About Crooked Lake, FL

Crooked Lake is located in southeast Polk County, Florida. It is dubbed as one of the largest lakes in Polk County in terms of area and total volume. The lake has a depth of 45 feet. It was initially known as Caloosa Lake. Because of its fantastic water quality, Crooked Lake is listed in the top 10 most successful fisheries in Florida.

The lake is just seven minutes away from Webber International University, a private university in Babson Park. Meanwhile, anglers who want to spend more days fishing and touring Crooked Lake can stay at Bob's Landing Mobile Home. They can also spend time hiking the trails in Crooked Lake Prairie.

Crooked Lake is a state-registered Outstanding Florida Waterbody which means they have special protection because of their natural attributes.

All About Fishing in Crooked Lake, FL

For nothing, Florida did not earn its title as “Bass Capital of the World.”. Lakes like Crooked Lake are known for their excellent bass fishing experience. The lake itself has produced above 16 lbs of trophy bass over the past years. While largemouth bass are generally caught in the lake, fish such as bluegill, speckled perch, channel catfish, longnose and alligator gar,  chain pickerel, and bowfin are also found in the lake. Using live lures while fishing in Crooked Lake can increase the chances of catching trophy fish. The usage of artificial baits is also an option for anglers.

Fishing methods such as baitcasting, spin casting, sight fishing, and fly fishing are best used in Crooked Lake, given how abundant fish are found there. Crooked Lake is available for boating, fishing, swimming, and other activities. Boat ramps are also available in the lake. Anyone who wants to go fishing in Crooked Lake should consult local guides and resources before heading out. Anglers are urged to check the weather conditions, water conditions, fishing regulations, and proper gears when fishing. It is also essential to know that a fishing license is needed when fishing in Florida waters.

Fishing Seasonality

Largemouth bass are the most popular fish for anglers in Florida, noting they can be caught year-round. Bluegill can also be caught year-round, but spring and early summer are recommended seasons to go after them. Crappie breed in late spring and early summer. They are best caught an hour before sunset during warmer months. Catfish are most active at night, and they spawn in the late spring or early summer. Longnose gar are best caught during May and June and are known to have existed since the prehistoric era. The breeding season can occur beginning in April. 

Meanwhile, alligator gar starts breeding at the age of 10  from April to June when the water temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Chain pickerel fishing is best done during the summer and winter seasons. Bowfin are nocturnal fish that prefer eating at night. They are best caught during spring as they start their breeding season.

Fishing Seasonality

Largemouth bass are the most popular fish for anglers in Florida, noting they can be caught year-round. Bluegill can also be caught year-round, but spring and early summer are recommended seasons to go after them. Crappie breed in late spring and early summer. They are best caught an hour before sunset during warmer months. Catfish are most active at night, and they spawn in the late spring or early summer. Longnose gar are best caught during May and June and are known to have existed since the prehistoric era. The breeding season can occur beginning in April. 

Meanwhile, alligator gar starts breeding at the age of 10  from April to June when the water temperatures reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Chain pickerel fishing is best done during the summer and winter seasons. Bowfin are nocturnal fish that prefer eating at night. They are best caught during spring as they start their breeding season.

All About Fishing in Crooked Lake, FL

For nothing, Florida did not earn its title as “Bass Capital of the World.”. Lakes like Crooked Lake are known for their excellent bass fishing experience. The lake itself has produced above 16 lbs of trophy bass over the past years. While largemouth bass are generally caught in the lake, fish such as bluegill, speckled perch, channel catfish, longnose and alligator gar,  chain pickerel, and bowfin are also found in the lake. Using live lures while fishing in Crooked Lake can increase the chances of catching trophy fish. The usage of artificial baits is also an option for anglers.

Fishing methods such as baitcasting, spin casting, sight fishing, and fly fishing are best used in Crooked Lake, given how abundant fish are found there. Crooked Lake is available for boating, fishing, swimming, and other activities. Boat ramps are also available in the lake. Anyone who wants to go fishing in Crooked Lake should consult local guides and resources before heading out. Anglers are urged to check the weather conditions, water conditions, fishing regulations, and proper gears when fishing. It is also essential to know that a fishing license is needed when fishing in Florida waters.