Discover the Butler Chain of Lakes
In the beautiful town of Windermere, you will discover the stunning Butler Chain of Lakes. Here, you can escape to the water to enjoy the calm and serenity that comes with life on the lake. At the Butler Chain of Lakes, roam the 13 interconnected lakes, waterways, and 32 canals, both man-made and natural. If you are looking for fun and relaxation, take to the Butler Chain of Lakes and enjoy boating on the water.
The Butler Chain of Lakes consists of 4,927 acres of freshwater that is perfect for taking the boat out to explore. There are lots of recreational activities to enjoy. From boating and bass fishing to wakeboarding and water skiing. Try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking, wake surfing, and even tubing! With the fresh air in your lungs and lush tropical landscape all around. A day out on the Butler Chain of Lakes makes for a fantastic way to spend the day.
How The Butler Chain of Lakes Formed
Do you know how the Chain of Lakes formed? They resulted from what is known as “karst topography.” Meaning that limestone slowly dissolved in the water and formed sinkholes. The Butler Chain of Lakes formed from a series of such sinkholes. In parts of this particular chain of lakes, these sinkholes can reach depths of up to 50 feet. It is believed that those are the remnants of the old sinkholes that formed this magnificent area.
These lakes are well known for their largemouth bass fishing. In certain parts of the lake, you can find bass weighing upwards of 4 to 5 pounds! This is thanks to the lake’s contours along the bottom offshore area, which helps produce such a large bass.
Let’s discover a little about each of the lakes…
Lake Down
This 872-acre lake is full of crystal-clear water just waiting to be fished in! You can access this body of water by entering through the R.D. Keened Park. The boat ramp is located at 10900 Chase Road in Windermere. It’s the closest ramp to this particular lake. This lake is known for its fantastic bass fishing, thanks to its clear water and grass beds.
Little Lake Down
Little Lake Down is also a great lake to fish for bass. To find Little Lake Down, you must enter through what some say to be a hidden canal. Located on Lake Down’s west side, and it is just north of the main canal that lies between Wauseon Bay and Lake Down.
Wauseon Bay
This smaller section of the Butler Chain of Lakes holds a tinier body of water called Wauseon Bay. Here you will find a variety of bass fishing as well as lily pad fields and grass beds.
Lake Butler
As the largest lake among the Butler Chain of Lakes, Lake Butler is 1,665 acres of fantastic bass fishing in great waters. Here is where you can also find Bird Island (a popular hang out for locals.) There’s grass and deep-water beds that make for some extraordinary bass fishing excitement.
Lake Louise
The 50-acre lake known as Lake Louise is actually a narrow lake that connects Lake Butler to Lake Tibet. While it is tiny, you can find eelgrass beds and even some flooded timber here.
Lake Isleworth
This body of water is all of about 10-acres just south of Lake Louise. This is also where you can find the R.D. Keene’s Park boat ramp. There are lots of lily pads and flooded cypress trees in this area as well.
Lake Chase
Lake Chase consists of 135-acres with a great mixture of delicate vegetation. This chain is somewhat close to one of the few public access ramps for Lake Isleworth. This lake, in particular, has become an excellent lake for pitching and flipping around and for its boat docks, flooded timber, and grass beds. You can find lots of lily pads along the beautiful shoreline, which can hold great bass just waiting to be caught. Keep an eye out for frogs and snakes here for all you nature lovers. There is a lot to see in this section for sure!
Lake Blanche
With 121-acres of water ranging from shallow to deep water here, bass fishing is also popular in this lake. Lake Blanche has a very deep hole that you can find just upon entering the lake from the canal. This makes for a great spot to fish using Carolina-rigged baits, jigging spoons, or drop shots. To exit this lake, find your way back to Lake Chase through the canal.
Lake Tibet
As the second-largest lake, Lake Tibet sits on 1,198-acres on the Butler Chain of Lakes. With bays located on both of its sides. This lake offers excellent bass fishing with a nature preserve on one side and lots of deep drop-offs and docks. There are also some beautiful flooded cypress trees for some nature shots should you bring your camera.
Unnamed Lake
There are just 14-acres in this yet-to-be-named section of the Chain of Lakes. This lake can be accessed through the boat ramp in Keene’s Pointe.
Lake Sheen
This circular-shaped lake of 565-acres offers fantastic bass fishing. There are lush grass beds that, scattered hydrilla and flooded cypress trees, produce great bass for fishing.
Pocket Lake
This 126-acre lake has a depth of 18 feet. Pocket Lake is a serene area to kick back and relax, with part of this lake scattered with grass beds and lily pads.
Fish Lake
Fish Lakes consists of just under 30 acres. The average depth here is 16 feet. This lake is also known as Little Fish Lake. Known to be pretty full of weeds. It is still an excellent lake when the time is right. There are lots of great lily pads here and very few boat docks, and sometimes can be a total gem when it comes to fishing.
Bird Island
Just 200 yards from the Fernwood Park boat ramp is Bird Island. This is a beautiful spot to park your boat and enjoy nature as it is only accessible by boat transport. It can get pretty busy on the weekends. Boaters are known for hanging out with friends and family in this area. Bird Island has become a sanctuary for pelicans as well as many other different types of birds.
If you make your way to this area. Do be kind to the natural habitat around you as many visitors mistreat this beautiful land area and the waters around it. Pick up your trash!
The Great Lake Butler Chain of Lakes
These lakes that make up the Lake Butler Chain are known for their excellent water quality. Recognized by Florida’s Department of Environmental Regulation for Outstanding Florida Waters. Because of the great water quality, which produces impressive views. The Butler Chain of Lakes has become home to many celebrities.
When on the water, boaters can get a glimpse of how the rich and famous live and where they call home. Take a boat past Isleworth and other mansion communities located on Lake Butler for a view of the star’s super pads.
Take a Tour
If you do not have your own boat, fear not! There are numerous locally owned and operated boating companies that will take you out on the lake. Whether to fish for bass or to see the beautiful mansions and learn fun tidbits about the celebrities who live in them. You can also find rental companies that will drop off jet skis to the lake so you can enjoy some adventure in the fresh air.
Erica Diaz Team – Discover the Butler Chain of Lakes
The Chain of Lakes makes for a great day out, and it is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh air while enjoying the natural landscape and beauty of the lake. Take in the crystal-clear water, lily pads, cypress trees, and all sounds of nature calling.
If you find yourself drawn to this area and want to call this part of Central Florida home, let us know! The Erica Diaz Team can help you find your dream home on the water in the beautiful town of Windermere. We have a knowledgeable team of expert realtors who can assist in selling your current home and the purchase of your next one!
We look forward to hearing from you!
