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Lake Istokpoga, Florida, USA

Lake Istokpoga, located in Highlands County, is Florida’s fifth largest lake and stretches out over 27,692 Florida acres. With a maximum length of 10 miles and a maximum width of 5 miles, the lake provides many nooks and crannies for exploration. The lake’s name, Istokpoga, derives from the Seminole Indians, translated as “our people died there”, after a group of Seminoles lost their lives crossing the lake….
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    • All About Lake Istokpoga, FL

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Florida - South Florida -

    Lake Istokpoga, located in Highlands County, is Florida’s fifth largest lake and stretches out over 27,692 Florida acres. With a maximum length of 10 miles and a maximum width of 5 miles, the lake provides many nooks and crannies for exploration. The lake’s name, Istokpoga, derives from the Seminole Indians, translated as “our people died there”, after a group of Seminoles lost their lives crossing the lake.

    Historically, water levels on Lake Istokpoga fluctuated seven feet with periodic flooding. Construction of two canals by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has regulated water levels for flood control and water storage since 1961. The Lake Istokpoga canal flows to the Kissimmee River. The S-68 canal flows to the Kissimmee River and to Lake Okeechobee through a series of locks. The South Florida Water Management District schedules water releases and withdrawals from the lake and canals.

    Water levels on Lake Istokpoga now fluctuate only about two feet. Agricultural, commercial, and residential development followed after flooding along the lake’s shoreline was controlled by the canals. However, stabilized water levels and nutrient enrichment from agricultural runoff led to a proliferation of non-native aquatic plants. The Lake Istokpoga Restoration project in 2000 drew down the lake’s water to clear its shoreline of excessive sediment and floating vegetation (tussocks) to reestablish fish habitat.

    Though Lake Istokpoga is large, its average depth is only four feet with a maximum depth of 10 feet. Boaters must be cautious, therefore, usually electing bass, pontoon, or air boats as their pleasure vehicle of choice. But don’t think that the shallow depths make for less boating; indeed, boating is one of the most popular activities on Lake Istokpoga. Several public boat ramps are scattered around the lake.

    Lake Istokpoga is teeming with black crappie, sunfish, bluegill and largemouth bass. It boasts one of the highest catch rates for largemouth bass in the entire state. The shallowness of the lake lends itself nicely to creating ideal environments for fish: spadderdock, bulrush, cattail, and pondweed grow prolifically, creating the perfect hiding places and homes for the lake’s many fish. So stop by a local bait shop and ask local anglers for some advice before heading out to catch your next meal. Fish camps around the lake offer camp sites with hookups, cabin rentals, and fishing trips.

    Sightseeing is a must at Lake Istokpoga, as the Florida vegetation and wildlife are unique to non-residents. Osprey swoop gracefully across the lake, searching for food before returning home to their large nests, where they dutifully stand guard protecting their young. Snowy egrets paint the lake’s shores, a pure white so clean that you have to see it to believe it. Bald eagles glide through the sky, magnificent and grandiose in their beauty. And one of the lake’s signature animals, the wild alligators, lie along the shores and in the water, lazily eyeing their surroundings. Nature photographers go wild here, but even if your hobby doesn’t include a camera, Lake Istokpoga is sure to wow your eyes as you drink in the beauty of nature around you.

    Lake Istokpoga Park is a 38-acre county park on the north shore that provides a boat launch, boardwalk, and beautiful views of the lake. Yellow flowers of the native American lotus wildflower float on the lake’s surface. Live oaks and cypress trees provide habitat for migrant and wintering birds.

    After a day of sightseeing, relax with a delicious dinner and a glass of wine, enjoying one of the signature pink and purple sunsets that define Lake Istokpoga.

    Things to Do at Lake Istokpoga

    These are some activities in the Lake Istokpoga, FL area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Camping
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Istokpoga?

    Lake Istokpoga has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Black Crappie
    • Bluegill
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Sunfish
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Istokpoga

    If you’re considering a Lake Istokpoga lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Istokpoga Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Istokpoga lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Istokpoga Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Water Level Control: South Florida Water Management District

    Surface Area: 27,692 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 39 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 35 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 42 feet

    Average Depth: 4 feet

    Maximum Depth: 10 feet

    Completion Year: 1961

    Drainage Area: 607 sq. miles

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    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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