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(14) stories found containing 'lake kissimmee chain'


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  • BREAKING NEWS: Polk Still Expected to Bear Brunt of Hurricane Milton, Now a Category 4

    Robert Connnors|Updated Oct 7, 2024

    The latest update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami has raised the stakes for a direct strike upon southeast Polk County and the Lake Wales area. Residents are strongly urged to rush preparations to completion. The 11 a.m. NHC report said that with sustained winds of 155 MPH, Hurricane Milton is continuing to approach Florida. Continued intensification is expected, and Milton should be at Category 5 this afternoon with sustained winds of 160 MPH or more, accompanied...

  • FWC Seeking Public Comment on Aquatic Habitat Management of Kissimmee Chain of Lakes

    Special to the News|Updated Sep 3, 2024

    Area boaters, fishers, environmental advocates, and other stakeholders in the area's natural resources are being invited to attend a public meeting that will influence future management of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced a public meeting to discuss aquatic habitat management in the chain on Wednesday, Sept.18. The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Extension Office, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane,...

  • Dangerous Algae Present on Western Polk Lakes

    Special to the News|Updated May 25, 2024

    The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) is cautioning the public of the presence of blue-green algae in several lakes in the Lakeland and Winter Haven area. Although none has been reported in Ridge-area lakes, boaters, swimmers, and fishers should be aware of the potential and take precautions. Water samples taken from Scott Lake, Lake Van, Lake Hancock, Lake Gibson, and Lake Conine on May 23 detected blue-green algae that have the potential to produce toxin...

  • Rains Are Producing More Fishing Action

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jul 5, 2022

    For the best local fishing action head to Lake Walk-in-the-Water, where bank fishermen are catching limits of bluegill and shell crackers from the Indian Lake canals. Lake levels coming finally up and bass are more active both early and late. Throw a Whopper Plopper in bluegill around any isolated cover. On Lake Kissimmee fishers are still catching shell crackers in the lily pads near Gobbler Ridge, around Lemon Point, and Bird Island, mostly on red worms. Lots of recent rain...

  • Low Water Presents Fishing Hazards on Lake Hatchineha

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jun 29, 2022

    For the best local fishing action head to Lake Walk-in-the-Water, where bluegill and shell crackers may be found in lily pads around the lake. Look for the pads shaking, and drop a red worm on the bottom. There are a few bass roaming the shallows at day break and in the evening. Throw a "horny toad" in the junebug color to any isolated cover on the south end. Due to the extremely low water level, Lake Hatchineha is unsafe for boating and fishing, and it is advised to avoid...

  • Low Water Presents Hazards for Fishers, But Catches Being Made

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jun 13, 2022

    Despite the onset of near-daily rains, the upper Kissimmee chain, including Lake Hatchineha, remains very low. Boaters are urged to use extreme caution to avoid running into concealed shoals, sandbars, or other obstacles that would normally be safely passed over. On Lake Hatchineha, b e especially careful. With the full moon this week, expect to catch shellcrackers in the lily pads across from the port. Bass are schooling at the mouths of canals. On Lake Walk-in-Water, check...

  • Tropical Weather System Left Little to Raise Fishing Hopes

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Jun 8, 2022

    The passing of the season's first tropical system left precious little rain in area gauges, so water levels in area lakes are continuing to suffer, with some still headed lower. Fishing remains in a transitional time until the summer monsoon rains start in earnest.. The upper Kissimmee chain, including Lake Hatchineha, is VERY low. A few bluegill are being caught there by marker ten, and a few bass are being caught on frogs on outside edges early. On Lake Walk-in-Water, the...

  • Catfish, Bass and Shell Crackers the Hot Targets Now

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Apr 25, 2022

    On Lake Walk-in-Water, anglers are catching limits of bluegill on crickets in among the lily pads. Bass are pulling back out to the outside edge of vegetation. Throw a watermelon red speed worm around to find them. On Lake Hatchineha, catfish are being caught in the canals when the water is released. Bass are roaming inside the grass lines, so try covering the water with a popping frog early, then try moving out as the day goes on. On Lake Kissimmee, shell cracker still being...

  • Changing Seasons Mean Changes in Fishing Tactics

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Apr 4, 2022

    With warming weather and recent rains, fishing patterns keep changing. Keep checking back for the latest updates. On big Lake Walk-in-the-Water, bluegill and shell cracker are still being caught on red worms and crickets in the lily pads and grass. Bass are schooling on shad in the grass first thing in the morning. Try throwing a white horny toad lure around the grass margins. On Lake Hatchineha, a few local anglers are still catching specks at day light in Gator Cove using...

  • Extremely Low Water Starting to Affect Fishing

    Charlie Wynperle, Fishing Expert|Updated Feb 28, 2022

    Editor's Note: We would like to share photos of you with your big catch! If you have tips or photos you care to share, please email them directly to [email protected]. Low water on area lakes due to the very dry winter have resulted in some hazards for area fishermen, especially on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. On Lake Hatchineha, rumor says shell crackers are starting to show up, so try using red worms in the pads. Speck fisherman are catching fish around scattered hyd...

  • Public Comment Invited on Kissimmee Chain Management Plans

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Dec 8, 2021

    Area boaters and fishers using the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes east of Lake Wales may wish to speak up as plans are made for the future management of the public waters. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking public input on their draft Lake Management Plans for the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. The plans cover management activities within the FWC's jurisdiction, including habitat protection, restoration and enhancement, fish management, and invasive...

  • New Fishing Column Added to Local Coverage

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Dec 6, 2021

    Lake Wales isn't known as a fishing capital for nothing. The wide variety of lakes, each with unique habitats for a wide range of species, make our part of Florida a magnet for those seeking a trophy bass, or the limit of other fish. The Lake Kissimmee chain, including Lakes Hatchineha and Rosalie, or the big water of Lake Walk-in-the-Water, offer plenty of opportunity, as do other area waters, such as Crooked Lake. Whether fishing from a boat, or just casting from a pier of...

  • Polk State Lake Wales Grows to 1,200 Students, Thanks to One Man's Efforts

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 30, 2021

    The inspiration of hard-working parents who wanted their children to have a better life has led their son to "pay it forward" by leading others to higher callings through Polk State College. Dr. Andy Oguntola is the Director of the college's Lake Wales campus in the JD Alexander Center on Central Avenue downtown. He also serves as Dean of Workforce Development for the multi-campus institution. Under his five-year watch enrollment at the local campus has grown from 600 to...

  • Portion of Kissimmee River May be Designated as Wild and Scenic River

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 24, 2021

    In a tribute to the very concept of restoration, a portion of Florida's Kissimmee River that was once reduced to a single canal carrying contaminated water has been approved for status as a Wild and Scenic River under legislation passed by the US Congress. The river fell victim to a misguided flood control effort by the US Army Corps of Engineers following repeated floods after hurricanes dumped record rains across central Florida. The project turned a 103-mile meandering rive...