Winter Haven Chain of Lakes
Polk County
Located primarily within the City of Winter Haven, twenty-two lakes compose this 9,000-acre chain where fishing and boating are extremely popular. The Chain is split into two sections, the North and South, that are connected through a lock system between lakes Hartridge and Conine. Water quality and habitat can vary greatly between lakes, with most offering the opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime. Trophy bass, panfish, catfish, and crappie (specks) can be found throughout the Chain. Popular boat and shore access to the South Chain are available at lakes Summit, Shipp, Howard, Cannon, and Hartridge. The North Chain can be accessed through lakes Conine, Rochelle, and Haines. For more details on access to the Chain, take a look at the FWC Ramp Finder. The City of Winter Haven is also home to a number of other outstanding lakes that are separate from the Chain. These lakes offer a variety of fishing opportunities and should not be overlooked.
More lake information can be found on the City of Winter Haven website.
Look for schooling Florida Bass over eelgrass patches and fish them with shad-imitating lures. Soft plastic lures in Junebug, green pumpkin, and watermelon red colors will produce bass around shoreline vegetation. Fish with live, wild shiners for the best chance at some big bass over submerged vegetation. As water temperatures drop in early winter, Florida Bass can be caught on the deeper contours this unique system offers. Shell beds and deep submerged vegetation will congregate fish that can make for an exciting day on the water once you get the schools activated. Bluegill (bream) and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) fishing will begin to 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 cool in the fall. Try live Missouri minnows drifted over deeper holes in open water. Catfish can be found in the deeper holes in the lakes. Use chicken liver, commercial stinkbaits, and frozen shrimp on the bottom or under a cork. Tight lines!
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Florida/largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, 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 the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 236
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 32
Hall of Fame Club (13+ pounds): 5