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Winter Haven Chain of Lakes

Winter Haven Chain ★★★★★ 5 11 reviews
5 1

About the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes

Winter Haven Chain of LakesWinter Haven Chain of Lakes has officially adopted the slogan “The Chain of Lakes City.” Widely recognized as the world’s water skiing capital, Winter Haven’s “Chain of Lakes” is a boater’s paradise. It has a unique series of 16 lakes connected by navigable canals, situated 146 feet above sea level. Its city limits touch or surround more than 30 lakes. Polk County’s 2,002 square miles include 554 freshwater lakes.

The Lakes Management District manages our canals and public access to the Winter Haven Chain of lakes. In late 2006 a new lock structure will open to the public on the Lake Hartridge/Lake Idylwild canal. The simple gateway will connect the southern Chain of Lakes to the nine-lake northern chain.

Public boat ramps are available in many places along lakeshores, some in conjunction with beaches, fishing piers, recreational facilities, and picnic grounds. Lake Shipp Park, an 18-acre city park, has a boat ramp and picnic tables. Lake Cannon Park features picnic and launches facilities as well.

Water skiing is both a sport and a business in Winter Haven and is seen on many lakes. World champion barefoot skier Ron Scarpa operates a barefoot skiing school on the chain.

Fishing on the Winter Haven Chain

(Polk County): Located within the city of Winter Haven, nine lakes compose this 6000-acre chain where fishing and boating are prevalent. Boat and shore access to the South Chain are available at Lakes Summit, Shipp, Howard, Cannon, and Hartridge. Access the North Chain through lakes, Conine, Rochelle, and Haines. Public boat ramps are available in many places along lakeshores, some in conjunction with beaches, fishing piers, recreational facilities, and picnic grounds. Lake Shipp Park, an 18-acre city park, has a boat ramp and picnic tables.

Lake Cannon Park features picnic and launches facilities as well. Winter Haven Chain has officially adopted the slogan, “The Chain of Lakes City.” Winter Haven’s “Chain of Lakes” is a boater’s paradise recognized as the world’s water skiing capital. The famous chain is a unique series of 16 lakes connected by navigable canals.

Recently Fished, the Winter Haven chain of lakes was the largest Ranger bass tournament ever held. You can catch big fish and fish where big fish are! Central Florida is prime water for the elusive trophy largemouth bass. Many catch in the 10-pound range frequently each year. Join us for the trip of a lifetime. You have earned it!

Choosing a Winter Haven Fishing Guide

Our fishing guides are hand-picked from the best in the area, so you don’t have to. They have fished these Central Florida waters for no less than 20 years. With time, our team has developed their skills and experience to provide you with that fishing trip of a lifetime. To ensure your safety and provide a memorable trip, all of our guides are insured and US Coast Guard licensed captains.

Not only will you fish with a Winter Haven Chain of Lakes professional guide, but all of our trips include fully equipped Bass boats, fuel, and tackle. Everything you’ve been waiting for on your next trip. The only thing you will need to have is a Florida fishing license, which covers you for all the other significant local areas like LakelandKissimmeeBartow, Lake Alfred, and Lake Wales.

Interested in Bigger Trips?

Corporate trips are welcome and very common for us because of our size. We can accommodate your fishing needs from one to a hundred. We also can offer everything from breakfast and box lunches to a southern BBQ to end the day.

Winter Haven Chain Fishing looks for schooling largemouth bass. Soft plastic lures in Junebug and red shad colors will produce bass around shoreline vegetation. Use live wild shiners for the best chance at some big bass over submerged vegetation. Bluegill (bream) and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) fishing will slow as spawning congregations disperse. Use crickets and red wigglers fished under a cork for bluegill and shellcracker, respectively. Black Crappie (specks) fishing should improve as the water temperatures are cold in the fall. You can find catfish in the deeper holes in the lake. Use chicken liver, commercial stink baits, and frozen shrimp on the bottom or under a cork.

Attractions to the area other than fishing?

One of the most significant benefits to fishing this Winter Haven Chain of lakes is its location just minutes from LegolandCypress Gardens, Disney World, and Universal Studios.

Reserve a Fishing Trip

Winter Haven Chain Reviews

Large Mouth Bass

Winter Haven Chain
★★★★★
Outstanding review of fishing fresh water. I particularly like the step by step instructions on baiting your hooks for the optimum presentation.. Thanks..!!
- Bass Online

Winter Haven Fishing

Winter Haven Chain
★★★★★
Thanks for the experience we all caught fish and had a great time!
- Weston Hewitt

Very good person

Winter Haven Chain
★★★★★
This guy definitely knows his way around the lakes! We caught 40 fish, all above 2lbs. A great guide and most importantly a great person. Very nice person. Definitely recommend Bill if you are looking for a guide.
- Dysonn Clair

Great fishing great guide!

Winter Haven Chain
★★★★★
Capt. Bill was awesome! We stopped just to get acclimated and fished the same spot for 4 hours and caught 45-50 fish. Many 3-5 pounds. Bill’s kind and gives great instructions. We will return and fish with him again.
- Craig Beisker

Winter Haven Chain
★★★★★
2 of us booked on with captain Bill and we had a unbelievable time !! Between us we caught 21 bass biggest being 5lb10oz in just 4 hours! This man knows his stuff and he is a great bloke. Would recommend getting the live bait too and he knows how much you need. Get yourself booked in with Captain Bill ! Will remember that trip for a lifetime and hopefully will get to Come back and do It again !!
- Ryan akehurst

Best fishing experience I have ever had.

Winter Haven Chain
★★★★★
Bill is simply amazing. He is a master at his craft. We caught 40 bass on our trip and both my son and his friend got their PB’s. Bill spends the time to coach you in a way that maximizes your time on the water and ability to catch trophy size bass. We loved our trip and will be back because it was so good.
- Craig Marten
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