Winter Haven Chain Of Lakes

Winter Haven Chain has officially adopted the slogan, "The Chain of Lakes City." Widely recognized as the water skiing capital of the world, Winter Haven's "Chain of Lakes" is a boater's paradise. The famous chain is a unique series of 16 lakes connected by navigable canals. Winter Haven is 146 feet above sea level. It's city limits touch or surround more than 30 lakes. Polk County's 2,002 square miles include 554 freshwater lakes.

Located within the city of Winter Haven, nine lakes compose this 6000-acre chain where fishing and boating are extremely 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. 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 has officially adopted the slogan, "The Chain of Lakes City." Winter Haven's "Chain of Lakes" is a boater's paradise and recognized as the water skiing capital of the world. The famous chain is a unique series of 16 lakes connected by navigable canals.

Winter Haven Chain fishing look 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 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. 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.