Tenoroc
Lake
Tenoroc is
located two miles northeast of Lakeland on S.R.
33A (Reynolds Road), south of I-4 between Tampa
and Orlando and bisected by S.R. 659. Visitors
can reach Tenoroc off I-4 at Exit 20, or north
off U.S. 92, east of Lakeland onto Combee Road
(S.R. 659) and turning east when reaching
Tenoroc Mine Road.
Tenoroc is a
gateway site for the Great Florida Birding
Trail. It was selected for the distinction based
on its excellent bird watching opportunities.
The numerous lakes attract good numbers of
wading birds, waterfowl, raptors such as osprey
and eagles. Songbirds pause here during spring
and fall migrations. Nesting ospreys are common
in the spring and one of the state’s largest
wading bird colonies boasts snowy egrets, white
ibises, and anhingas.
Tenoroc Lakes is one of Florida’s premier
bass fishing “hot spots,”
Tenoroc Fish
Management Area features a series of
fish-filled lakes created from reclaimed
phosphate pits. The park has many different
types of pits designed for specific uses
including flyfishing, fishing teams and bank
fishing. The pits are so loaded with bass,
bluegills and shellcrackers that even the most
inexperienced fisherman should be able to catch
something. Tenoroc is managed by the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and
located northeast of Lakeland just off I-4. Take
33 to S.R. 659 south (Combee Road). Turn left on
Tenoroc Mine Road. Call 863-648-3203 for permit and
additional information.
Recreation
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.
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Fishing is the
premiere recreational activity on Tenoroc. Since
1983, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
biologists have evaluated and managed the
fisheries at Tenoroc. The most sought after
sportfish on Tenoroc is the
Florida largemouth bass, but black crappie,
bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and
yellow and brown bullhead are common catches.
All visitors, including anglers, must check in
and out at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area
headquarters. Anglers must deposit their valid
fishing or hunting license with the custodian
unless otherwise instructed. Quotas have been
established for each lake, and fishing is
permitted in designated lakes only. Unless
otherwise specified, largemouth bass must be
released immediately. Tenoroc offers both boat
and bank fishing opportunities. In addition,
facilities at Derby Lake and the Pasture Lakes
are fully ADA accessible. The Saddle Creek and
Bridgewater tracts offer seven additional
fishing lakes.
Public Access
Open 4 days a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday), 6 AM to 8 PM during periods of Daylight Savings Time and 6 AM to 7 PM during periods of Eastern Savings Time. Motor vehicles may be operated only on named roads, designated parking areas, and fishing ramps as described in the area use brochure.
Wildlife
Viewing
Tenoroc is a
gateway site for the Great Florida Birding
Trail. It was selected for the distinction based
on its excellent bird watching opportunities.
The numerous lakes attract good numbers of
wading birds, waterfowl, raptors such as osprey
and eagles. Songbirds pause here during spring
and fall migrations. Nesting ospreys are common
in the spring and one of the state’s largest
wading bird colonies boasts snowy egrets, white
ibises, and anhingas. You may
request a copy or download or print the
Tenoroc Bird List -
pdf file.
Hiking
The main unit
of Tenoroc features 5.4 miles of trails in two
loops. The trails pass over both reclaimed and
unreclaimed mining property and the graded crest
road of an earthen dam. Western segments of the
trail are mostly flat, open, and dry. The
eastern loop of the Orange Trail is shaded with
oaks. Trails on Rattlesnake Ridge on the
southern portion of the Blue Loop Trail are
steep and narrow but offer pleasant vistas of
lakes and forests. In the spring, a large wading
bird colony with white ibises, snowy egrets, and
anhingas may be seen from the south end Blue
Loop Trail. These trails link with two loop
trails on the Saddle Creek Tract of Tenoroc,
south of the main unit. Access the trailhead
and parking area for the Saddle Creek trails
from Saddle Creek Park. Someday, this trail
system may continue north to connect with the
Gen. James A. Van Fleet Trail that crosses the
Green Swamp.
Horseback
Riding
Two loop trails
in Tenoroc’s main unit are available for
horseback riding. The 3.5-mile North Trail and
the 4.4-mile South Trail are accessible from the
Tenoroc Office and parking area. Water and space
for trailer parking are available here. (Hikers
may use the horseback trails, but dogs are not
permitted.) The Saddle Creek Trails are not open
for horseback riding.
Paddling
Visitors may
use canoes or kayaks on any lake where boats are
allowed, but quotas on the number of boats per
lake are enforced and paddlers will be competing
with anglers for a slot.
Shooting Range
The FWC has
constructed a major regional shooting sports
facility at Tenoroc. The facility, managed by a
private vendor, includes rifle, pistol, and air
gun ranges, trap/skeet and sporting clay
stations, and ground level, elevated, and 3-D
archery ranges.
View Larger Map
More
great links to information on this lake,
http://myfwc.com/fishing/Tenoroc
http://www.centralfloridasports.com/home/recreational/bass.asp
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