ICAST Cup on Big Toho This Week; Water Shortage Extended Through October

Major League Fishing runs the 2026 ICAST Cup out of Big Toho Marina and Kissimmee Lakefront Park on July 14. Day 1 launches at 6:30 AM ET from 69 Lakeview Drive.

On the Water

Orlando Bass Guide reported morning charters on Lake Tohopekaliga averaging 15 to 25 bass. A 9-pound-11-ounce fish and a 7-pounder came off Toho in recent weeks.

Coming Up

ICAST Cup 2026 — Lake Tohopekaliga, July 14 The field launches from Big Toho Marina and Kissimmee Lakefront Park at 6:30 AM ET.

Worth Knowing

SWFWMD extends extreme water shortage through October 1 The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted to extend its Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage through October 1, 2026, citing ongoing drought across the region. The restriction holds all residents in the district — including those on private wells — to one-day-per-week watering schedules. Polk County lakes fall inside that footprint.

Blue-green algae on Lake Okeechobee The Florida Department of Health issued a toxic algae health alert July 10 for Lake Okeechobee on the west side of Port Mayaca, following a July 8 detection at the PALMOUT3 site. Health officials say not to swim, wade, run personal watercraft, or contact water where a bloom is visible. Okeechobee heads the Kissimmee River corridor. Check current DOH alert locations before running the big lake.