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 The
Butler (4,927 acres)
Chains of lakes are all very similar in that they are relatively deep for Florida lakes (20 - 40 foot
holes), have abundant submerge vegetation and
good largemouth bass fisheries. This 4,720-acre
chain is made up of 11 interconnected lakes.
Boat access is available only at one county ramp
(Lake Isleworth just south of Windermere) and
public bank access is almost non-existent.
Orange County charges a launch fee at the Lake
Isleworth ramp and the ramp is not open after
dark.
The R.D. Keene
ramp at Lake Isleworth (Butler Chain) costs per day
or a year for use of the ramp.
Windermere
Chain is known for its excellent largemouth bass
fishing. Most successful bass anglers pay
attention to the bottom contours of the lakes
offshore structure where 4- to 5-pound bass are
commonly produced. Live shiners free-lined over
grass edges, humps, ledges, and drop‑offs
adjacent to spawning flats is one method to
consistently catch quality bass in the
winter/spring (Try Lake Butler). Jigging spoons
fished over deep-water humps can produce 50-fish
days when the water gets cold and fish
congregate tightly (Try Little Lake Down).
Windermere chain also have relatively unknown
and unstudied black crappie (speck), bluegill
and redear sunfish (shellcracker) populations,
but anecdotal angler reports and field
observations indicate a fishery exists for all
three species.
The
Chain of Lakes was formed as a result of a
typical Florida occurrence which is known as "karst
topography". In this occurrence, limestone
(found under the majority of Florida soil) is
slowly dissolved by water to form sinkholes. A
series of sinkholes formed over time created
what is now called the Butler Chain of Lakes
(aka. Windermere Chain). There are areas on
these lakes that reaches depths of 50 feet
and is believed to be the remnants of those
old sinkholes which helped form this beautiful chain
of lakes.
Many celebrities call the Butler Chain of Lakes
their home. Such people include the likes of
Shaquille O'Neal, Ken Griffey Jr., and Tiger
Woods, just to name a few sport stars. It is nice place to
fish where you can catch big numbers of bass
with an occasional big fish, though just being
on this Chain for the day is worth the trip.
Expect to see schooling fish almost twelve months out
of the year. These schooling fish sometime average
3 - 5 pounds, but in most cases are smaller. Carolina-rigging in depths of 8 -
30 feet is a great producer all year. If
you enjoy topwater,
this is where you'll want to be if you're
looking for some fun.
View Larger Map
Additional helpful links:
https://rickgeller.com/Butler_Chain_Protection.php
http://www.thebutlerchain.com/introduction.htm
http://butlerchainconservation.org/
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