Lake Eloise Fishing in Polk County, Florida

• Overview

  Lake Eloise is one of the Polk County waters in Florida. It stands 131 feet above sea level. This is sizeable water at about 1,184 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. The margin runs to about 5.1 miles in total. On our Polk County list it sits near the top for size. 1.1 miles away sits Cypress Gardens, the nearest town. Beyond it, Eloise at 2.3 miles and Wahneta at 2.5 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Lake Eloise

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records collected within a few miles name bluegill, largemouth bass, Florida gar, blue tilapia and bowfin. The list reflects reported sightings and surveys rather than what is stocked. Fish Lake Eloise to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 82°F in August and bottom out at 61°F in January. The water stays warm and open throughout. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Time your trip to Lake Eloise by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. This is a natural basin, not a dammed one. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Fishing from a pier is possible 0.9 miles away. Toilets show in mapping about half a mile away. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Lake Summit is 1.2 miles off. Confirm before you fish Lake Eloise.