Lake Marion

Lake Marion, FL, is a lake in the northwest part of Florida in Seminole County near Altamonte Springs, about an hour north of Winter Haven and 15 minutes north of Orlando.

Lake Marion Creek WMA consists of more than 8,000 acres north and east of Lake Marion in Polk County, 5 miles east of Haines City on SR 580.

The South Florida Water Management District and Polk County purchased the land to protect water and other natural resources. Most of the area is a hardwood swamp, which makes hunting and other recreational activities challenging.

Because of its natural beauty and excellent water quality, this Central Florida lake has become one of the top 10 most outstanding bodies of water in Florida.

Lake Marion has become a local favorite for bass fishermen to catch sought-after species such as largemouth bass, bluegill/bream, and black crappie.

Lake Marion Fishing

Anyone interested in fishing this lake should consult with local fishing guides and resources before heading out to fish. The morning is usually the best time for fishing at Lake Marion.

Midday outings are not ideal for bass fishing here. Also, the water can be discolored at times, making visibility difficult. Many anglers come here to fish for panfish, such as Bluegills, shellcrackers, and some specks throughout the year, with the springtime being best.

Largemouth Bass

Many anglers fishing Lake Marion will agree that there are some good-sized bass in this fishery. The tactics for catching bass in Lake Marion are similar to those in other Orlando bass fishing lakes. Anglers can catch bass at Lake Marion throughout the year, but at certain times have a higher chance of catching larger fish and getting more bites.

Best Times

Late summer and early fall often trigger a significant feeding surge among local largemouth bass in Central Florida. However, the Spring spawn season on Lake Marion and other Central Florida fisheries is when the bite is really on fire. This is the time that fishermen are landing their personal best trophy fish. 

Bass generally prefer the cooler times of day, which is why they are most active during the morning and evening. However, bass can be caught during the day, especially on overcast days.

Tips and Techniques

When the water is calm, topwater baits such as buzzbaits and poppers can be highly effective, enticing an aggressive, explosive bite that fishermen dream of. However, using lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits on breezy days is usually best, especially when retrieved quickly.

Largemouth bass can be caught in isolated cover throughout the year, but Spring is the best time to target these areas when you’re on the hunt for a trophy. Look for vegetation and cover such as lily pads, hydrilla, reeds, or Kissimmee grass.

 Wildlife

Lake Marion, Florida, is a beautiful natural spot filled with many types of wildlife, plants, and animals. Some of the most popular wildlife sightings near Lake Marion are white-tailed deer, wading birds, feral hogs, Florida scrub jays, and gopher tortoises. Wading birds include white ibis, great blue heron, little blue heron, and great egret.

Bird Watching Hot Spots on Lake Marion Creek WMA

• Huckleberry Island
• Snell Island
• Baltic Road

Outdoor Activities and Hunting

Lake Marion, FL, area remains a good spot for squirrel hunting. Horseback riding is prohibited, and bicycling is permitted only with a special-use fishing license from the South Florida Water Management District.

Camping is prohibited during hunting seasons and permitted at other times only with a special-use permit from the South Florida Water Management District; call (800) 250-4250 for more information. 

There are hiking trails from the following designated entrances: Snell Creek, Huckleberry Island, Baltic Road, and Horse Creek. Fishing is available on Snell Creek.

Visitors will likely see the beautiful wildlife of the Haines City area, including White-tailed deer, feral hogs, wading birds, and gopher tortoises. You may also find the tracks of sand skinks in the white scrub sands.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed for purposes other than hunting, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the areas posted as “Closed to Public Access” by the FWC. Visitors should not allow their dogs to pursue wildlife during periods when hunting or taking wildlife with dogs isn’t permitted.

Hunting Dogs

Hunting dogs are allowed onto the WMA after 8 am the day before the season’s opening and can be removed by 6 pm one day after the season ends. Only bird dogs or retrievers are allowed; hunting with other dogs is prohibited. However, hunting dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or under are permitted during minor game season.

Lake Marion FL Golf Resort

Just a short stroll from Lake Marion is a brand new vacation at Lake Marion, FL Golf Resort. There are several remarkable things to choose from, each with the outdoors in mind. The Golf Resort is a beautiful place to enjoy all Florida has to offer while going on your next fishing trip.

The marina docks, a lakeside park with picnic shelters and grills, boat trailer storage facilities, a private pool, and beach volleyball are on the shores of Marion.

Have a great day of fishing and fun on this beautiful Lake Marion, FL, then relax in the lakefront gazebo and watch another gorgeous Florida sunset over the water. Complete with a lovely lounge and breakfast daily!