Lake Stahl, Florida: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Polk County end of Florida holds Lake Stahl. The country round it is scrub and brush from end to end. Around 31 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Highland City sits 2.4 miles from here and is the nearest stop. For a city, Lakeland is 4.3 miles off. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Lake Stahl

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Records collected within a few miles name Florida gar, blue tilapia, bluegill, largemouth bass and brown bullhead. Reporting is uneven, so absence from the list means little. Lake Stahl repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August near 82°F and January near 61°F on the long-run figures. Every month fishes, though midsummer narrows the useful hours. March through May is the strongest run, with autumn a second stretch. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lake Stahl.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. A pier half a mile from here gives a platform over deeper water. Parking is often the real limit rather than the bank itself. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Little Banana Lake sits 0.4 miles off and takes the overflow. For Lake Stahl, the notice at the access point is the final word.