Lake Edward Fishing in Polk County, Florida

• Overview

  The Polk County end of Florida holds Lake Edward. The ground around here is open low country. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Polk County. Some 1.1 miles away sits Lake Wales, the nearest settlement. Lakeland is the closest city, 24 miles away. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Lake Edward

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Biodiversity records within roughly six miles include bluegill, blue tilapia and koi. Local agencies hold the definitive list for this water. Take Lake Edward a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 61°F to 82°F. Nothing shuts down for cold, so the question is when in the day to go. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. It holds true on Lake Edward more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. A car park lies half a mile away, so the walk in is short. Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. For a change of water, Lake Alta is 0.7 miles distant. Confirm access to Lake Edward locally before you travel.