Lake Whistler near Auburndale: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Polk County, Florida, this is Lake Whistler. It lies 135 feet above sea level. With some 77 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The whole outline is near 1.2 miles, and most of it is walkable. It sits higher than most water we list in Florida. Auburndale at 2.2 miles is the nearest place to stop. After that come Fussels Corner at 3.9 miles and Inwood at 4.7 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Lake Whistler

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Documented catches and surveys in the area cover largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and threadfin shad. It is a record of sightings and surveys, so use it as a guide. The shape of Lake Whistler rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 82°F and January at 60°F. Cold never becomes a factor on this one. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. On Lake Whistler that shapes the whole year. Barometer swings matter more than a degree or two.

• Tackle & Baits

  The rules here are undocumented as far as public sources go. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Public data records a pier about half a mile out. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. If the gate is shut, Lake Myrtle at 0.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish Lake Whistler.