Lake Idylwild

Lake Idylwild

Lake Idylwild is a round lake with a small island located near Lake Jessie on the northwest side of Winter Haven, Florida. Lake Idylwild, Florida, has a surface area of about 95.48 acres. Many people come around to enjoy fishing, kayaking, boating, and lounging around the scenic lake.

Lake Idylwild is home to some diverse Florida fishing opportunities for popular fish species such as largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. In addition, its convenient location to the chain of lakes provides endless fishing spots to explore nearby.

Lake Idylwild Features

Lake Idylwild has a small rectangular island in the middle of its circular-shaped water body. Lake Idylwild, Florida, has residential areas bordering the lake to the northeast and west. A woody area borders the southeast shore, a grassy sea borders the northwest shore, residential areas border the northeast and west, and commercial buildings are on the south side. Lake Idylwild is an essential part of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes system with its thriving fish and other wildlife.

History

In the 1940s, Lake Idylwild had an attraction on its shores called “Idylwyld Gardens,” which today is considered to be a “lost park.”

Lake Idylwild FL Fishing

The most popular fish caught in Lake Idylwild are Bowfin, black crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth bass. Anglers can find largemouth bass at the spawning areas of the lake with a firm bottom of sand. For the adult largemouth bass, you’ll have to cast your hook in submerged stumps or logs.

If you are looking to catch Bowfins, you’ll also have to check areas like submerged stumps. Lake Idylwild has clear water, making it easier to find features in the water and the best-looking fishing spots. Bowfins are lake-friendly as their duties are to clean up lakes. This is something other desirable species of fish cannot do.

Winter Haven Chain

The Winter Haven Chain includes the South Chain consisting of 14 beautiful, interconnected lakes, and the North Chain, which has four lakes joined by canals. Largemouth bass dominate the fishery, but panfish populations in most of the lakes are also good. Idylwild and Summit are generally considered the best crappie lakes, and the prime bluegill lakes are Lulu, Howard, Eloise, and Shipp.

Boat Ramps

There is no public access directly to Lake Idylwild since there are no boat ramps or public swimming areas. However, there are three canals that boats can use to access the lake. There’s one on the east that connects to Lake Hartridge, one on the northwest that connects to Lake Jessie, and another canal to the south that connects Lake Cannon.

Area Things To Do

The Winter Haven area is equidistant from Merrit Island to the east and Tampa to the west providing endless opportunities for Florida adventures. The area near Lake Idylwild has dozens of lakes for fishing, swimming, and boating, as well as tons of historical, cultural, and other natural attractions to explore nearby.

Outdoor Activities

Marshall Hampton Reserve

This reserve is one of the least developed attractions in the area located on Thornhill Road. However, it’s full of easily accessible trails that lead through several natural environments to view the local wildlife. This spot makes for a peaceful outdoor adventure to become one with nature and spend time exploring with loved ones.

Lake Kissimmee State Park

Kissimmee State Park is home to a great diversity of plants and animals, including dozens of endangered species. In addition, visitors can explore the many trails that wind through the Florida prairies, forests, flood plains, and numerous interconnected lakes. This is just a short drive away to the east of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.

Indoor Activities

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry near Tampa is one of the best indoor activities to do, especially with young kids to explore the worlds of technology and science. Its the largest facility of its kind in the southeast, offering robotics, 3D printing, space activities, and animals. The museum of science also features an IMAX theatre with shows every hour.

The Lakeland Center

The Lakeland center has a seating capacity of over 8,000 and has been open since the mid-70s. It’s home to numerous regional sports teams and posts various other events throughout the year as well. This center hosts things for everyone, from dance competitions and professional wrestling to arts and crafts festivals.