You’ve probably heard of Lake Tohopekaliga. Most people just call it "Lake Toho" and think of the massive, grass-filled lunker factory in Kissimmee where professional bass tournaments are won with record-breaking bags. But there’s a circular sister lake just to the northeast that locals usually keep to themselves. It’s called East Lake Toho (officially East Lake Tohopekaliga), and honestly, it’s a completely different world. While the big lake is often stained and shallow, East Lake is remarkably clear. It’s fed by groundwater and stays surprisingly clean, even when the rest of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes is looking a bit murky.
If you’re driving down Boggy Creek Road or heading toward St. Cloud, you might just see a glimmer of blue through the cypress trees. That’s it. That’s the spot.
The Clear Water Mystery of East Lake Toho
Most Florida lakes are "tannic." That means they look like iced tea because of the decaying organic matter and cypress needles. East Lake Toho is an outlier. Because it’s almost perfectly circular—roughly five miles across—it doesn't have the same flow-through issues as the more river-like parts of the Everglades headwaters. The sandy bottom is visible in places you wouldn’t expect. This clarity changes how you fish, how you boat, and how the entire ecosystem functions.
It’s about 12,000 acres of water. That sounds big, but compared to the 22,700 acres of its western neighbor, it feels manageable. You can actually see across it. On a calm morning, the reflection of the clouds is so perfect it’s disorienting. You’ll see airboats, sure, but you also see sailboats and paddleboarders, which is a rare sight on the main Lake Toho.
Why the shape matters
The lake is a nearly perfect "pan" shape. Geologists and hydrologists often point to these circular lakes in Florida as evidence of ancient sinkhole formations or solution basins. Because it’s so round, the wind can really whip up some waves. There’s nowhere for the wind to hide. If the forecast says 15 mph winds from the North, you’re going to have a bumpy ride at Chisholm Park.
Fishing East Lake: It’s Not Just for Bass
If you talk to a guy like Professional Angler Shaw Grigsby or any of the local guides who have spent thirty years on these waters, they’ll tell you that East Lake Toho is a different beast. In the main lake, you’re flipping heavy mats of hydrilla. In East Lake, the water clarity means the fish can see you from a mile away. You have to be stealthy.
The Shell Bars
There are these submerged shell bars scattered throughout the lake. They aren't always easy to find on a standard depth finder if you don't know what you're looking for. These bars are magnets for Black Crappie (which locals call speckled perch or just "specks"). During the winter months, specifically January through March, the speck fishing here is legendary. People line up at the crack of dawn to drop minnows or jigs around these hard-bottom areas.
- Bass love the reeds here.
- The "Outer Grass Line" is where the monsters hide.
- Panfish are everywhere near the docks.
Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker) also dominate the sandy flats. If you have a kid who wants to catch their first fish, honestly, just find a dock with some structure and drop a piece of worm. It’s almost a guarantee.
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Chisholm Park and the Public Access Reality
Let's talk about getting on the water. You have a few main options, but Chisholm Park is the big one. It’s located on the crystalline shores of the lake and offers a beach area—yes, an actual lake beach with sand. It’s a popular spot for families, but you’ve got to be careful about the local residents.
And by residents, I mean the alligators.
This is Florida. There are gators in East Lake Toho. Many of them. Usually, they want nothing to do with you, but during mating season or when they’re basking on the banks near the Chisholm Park trails, you need to give them space. Don't be the person trying to get a selfie with a six-foot bull gator. It won't end well for your social media feed or your limbs.
St. Cloud Lakefront Park
On the south side of the lake, the City of St. Cloud has done an incredible job with the lakefront. There’s a massive walking path, a splash pad, and a marina. It’s one of the few places in Central Florida where the lakefront feels like a community hub rather than just a place to launch a boat. If you’re not into fishing, go there at sunset. The sky turns colors you didn't know existed, reflecting off that wide, circular expanse of water.
The Ecological Stakes: Hydrilla and Water Levels
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) keeps a very tight grip on the water levels of East Lake Toho. It’s part of the "Kissimmee Chain," which eventually flows into Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. Sometimes, they’ll do a "drawdown."
A drawdown is basically when they lower the water levels significantly to allow the bottom muck to dry out and harden. This is vital for the health of the lake. When the muck dries, it allows native plants like bulrush and pondweed to take root. Without these drawdowns, the lake would just become a giant bowl of soft mud and invasive hydrilla.
The Hydrilla Battle
Hydrilla is an invasive plant from Asia that grows incredibly fast. It can clog boat props and choke out native vegetation. However, bass love it. It creates a "canopy" where they can hide and ambush prey. This creates a constant tug-of-war between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), who want to spray and kill the hydrilla, and the anglers, who want it left alone. Currently, the management involves a mix of mechanical harvesting and targeted herbicide treatments.
Where to Stay and Eat Near the Water
If you’re visiting from out of town, don't stay in the tourist traps of International Drive. You’ll be an hour away from the lake. Look for rentals in St. Cloud or the Lake Nona area. Lake Nona is the "Medical City" just north of East Lake, and it has some of the best high-end food in the region.
- Crabby Bill’s: Right on the St. Cloud lakefront. It’s not fancy, but the seafood is solid and the view of the marina is unbeatable.
- The Catfish Place: A bit further into St. Cloud. It’s an institution. If you want real Florida cracker-style food (fried catfish, hushpuppies, sweet tea), this is the place.
- Canvas Restaurant & Market: Located in nearby Lake Nona. It’s modern, has great coffee, and overlooks a different (smaller) lake, but it's the perfect stop after a morning on East Toho.
The "Secret" Wildlife: Snail Kites and Eagles
East Lake Toho is a critical habitat for the Everglade Snail Kite. This is an endangered bird of prey that eats almost nothing but apple snails. Because of the lake's water quality and the abundance of snails, you’ll often see these birds hovering over the marshy edges. They have a very distinct, deeply hooked beak.
Bald Eagles are also frequent flyers here. There are several nests around the perimeter of the lake, particularly in the tall cypress trees that haven't been cleared for housing developments. If you bring binoculars, you’re almost guaranteed to see a massive nest if you scan the treeline near the Narcoossee side of the lake.
Misconceptions About the Lake
People often think East Lake Toho and "Big" Toho are connected by a wide, easy-to-navigate river. They aren't. They are connected by the C-31 canal (St. Cloud Canal). It’s a narrow, man-made cut. You can’t just zoom through it; there are locks involved. The S-59 lock structure manages the movement of water and boats between the two.
Also, don't assume the water is safe for swimming just because it's clear. While people do swim at Chisholm Park, always check for FWC advisories regarding algae blooms. Blue-green algae can pop up in the heat of a Florida summer, and it’s nasty stuff.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head out to East Lake Toho, here is exactly how to handle it so you don't waste time.
Check the Wind First
Because the lake is a circle, wind is your biggest enemy. If the wind is over 12 mph, the middle of the lake will be "whitecapping." This makes for a miserable day in a small boat. Use an app like Windy or FishAngler to check the specific gusts for St. Cloud, FL.
Gear Up Locally
Don't buy your tackle at a big-box store in Orlando. Go to a local shop like Big Toho Bait & Tackle. Even though they are closer to the big lake, they have the "skinny" on what’s biting in East Lake. They’ll tell you if the specks are hitting jigs or if you need to buy three dozen live shiners for the bass.
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Respect the No-Wake Zones
The canals and certain areas near the marinas are strictly enforced no-wake zones. The Florida Fish and Wildlife officers frequently patrol East Lake. They aren't just looking for speeding; they are checking for life jackets and fishing licenses. Make sure your paperwork is in order before you launch.
Launch Locations
- Chisholm Park: Best for those on the north side (near the airport/Lake Nona).
- St. Cloud Marina: Best for larger boats and those wanting a nice meal after the trip.
- East Lake Fish Camp: A classic, old-school Florida spot. It feels like stepping back into the 1970s. They have a ramp, a small store, and plenty of local advice.
East Lake Toho represents a slice of "Old Florida" that is rapidly disappearing as Kissimmee and St. Cloud grow. The houses are getting bigger and the orange groves are turning into subdivisions, but the lake remains. Whether you're there to hook a ten-pound bass or just to watch the sunset from a kayak, it’s one of the most consistent, beautiful bodies of water in the state. Just keep an eye out for the gators, and keep your lines tight.