Lake Placid

Lake Placid fishing in Highlands County, Florida

Lake Placid, also known as Lake Childs, is a separate lake south of the town of Lake Placid. This page combines lake information with regional trip planning. A 2008 water-management report cites a historical lake area of 3,320 acres; water coverage varies with lake level.

Boat access and the intended destination

The Highlands County boat-ramp directory lists 150 Harris Drive with no parking area and 3280 Placid View Drive for Lake Placid. Check availability before departure. FWC also describes lakeshore fishing on the Lake Placid Scrub tract. A regional charter may use a different lake: confirm Lake Placid, Lake June or Lake Istokpoga by name and ask your guide for the final meeting point.

About the Lake Placid area

Lake Placid is the southernmost town in Highlands County, about 20 minutes from Sebring, Florida. Lake Placid, formerly known as Lake Stearns, is one of the most beautiful small towns in Florida. It is a charming little spot located between the major cities of Sarasota and West Palm Beach. It sits in the center of Florida, only a two-hour drive from either coast and the state’s most popular attractions. Orlando’s major parks are 100 miles away, and the big city of Miami is 145 miles southeast of Lake Placid.

America’s Most Interesting Town

Lake Placid, Florida, was named America’s most interesting town by Reader’s Digest in 2012. The interesting area of Lake Placid is known for its cultural, recreational, and educational pursuits. The town has two nicknames, “The Caladium Capital of the World” and “Town of Murals.” This part of Florida is known as the Caladium Capital of the World because it grows 95 percent of the world’s caladium bulbs, drawing thousands of visitors with its annual caladium festival.

The expanse also includes the Lake Placid Tower, a closed observation tower over 270 feet tall, which rests 142 feet above sea level. The Lake Placid Tower was previously called the Placid Tower, Happiness Tower, or Tower of Peace.

Lake Placid, Florida, is an excellent town to visit year-round, with its moderate temperatures, sunny days, and plenty to explore.

Preparing for a guided trip

Review the trip length, party capacity, supplied equipment and cancellation terms displayed for your chosen booking product. Ask about live-bait charges, licensing and any requested equipment before paying. The guide should confirm the lake and meeting point rather than relying on a general town location.

Fishing Lake Placid, FL

Lake Placid, Florida, is home to pristine freshwater lakes, offering recreational activities such as swimming, sailing, boating, and incredible fishing. The lake area is full of stately cypress and beautiful lake views, perfect for picnics and hiking in Florida.

Lake Placid is in the lake-rich central part of the state, offering 27 clear freshwater lakes and some of the best fishing in Florida. This southern portion of Central Florida, also known as “The Ridge,” is one of the Sunshine State’s most scenic areas. The beauty of these waterbodies and the rolling hills has spurred the popularity of Lake Placid guided charters. 

Species

With all the nearby freshwater lakes, there are plenty of productive places to catch fish. FWC identifies Florida bass, redear sunfish and bluegill as targets from the Lake Placid Scrub tract lakeshore. Nearby lakes have separate fisheries and should be named when planning a trip.

Bass and panfish are the main freshwater interests for many visitors. Confirm the intended lake and recent conditions with your captain rather than expecting a particular catch size.

Guided Charters

Visitors travel worldwide to experience catching fish in the many thriving waterbodies of Central Florida, especially Lake Placid. Fishing plans depend on the actual lake, water temperature and weather. Ask about seasonal opportunities rather than relying on a fixed spawning calendar.

Fishing with a professional captain provides the opportunity to become familiar with the nearby towns and appreciate the Florida ecosystem while heading straight to all the best spots. Your guide will have everything you need for a successful day on the water, including all gear, tackle, and local knowledge.

Lake Placid Fishing Guides

Meet the TEAM of local Lake Placid fishing guides, and confirm lake coverage and availability for your dates.

Area Things To Do

After fishing any of the area’s lakes, head to the countryside for any daily essentials and explore the many things to do in one of America’s most interesting towns. Some ideas for fun things to do with the family include golf, seeing the murals, festivals, shopping, dining, and plenty of wildlife areas. There are over 100 nearby lakes and creeks for kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, swimming, scuba diving, and more.

Nearby City Fun

Lake Placid’s nearest neighbor, Sebring, has its International Raceway and offers plenty of events, dining, shopping, and recreational fun. Other popular attractions here are the Children’s Museum of the Highlands, Henscratch Farms, and Highlands Hammock State Park.

Popular Places

Enjoy the area’s unique ecosystem at Archbold Biological Station, and have a historically good time at the Depot Museum, home of the red caboose, and at the Lake Placid Historical Society, which displays local history artifacts.

The Archbold Biological Station is a research institute surrounded by a 5,192.63-acre estate near Lake Placid. The Biological Station consists of an extensive Florida scrub area, a scientifically exciting and highly threatened ecosystem.

Nearby lake options

Compare Lake June and Lake Istokpoga as separate destinations. Discuss access and your preferred target species with your captain before selecting a trip.

Nearby Lake Destinations

Compare nearby fisheries and confirm the destination, equipment, party size and cancellation terms shown for your chosen product.