side development. 

For about five years Tsala Apopka had very low water, but levels have been back to normal for several years. This natural "draw down" has rejuvenated the lakes, and made for outstanding big bass fishing. Lakes average 12- to 15- feet deep, with holes to 25 feet. The lakes have a slight "tea" color, and hard sand bottoms. There also is much vegetation for fertility and abundant fish forage. Many bass in the 3- to 6-pound range are available, and the lake record is a hefty 15-pound, 3-ouncer. In summer, good bass fishing can be found in 5- to 7-feet of water off points where there's vegetation. Flipping with jigs and plastic worms works well in weed beds during bright, summer weather. Some lakes have hydrilla weeds and good catches of bass are made near their edges. Top bass action also can be found in canals, and in deep, mid-lake spring holes.

Happy's Bait & Tackle
352-726-2281, 411 US Highway 41 S, Inverness, FL

Turner Fish Camp
352-726-0085, 3033 N Hooty Pt, Inverness, FL

Sleepy Hollow Fishing Lodge
352-726-3242, 10333 E Gobbler Dr, Floral City, FL

Watson's Fish Camp
352-726-2225, 4195 E Parsons Point Rd, Hernando, FL

Hernando Bait & Tackle
352-637-3722, 3045 N Aquaview Ter, Hernando, FL

Blue Sky Bait & Bass Guide Service
352-637-4608, 2913 State Road 200, Hernando, FL

Dave's Mobile Marine Service
352-344-4369, 8728 E Aquarius Dr, Inverness, FL 34450-2745

Wild Bill's Airboat Tours
352-726-6060, 12430 E Gulf To Lake Hwy, Inverness, FL 34450-3126

Vickers Fiberglass Boat Works
352-726-3661, 7229 S Florida Ave, Floral City, FL

Adams Marina & RV Park
352-793-6633, 1410 NW 21st Ln, Lake Panasoffkee, FL

Ozello Boat Works
352-746-5504, 4288 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL

Nobleton Canoe Rental
352-796-7176, 29196 Lake Lindsey Rd, Nobleton, FL

Nature Coast Charters
352-746-9067, 4865 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL

The Lake House Bed and Breakfast
8604 E Gospel Island Road, Inverness, FL (352)344 3586
lakehouse@hitter.net

Cove Campground
352-344-5894, 1242 S Cove Camp Pt, Inverness, FL 34450-5272

Riverside Lodge
352-726-2002, 12561 E Gulf To Lake Hwy, Inverness, FL 34450-3147

Mc Gregor Smith Scout Reservation
352-726-1745, 12650 E Boy Scout Rd, Inverness, FL 34450-5641

Riverwoods Campground
352-748-4519, 6712 W State Road 44, Lake Panasoffkee, FL