Fishing Lake Spring Near Winter Haven: What You'll Find and How to Fish It

What Lake Spring Offers

Lake Spring is a small, shallow lake just outside Winter Haven that holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. It sits in the heart of Florida's lake country, where the water stays warm year-round and the fishing pressure is moderate compared to the bigger lakes nearby. The lake runs roughly 100 acres, with cypress trees along parts of the shoreline and open water in the middle — a mix that makes it good for both sight-fishing and blind-casting.

The bottom is mostly soft muck and sand, which means you'll feel bass relating to structure more than depth. Downed trees, grass beds, and the cypress line hold fish throughout the day. Winter Haven's chain of lakes connects through canals, so Lake Spring sits in the middle of a larger system — you can fish here and explore connected water if you want to expand your day.

Key Takeaways

• Lake Spring holds largemouth bass year-round, with spring and fall producing the most consistent action and larger fish.
• The lake is shallow with soft bottom and cypress trees, so soft plastics and topwater lures work better than deep-diving crankbaits.
• Public boat ramps are available at Winter Haven parks, and the lake is accessible without a long drive from the city center.
• Bass fishing is best early morning and late afternoon, while bluegill bite steadily throughout the day in shallow water near structure.

When to Fish Lake Spring

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the strongest seasons. Water temperatures climb into the 70s and 80s, and bass move shallow to feed and spawn. You'll see topwater strikes in the early morning and find fish cruising the cypress line all day. The summer months are fishable but require patience — bass move deeper and tighter to cover, and the heat makes midday fishing uncomfortable.

Winter is mild in this part of Florida, so the lake doesn't freeze and fishing doesn't shut down. Water temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s, which slows the bite but doesn't kill it. Fish move to slightly deeper water and hold tighter to structure, so you'll need to work slower presentations and fish the thickest cover you can find.

What Lures and Tackle Work Best

Soft plastics dominate Lake Spring because the shallow, weedy bottom rewards precision over distance. Throw 4- to 6-inch worms rigged Texas-style or on a jighead around cypress trees and grass edges. Creature baits work well too, especially in the muck where bass hunt crawfish. Keep your rod in the 6-foot to 6-foot-6-inch range — short enough to flip into tight cover but long enough to set the hook in vegetation.

Topwater lures produce strikes in the early morning and around dusk, especially in spring and fall. Walk-the-dog baits and poppers work on the open water and along the cypress line. For bluegill and catfish, live shiners or crickets on a simple bobber rig will catch fish all day in the shallows. If you're targeting catfish at night, cut mullet or chicken liver on the bottom will produce steady action.

Where to Fish on Lake Spring

The cypress line on the north and west shores holds bass throughout the year. Fish tight to the trees in the morning and work the deeper edge of the cypress zone in the afternoon. The grass beds in the central and eastern portions of the lake are productive in spring and early summer — fish the edges where grass meets open water rather than casting into the thick of it.

The southern end of the lake has a canal connection to the larger Winter Haven chain, and that transition zone often holds active fish, especially during feeding periods. If you're new to the lake, start at the boat ramp and work the nearest structure first — you'll learn the lake faster and catch fish while you're doing it.

Boat Ramps and Access

Winter Haven maintains public boat ramps at several parks around the lake system. The closest ramp to Lake Spring is at Bok Tower Gardens area or through Winter Haven's city parks — both offer paved ramps and parking. Call ahead to confirm hours and any day-use fees, as these change seasonally. The ramps are typically open from sunrise to sunset, and parking is available for both trailers and vehicles.

If you don't have a boat, bank fishing is possible along parts of the shoreline, though access is limited by private property. Ask at the boat ramp or local tackle shops about public bank-fishing spots. Kayak fishing is also popular on Lake Spring — the shallow water and calm conditions make it manageable for paddlers, and you can reach structure that boat anglers miss.

Local Tackle and Information

Winter Haven has several tackle shops within a few miles of Lake Spring. Stop in before your first trip to ask about recent catches, current conditions, and any access changes. Local anglers know the seasonal patterns better than any guide, and tackle shops are where that knowledge lives. They can also point you to other lakes in the chain if Lake Spring isn't producing on the day you fish.

The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and city parks department both have information about fishing regulations, ramp hours, and seasonal closures. Florida's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets statewide rules for bass, bluegill, and catfish — check their website for current bag limits and size restrictions before you fish.

What to Expect as a Visiting Angler

Lake Spring is not crowded, especially compared to the bigger lakes in the chain like Lake Tohopekaliga. You'll see other anglers on weekends, but weekday mornings are often quiet. The water is clear enough to sight-fish in the shallows, but not so clear that you need to be stealthy — normal casting distance and presentation work fine.

The lake is shallow enough that you can fish it in a small boat, kayak, or canoe without worrying about deep-water navigation. Winds can pick up in the afternoon, especially in spring, so plan your trip for early morning if you're in a small craft. The shoreline is mostly natural, without the development you'd see on some Florida lakes, which means fewer hazards but also fewer places to pull out if you need a break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Lake Spring?

Yes. Florida requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the FWC website, at any tackle shop, or at most sporting goods stores. Licenses are available for a day, a week, or a year, depending on how often you plan to fish.

What's the best time of day to fish Lake Spring?

Early morning, from sunrise to mid-morning, produces the most consistent action. The second-best window is late afternoon into dusk. Midday fishing is slower, especially in summer, but bluegill and catfish bite steadily throughout the day if you fish the right structure.

Can I fish Lake Spring if I don't have a boat?

Bank fishing is limited but possible in some spots. Kayak fishing is popular and gives you access to more water than you'd have from shore. Ask at the boat ramp or a local tackle shop about public bank-fishing locations before you go.

What size bass can I keep from Lake Spring?

Florida's statewide minimum is 12 inches for largemouth bass. Check the FWC website before you fish, as regulations can change. Winter Haven or the local tackle shop can also confirm current rules.

Is Lake Spring connected to other lakes I can fish?

Yes. Lake Spring is part of the Winter Haven chain of lakes, connected by canals. You can explore other lakes in the system if you have a boat, though some connections are narrow and shallow — ask at the ramp about which routes are passable in your boat.