Lake Parker Fishing
Polk County, FWC Southwest region, 2,257 acres.
- 3ramps
- 2,257acres
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An angler's guide to Lake Parker
Lake Parker lies in Polk County and is managed from the FWC Southwest regional office. It spreads over 2,257 acres, per FWC. The closest town is Lakeland, about 2 miles from the middle of the lake. Lake Parker carries fish management area status (open to fishing).
Expect Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie in Lake Parker, per FWC. Lake Parker has 3 public ramps in the FWC inventory; 3 charge no fee.
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FWC tips for Lake Parker
“Lake Parker is a 2,272-acre Fish Management Area in North Lakeland.”
“There are three boat ramps on Lake Parker.”
“A city ramp and park is located off Lake Parker Avenue on the west shore, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ramp off U.S. Route 92 on the south shore (Sertoma Park), and a county ramp on the east shore on Lake Parker Drive.”
Quoted from the FWC site page: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
Public access to Lake Parker
- Lake Parker East Side Park1 lane ramp, free, 3 trailer spaces
- Lake Parker Park Public Boat Ramp2 lane ramp, free, 49 trailer spaces, flush toilet
- Lakeland Sertoma Park on Lake Parker2 lane ramp, free, 10 trailer spaces
Source: FWC Boat Ramp Inventory, October 2026.
Water level at Lake Parker
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Parker Outlet At Combee Settlement Fl | 1 cfs, 118.73 ft gage height | Oct 12 6:30 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Oct 12, 2026 7:33 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
Reading from USGS for Lake Parker. This gauge sits at the lake outlet, so it reads gage height rather than lake elevation.
Catch list for Lake Parker
Fishing rules for Lake Parker
Rules that apply only at Lake Parker, Polk County:
- Open to fishing
- Wire traps may be used for nongame fish
- No bag limit for channel catfish
| Species | Statewide daily bag | Length rule |
|---|---|---|
| Florida bass | 5 | only one 16 in or longer |
| Black crappie | 25 | none statewide |
| Bluegill and other panfish | 50 combined | none statewide |
FWC freshwater regulations, 2026-27 season, checked October 2026. All Florida limits and license prices.
Lake Parker next to its neighbors
| Lake | Distance | Acres (FWC) | Public ramps | TrophyCatch bass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Parker | 2,257 | 3 | ||
| Tenoroc Fish Management Area | 2 miles northeast | 242 | 25 | 73 |
| Lake Crago | 2 miles northwest | 54 | 1 | |
| Saddle Creek Park Lakes | 3 miles east | 740 | 5 | 23 |
| Lake Cannon | 11 miles east | 1 | ||
| Lake Hartridge | 11 miles east | 1 |
Near Lake Parker
More fresh water near Lake Parker
- Tenoroc Fish Management Area2 miles northeast
- Lake Crago2 miles northwest
- Saddle Creek Park Lakes3 miles east
- Lake Cannon11 miles east
- Lake Hartridge11 miles east
Closest bait to Lake Parker
- Lakeland Fishing Outfitters Tackle Shopbait and tackle, Lakeland, 1 mile
- Lakeland Firearms & Training Centerbait and tackle, Polk, 1 mile
- Bobber's Discount Tacklebait and tackle, Lakeland, 2 miles
- DICK'S Sporting Goods Lakelandsporting goods store, Lakeland, 3 miles
- Academy Sports + Outdoors Lakelandsporting goods store, Lakeland, 3 miles
- Central Florida Trolling Motorbait and tackle, Lakeland, 3 miles
Hire a guide near Lake Parker
- Laxdal Chartersfreshwater guide, Auburndale, (863) 860-4813
- Anglers Big Bass Guide Servicefreshwater guide, Auburndale, (863) 421-2872
- Down Range Fishing Chartersfreshwater guide, Lakeland, (863) 812-7896
- Burt's Hideaway Fish Campfreshwater guide, Lake Wales, (863) 439-7570
- Uncle Joe's Fish Campfreshwater guide, Lake Wales, (863) 696-1101
- Camp Lester Fishing Campfreshwater guide, Lake Wales, (863) 696-1123
Towns around Lake Parker
- Lakeland2 miles
- Auburndale9 miles
- Winter Haven12 miles
Where Lake Parker sits by county
- Polk Countyseat: Bartow
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Species to look for at Lake Parker
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: USFWS Mountain Prairie, Public domain
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Photo: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answers for Lake Parker
What county is Lake Parker in?
In Polk County, about 2 miles from Lakeland.
How many acres is Lake Parker?
FWC puts it at 2,257 acres.
Are there public boat ramps on Lake Parker?
FWC lists 3 ramps.
What should I fish for on Lake Parker?
Mainly Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappie, per FWC.
How big do bass get in Lake Parker?
Lake Parker has no TrophyCatch count on its FWC page.
What are the rules on Lake Parker?
Yes. Open to fishing
What license covers Lake Parker?
Yes, the resident annual freshwater license costs $17.
Is Lake Parker stocked?
The FWC reports show no stocking at Lake Parker.
How do I check Lake Parker levels?
The level box on this page reads USGS.
Plan a trip to Lake Parker
Buy a license online before you go.