Lake Reedy is a shallow, weedy reservoir in Polk County that holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish in a setting that rewards patience and local knowledge

Lake Reedy sits in the heart of Polk County's chain-of-lakes system, about 15 miles south of Lakeland. It is a 1,200-acre shallow lake — most of it runs 4 to 8 feet deep — with heavy vegetation, cypress trees, and the kind of structure that largemouth bass love. The lake is public and open to fishing year-round, but it is not a high-traffic destination like some of the clearer lakes nearby. That means fewer boats, but also fewer anglers who know the patterns, so success depends on reading the water and understanding what the weeds tell you.

The lake's shallow depth and dense vegetation make it fundamentally different from deeper Polk County lakes. Weed growth changes with the season — thicker in summer, thinner in winter — and that shift controls where fish hold and how you should fish for them. Spring and fall are the most predictable times, when water temperatures sit in the 70s and bass move between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper structure. Summer can be excellent early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slow. Winter fishing is possible but requires patience and a willingness to work slower presentations in cooler water.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Reedy is a shallow, weedy lake best fished from a small boat or kayak, and shore access is limited to a few spots near the boat ramp.
  • Largemouth bass are the primary target, and they hold tight to vegetation and cypress trees rather than suspending in open water.
  • Spring and fall offer the most consistent fishing, while summer requires early morning or late evening trips to avoid the heat and slow midday bite.
  • A Florida fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and the lake has a 5 fish per day largemouth bass limit with a 14-inch minimum size.

Getting to Lake Reedy and Where to Launch

Lake Reedy has one public boat ramp on the north end, accessed via Reedy Lake Road off US 98 south of Lakeland. The ramp is a single-lane concrete launch with a small parking area — it fills up on weekends but rarely gets crowded on weekdays. There is no fee to launch, and the ramp is maintained by Polk County. Arrive early if you are going on a Saturday or Sunday, because parking is tight and the ramp can get congested between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Shore fishing is possible but limited. A small public area near the boat ramp allows bank access, but most of the lake's shoreline is private property or inaccessible due to dense vegetation. If you do not have a boat, a kayak or canoe works well on Lake Reedy — the shallow water and slow current make it manageable, and you can slip into areas a motorboat cannot reach. Bring a push pole or paddle, because the bottom is soft and muddy in many spots, and a trolling motor will clog with vegetation.

What Fish Live in Lake Reedy and How to Target Them

Largemouth bass are the main draw. They average 2 to 4 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 6 or 7 pounds. The lake does not produce trophy-sized bass regularly, but it holds a solid population of keeper-sized fish that will eat if you present the right lure in the right place. Bass here are weed-oriented — they sit in the thickest vegetation, along the edges of weed lines, and around cypress trees. They do not suspend in open water the way they do in clearer lakes, so focus on structure and cover.

Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and provide good action if you want to avoid the bass-or-nothing approach. They school in shallow areas and around vegetation, and they will take small jigs, live crickets, or tiny spinners. Catfish are also present and can be caught on cut bait or chicken liver fished on the bottom at night. If you are bringing kids or want a day of steady action without a lot of technique, panfish and catfish offer that option.

Lures and Tackle That Work on Lake Reedy

Weedless presentations are essential. Soft plastic worms rigged Texas-style (hook buried in the plastic to prevent snagging) work well in heavy cover. Spinnerbaits with single or tandem blades push through vegetation without fouling, and they create vibration that bass can feel in murky water. Topwater lures — poppers and walking baits — produce explosive strikes early in the morning and late in the evening, especially in summer.

Crankbaits are less useful here than on clearer lakes, because the water is stained and the vegetation is too thick for a crankbait to work freely. Jigs with rubber skirts or crawfish trailers are effective around cypress trees and in pockets of open water within the weed beds. Bring a good pair of polarized sunglasses and a push pole or shallow-water anchor — you will spend a lot of time positioning the boat and waiting for bass to respond, rather than covering a lot of water.

Rod and reel choice matters less than technique. A medium-power baitcasting or spinning rod in the 6 to 6.5-foot range is standard. Use 15 to 20-pound braided line for weedless presentations — it cuts through vegetation better than monofilament and gives you better hooksets in thick cover. A 12 to 15-pound fluorocarbon leader helps in clearer pockets, but it is not essential on Lake Reedy.

Seasonal Patterns and When to Fish

Spring (March through May) is when Lake Reedy fishes best. Water temperatures climb from the 60s into the 70s, bass move shallow to spawn, and they feed aggressively before and after the spawn. Weed growth is moderate — thick enough to hold fish but not so dense that you cannot work a lure. Early morning and late evening are prime times, but midday fishing can be productive too.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite considerably during the heat of the day. Bass move deeper into the thickest vegetation or into slightly deeper holes to escape the sun. Fish early — before 9 a.m. — or late — after 5 p.m. — when water temperatures are lower and bass are more active. Midday fishing is possible if you focus on the deepest parts of the lake and the thickest weed beds, but it requires patience and a willingness to work slowly.

Fall (September through November) brings another good bite as water temperatures drop back into the 70s and 60s. Bass move back to shallower feeding areas, and the weed growth begins to thin. This is a good time to fish throughout the day, though early morning and late evening are still most productive. Winter (December through February) is slow but not impossible — fish move to the deepest available water, and presentations need to be slower and more deliberate.

Regulations and What You Need to Know Before You Go

A Florida fishing license is required for anyone 16 years old and older. You can purchase a license online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores. A 3-day license costs less than a full annual license if you are visiting from out of state.

Lake Reedy follows standard Florida bass regulations: a 5 fish per day limit on largemouth bass, with a 14-inch minimum size. Panfish have no size or bag limit. Catfish have a 20 fish per day limit. Check the FWC website before you go, because regulations can change and there are occasional special rules for specific lakes.

The lake is open to public fishing during daylight hours. There is no night fishing allowed. Airboats and personal watercraft are prohibited, which keeps the lake quieter and makes it more manageable for small boats and kayaks. Respect private property along the shoreline — most of the land around Lake Reedy is privately owned, and trespassing is not tolerated.

Tackle Shops and Local Resources

Lakeland has several tackle shops within 15 to 20 minutes of Lake Reedy. These shops carry local knowledge about current conditions, recent catches, and seasonal patterns. They also stock the specific lures and tackle that work best on Polk County lakes. Stop in before you fish if you are new to the area — a 10-minute conversation with a shop owner can save you hours of trial and error on the water.

The FWC maintains a website with lake-specific information, including recent fish surveys and any special regulations. Local fishing forums and Facebook groups focused on Polk County fishing also share recent reports and tips. These resources are free and often more current than printed guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Lake Reedy without a boat?

Shore access is limited, but a small public area near the boat ramp allows bank fishing. A kayak or canoe is a good alternative to a motorboat and works well on shallow water. You will have more success and access with a small boat, but shore and kayak fishing are possible.

What is the best time of day to fish Lake Reedy?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (5 p.m. to sunset) are most productive year-round. Midday fishing is slow in summer but can work in spring and fall if you focus on deeper water and thick vegetation. Winter fishing is slow throughout the day.

Do I need a guide to fish Lake Reedy successfully?

A guide is not necessary, but local knowledge helps. The lake rewards patience and an understanding of weed growth and seasonal patterns. Talking to local tackle shop staff or reading recent fishing reports will give you enough information to fish effectively on your own.

What size bass does Lake Reedy typically produce?

Most bass run 2 to 4 pounds, with occasional fish in the 5 to 7-pound range. Lake Reedy is not known for trophy-sized bass, but it holds a solid population of keeper-sized fish that will eat if you present the right lure in the right place.

Is Lake Reedy good for beginners?

Yes, if you have patience and do not mind working slowly through vegetation. The shallow water and abundant cover make it forgiving for learning weedless techniques. Panfish and catfish offer steady action if you want to avoid focusing only on bass.