Lake Parker
Polk County
Lake Parker is a 2,272-acre Fish Management Area in North Lakeland. A canal on the northwest shore connects to Lake Crago. Both offer good largemouth bass fishing, particularly during the winter and spring. The canal can be a real hot spot for large bass. Bluegill and catfish fishing is popular all year and don't be surprised to find a black crappie at the end of your line. During low water the canal can be tough to navigate. Kissimmee grass, bulrush, and cattail are the predominant vegetation. Maximum depth is 10 feet. There are three boat ramps on Lake Parker. A city ramp and park is located off Lake Parker Avenue on the west shore, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ramp off U.S. Route 92 on the south shore (Sertoma Park), and a county ramp on the east shore on Lake Parker Drive. Bank fishing areas can be found at both parks.
For more information call Phillips Bait and Tackle at 863-666-2248.
When targeting Florida bass, try fishing submerged vegetation by flipping Texas rigged plastics or using a topwater frog. Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and topwater lures can be effective when bass are feeding on shad. Panfish can be caught around submerged vegetation and near shorelines. Try using a small jig with a curly tail grub or a small spinnerbait. Worms fished under a bobber are also an effective method for targeting panfish. Crappie can be caught along the edges of submerged vegetation and near deeper cover as water gets cooler. Try using a small jig or minnows in these areas. Trolling using a small spinner can also be an effective way to find crappie this time of year. Catfish can be caught using a variety of baits around the lake. Use chicken liver, stinkbaits, and cut shad as they are great choices and generally produce bites. Tight lines!
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Black crappie
TrophyCatch Tracker
TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from Lake Parker:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 54
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 6