News Releases

Reopened Mosaic lakes teem with fish for anglers

News Release

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Media contact: Gary Morse, 863-648-3200

Portions of the Mosaic Fish Management Area in southern Polk County will reopen to public fishing on Friday, Dec. 10. The 1,000-acre fish management area near Fort Meade is managed through a cooperative agreement between Mosaic Fertilizer LLC and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Lakes Coulter, LP2 East, LP2 West, S8 East and S8 West are reopening. These lakes have been closed for more than three years due to mining-related public safety issues.

When the lakes reopen, there likely will be some memorable fishing trips in store for anglers looking to catch largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Fish populations, as well as fishing success, often improve significantly when lakes are closed and then reopened.

The lakes range in size from 20 to 250 acres and have an angler quota that protects the fishery from overharvest. Quotas will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

FWC biologists and Mosaic staff took advantage of the closure by improving access roads and boat ramps, monitoring fish populations and enhancing fishing opportunities by stocking channel catfish from state hatcheries.

The Mosaic Fish Management Area has been in existence for more than 10 years. The area is open to public fishing Fridays through Mondays, from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. There is no cost to fish, but anglers must check in and out with Mosaic security staff.

For more information on freshwater fishing opportunities, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing or call the FWC regional office in Lakeland at 863-648-3200 during regular working hours.