Recreation (updated
yearly)
In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the
area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following
recreation activities are allowed. The Three
Lakes Prairie Lakes Unit Recreation Guide is a useful resource when
visiting this area.
Turkey Call, a publication of the National Wild Turkey Association,
has named Three Lakes one of the five top producers of turkeys among
Florida’s wildlife management areas. The deer, squirrel, and quail
population on Three Lakes are fair; and the feral hog population is good.
34,948-acre lake, 3rd largest in Florida Largemouth bass, bluegill,
redear sunfish (shellcracker), and black crappie (specks) outstanding.
Boat access is available at Overstreet Landing, just north of Three
Lakes.
Catch and release only for largemouth bass.
Minimum 12-inch size limit for black crappie. Bluegill and redear sunfish
of good size. Once completely covered with aquatic vegetation, this
newly restored 1020-acre lake is not the largest lake in the chain but
may be most productive; many bass weighing over 10 pounds have been
caught here since 1994. Boat access available off of Boat Ramp
Road within the Three Lakes Prairie Lakes Unit.
Bluegill and redear sunfish caught here in great numbers in late spring
and throughout summer. This 5,739-acre lake has long been known for
outstanding black crappie fishing. Black crappie are often caught trolling
during winter and summer; in the spring anglers fish along the grass
line. Boat access is available just south of Three Lakes at the
Kenansville Boat Ramp.
Outstanding catfish spots. Shore fishing only.
There are several borrow pits found on the east side of Three Lakes
that provide additional fishing opportunities. Access is available
via hiking.
Reference the
map of
Prairie Lakes Unit of Three Lakes WMA (pdf
file) to locate boat ramp(s). Fishing
license information.
The expansive prairie combined with the diversity of natural communities
supply ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Due to its unique and high quality birding opportunities,
this area is part of the Great
Florida Birding Trail. An observation tower overlooking Lake
Jackson allows additional opportunities for wildlife viewing. You may request
a copy or download or print the
Three Lakes Bird List -
pdf file. Visit the Wildlife
page for more information about the area's wildlife.
Within Three Lakes are 29.4 miles of trails, 24.3 miles of which are
part of the
Florida
National Scenic Trail. Trails can be very wet at times.
Roads within Three Lakes are well suited for mountain biking.
Permitted on existing named and numbered road system except that horses
may be ridden on firelanes during the general
gun-dog season in that portion of the area east of the Florida Turnpike
by hunters possessing quota permits for the general
gun-dog season. During the small game
season, persons hunting from horseback are not restricted to named
and numbered roads.
Lake Jackson, Marian, and Kissimmee all offer paddling opportunities.
Windy conditions on the largest of these lakes may make paddling difficult
at times. While paddling, you can take advantage of excellent opportunities
for fishing and bird watching. Reference the
map
of Prairie Lakes Unit of Three Lakes WMA (pdf
file) to locate boat ramp(s).
Visitors to the Prairie Lakes Unit can follow a 10 mile interpretive
drive. Pick up a guide at the Prairie Lakes entrance kiosk. Vehicle
use regulations.
On the Prairie Lakes Unit, primitive camping is allowed at
designated
campsites (pdf file) on non-hunting
days. A no-cost camping permit is required from the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission and can be obtained by calling
(407) 436.1818. On the rest of Three Lakes, camping is permitted only
at hunter-designated
camping areas (pdf file) during hunting
season and at designated campsites on the
Florida
Trail throughout the year.
