Humbled at Istokpoga (trip report)

[SRQAlex]

This was my first trip to Istokpoga and also the largest lake I have ever fished on. 
 

Day 1: After the 2 hour drive to Lorida, Florida Ian and I arrived at Trails End Fish Camp. We were greeted by the camp host (who’s name is escaping me )who was as laid back as grandpas La-Z Boy. We checked into the room which was as simple as walking up to her and saying “we were here for cabin 3” she replied “ok you’re checked in, keys are hanging inside the door”

 

We launched my 1980 bass tracker II and hit the water. The water was low and hot, about two feet in most areas and about 90 degrees.  I was taken back by the size of the lake, it seemed to go on forever compared to the little lakes I normally fish. We weren’t able to find any fish on day one but were successful in dropping one of my combos out of the boat which was never found. 
 

Day 2: Up at 5:00 and on the water by 6:00 we spent the morning fishing grass edges with frogs and buzzbaits with no luck. Once it started getting hot we made a quick run back to the cabin where I made homemade biscuits and gravy and hid from the sun for a few hours. We got back on the water around 4:00PM  and I was able to catch one small 2 pound fish later that evening on a 7” black worm. We headed back to the cabin around 8:00PM to enjoy some cold beer and steaks. 
 

Day 3: We decided to sleep in a little later and got up around 6:30. Jimmie and Tim left early to go home and Ian and I decided to stay for the morning to try to get on some fish. We made a 4 mile run to some of the most beautiful cypress fields I have ever seen and flipped black and blue jigs at them for a while. I missed one fish and decided to move to another spot in the cypress fields. FINALLY I was able to hook into a healthy little bass on a black and blue bladed jig In a lily patch near some cypress trees. We worked hard to try to put a pattern together but just we’re not able to figure it out. It was a humbling trip for sure but a trip with great friends and cold brews is never a bad trip. ✌️ 

[roadwarrior]

[GaryH]

Not a lot of fish but a lot of fun.. ?

[PressuredFishing]

On 7/19/2021 at 6:28 AM, SRQAlex said:

This was my first trip to Istokpoga and also the largest lake I have ever fished on. 
 

Day 1: After the 2 hour drive to Lorida, Florida Ian and I arrived at Trails End Fish Camp. We were greeted by the camp host (who’s name is escaping me )who was as laid back as grandpas La-Z Boy. We checked into the room which was as simple as walking up to her and saying “we were here for cabin 3” she replied “ok you’re checked in, keys are hanging inside the door”

 

We launched my 1980 bass tracker II and hit the water. The water was low and hot, about two feet in most areas and about 90 degrees.  I was taken back by the size of the lake, it seemed to go on forever compared to the little lakes I normally fish. We weren’t able to find any fish on day one but were successful in dropping one of my combos out of the boat which was never found. 
 

Day 2: Up at 5:00 and on the water by 6:00 we spent the morning fishing grass edges with frogs and buzzbaits with no luck. Once it started getting hot we made a quick run back to the cabin where I made homemade biscuits and gravy and hid from the sun for a few hours. We got back on the water around 4:00PM  and I was able to catch one small 2 pound fish later that evening on a 7” black worm. We headed back to the cabin around 8:00PM to enjoy some cold beer and steaks. 
 

Day 3: We decided to sleep in a little later and got up around 6:30. Jimmie and Tim left early to go home and Ian and I decided to stay for the morning to try to get on some fish. We made a 4 mile run to some of the most beautiful cypress fields I have ever seen and flipped black and blue jigs at them for a while. I missed one fish and decided to move to another spot in the cypress fields. FINALLY I was able to hook into a healthy little bass on a black and blue bladed jig In a lily patch near some cypress trees. We worked hard to try to put a pattern together but just we’re not able to figure it out. It was a humbling trip for sure but a trip with great friends and cold brews is never a bad trip. ✌️ 

fishing new fisheries or fisheries i have not known well can be tough, expecially for me. Id say dont beat yourself up on the first 5 trips because you really know nothing about the fish and how they act if its a new lake, or one you dont fish much. took me a year and around 40 trips to finally really dial in my local fishery.

[bigbassin']

There are some good fish in there but it can be tough from what I’ve always heard.

 

I’ve only tried Istokpoga once. Didn’t get a bite in 10 hours of fishing.

[Captain Phil]

I haven't fished Istokpoga in many years, so this information is far from current.  As I remember, there are two islands in the middle of the lake.  One is a reed island and the other is land.  The land island is the best place to fish.  The water levels in this lake tend to fluctuate making shoreline fishy iffy.  There are some big fish in Istokpoga.  

[Mike L]

Sorry you had a tough day. 
Istokpoga can be like that some days especially during the heat of summer. 
It is and has been one of my favorite lakes it just takes time to figure it out. 
The island in the middle (Bumble Bee) that @Captain Phil mentioned 

is surrounded by reeds and indentations filled with pads. 
The channel between it and the smaller island is best in the fall and winter. 
 

The south end of the lake is the deepest part averages about 8-10 with deeper holes. 
If you go back, pick apart the knees of the Cypress trees on the South end (If you see cows wading in there just leave) and fish your way around starting at the marina. 

Arbuckle and Josephine Creek on the North can be great if you hit right. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

[DINK WHISPERER]

I live 5 min from Istokpoga and fish it regularly. The islands and areas where bullrush and pads combine are you best bets. If you don't have a flipping stick in your hand here during these dog days you're doomed! The fish push back DEEP into the reeds during this heat. I always have at least a 1oz punch rig tied on an 8ft meat stick. My 11lb 1oz PB came from this lake along with many over 10lb. Better luck next time buddy. 

 

[genericname]

The lake has been sprayed by the corrupt FWC and the fishing is bogus. Talk with guys who aren't guides who live on the lake and they will tell you the truth. The guides give you B.S. answers because it is their livelihood to do so. Can't blame them I guess. The FWC decided to spray poison into most Highlands county lakes to kill all of the weeds. Adios fish. Zillions of baitfish lose their nursery and the water becomes a mud and muck bowl. Thanks FWC. 

[John Haggerty]

Trails End is a nice fish camp.  There are big fish there, just takes a lot of work.