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Polk County

Walkin Water

Also known as Lake Weohyakapka, this 7,528-acre anglers' favorite is located south of State Route 60, 10 miles east of Lake Wales off Walk-in-the-Water Road in Polk County. Predominant vegetation is cattail, bulrush (buggy whips), Kissimmee grass, and hydrilla. Tiger Creek flows in from the southwest and Weohyakapka Creek flows from the north end of the lake. Maximum depth is 12 feet. Nationally known for largemouth bass fishing, Lake Walk-in-Water provides both large numbers and trophy-sized fish. Drifting live shiners over offshore hydrilla is the most consistent technique, but many bass are caught on artificials as well, particularly topwater lures. There are seven brush-type fish attractors marked with buoys scattered around the lake, and they are holding baitfish and some quality fish. For more information on the location of fish attractors visit our Fish Attractor page and interactive Fish Attractor MapThere is a county boat ramp on the west shore at the end of Boat Landing Road.

For more information contact the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 863-648-3200.

Fish Attractors

Walk-In-Water Fish Attractors

Freshwater Fisheries Management Biologists are excited to announce that the fish attractor refurbishing project is complete! Mossback artificial trees of varying sizes and limb configurations were used to provide “off-shore” structure for fish to congregate and anglers to target. There are seven fish attractor locations strategically placed around the lake and are marked with buoys. Each location has a total of 40 trees scattered around the centrally located buoy. For more information on the location of fish attractors visit the Interactive Fish Attractor Map and the fish attractor page found on our website.

It has been 3 years since freshwater fisheries biologist upgraded the seven fish attractor sites on Lake Walk-in-Water. Mossback artificial trees of varying sizes were used to provide “off-shore” structure for fish to congregate and anglers to target. There are seven fish attractor locations strategically placed around the lake and are marked with buoys. Each location has a total of 40 trees scattered around the centrally located buoy. Recent electrofishing surveys of the refurbished fish attractors revealed that multiple sportfish (bluegill, specks, and bass) of all sizes along with catfish and shad are using these areas and their numbers are expected to increase as water temperatures increase. For more information on the location of fish attractors visit the Interactive Fish Attractor Map and the fish attractor page found on our website. Bluegill (bream) and redear sunfish (shellcracker) fishing is improving as the water temperature warms. Fish the vegetation near shore or try your luck near the refurbished fish attractors for the best chance. Speck (Black Crappie) fishing has been good but should slow with the rising water temperatures. Live Missouri minnows, Hal flies, and small spinners in the open water should all be productive. Shoreline vegetation (bulrush, cattails, and Kissimmee grass) should hold bass during the late spring months, but as water temperatures begin to rise anglers should look for schools of bass in deeper water for a memorable day on the water. Live, wild shiners are producing, and plastic worms, weightless jerkworms, and crankbaits are the artificial baits of choice as water temperatures begin to warm up. Slow presentation baits like plastic lizards, crawfish, tube baits, and worms can also produce while fishing for bass when water temperatures heat up leading in to summer months. As the water starts to warm, try throwing a black and blue bladed jig or a speed-worm around the shallow vegetation to get the attention of bass that are there to feed during the dawn and dusk hours of the day. There are plenty of TrophyCatch quality bass swimming here. During recent electrofishing surveys, six more bass larger than 8 pounds were tagged and released back into Lake Walk-in-Water. Be on the lookout for these tagged bass. Tags are yellow and located on the back (dorsal) of the fish. If you catch a tagged fish, remember to cut off the tag. You will need it to collect your $100 reward. Have fun out there, and tight lines!

BlacktipH Video 2

Here's the latest video from BlacktipH about kite fishing for giant bass on Lake Walk-in-Water! Check it out!

BlacktipH Video

Check out our video with YouTube personality BlacktipH to really see why this lake should be on your bass fishing bucket list! Be on the lookout for these tagged bass!

Popular Species

Popular Sport Fish Species

Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.

More species information is available for:

Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfishBlack crappie

FWC Trophy Catch Logo

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 Walk-in-Water:

Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 133

Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 41

Hall of Fame Club (13+ pounds): 1