Winter Haven Chain of Lakes

Winter 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 launch 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 6,000-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 launch 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, 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. Over time, our team has developed its skills and gained experience to provide you with the fishing trip of a lifetime. To ensure your safety and provide a memorable experience, all of our guides are insured and licensed by the US Coast Guard.

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 is a Florida fishing license, which covers you for all the other significant local areas, including Lakeland, Kissimmee, Bartow, Lake Alfred, and Lake Wales.

Interested in Bigger Trips?

Corporate trips are a welcome and common occurrence for us due to our size. We can accommodate your fishing needs from one to a hundred. We can also 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.

What are the attractions to the area other than fishing?

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

Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Map