Fishing at Christina Lake, Polk County, Florida

• Overview

  Christina Lake is set in Polk County, Florida. This is scrub and brush country. It runs to roughly 26 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Compared with other Florida water on our list, it sits high. Lakeland Highlands sits 1.2 miles from the bank. Beyond it, Medulla at 1.2 miles and Fuller Heights at 3.5 miles. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Christina Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Documented catches and surveys in the area cover blue tilapia, bluegill, threadfin shad, warmouth and Florida gar. Presence in the area does not guarantee a fish on the day. On Christina Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 61°F and August at about 82°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Every month fishes, though midsummer narrows the useful hours. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Anyone fishing Christina Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. You can leave the car about half a mile from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Should this one be busy, Six Pound Pond is 0.2 miles off. Check the position at Christina Lake before loading the car.