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Water Ski Lake & Fishing Lake

Two of Okeeheelee's old mining pits were reshaped into lakes rather than filled in, and today they serve very different visitors: a dedicated water ski lake for boaters and skiers, and a separate fishing lake set aside for quieter, catch-and-release freshwater fishing.

A lake built for skiing, not swimming

The water ski lake is set up specifically for towed watersports — slalom courses and a layout meant for skiers and wakeboarders rather than casual swimming, which isn't permitted in either lake. Because it's shared space, use is generally organized around scheduling and safety rules set by the county and, in some cases, a local ski club that uses the lake for organized sessions and competitions. Anyone bringing a boat should check current rules on registration, launch access, and any required permits before showing up, since lake-use policies at county parks tend to be more particular than at open waterways.

The fishing lake, for a quieter kind of visit

The separate fishing lake keeps motorized watersports off its water, leaving it to anglers working the banks or fishing from small, non-motorized craft where permitted. It's stocked with the same kind of freshwater species you'd expect from a reclaimed South Florida lake — largemouth bass, bluegill, and other panfish are typical catches. Florida requires a fishing license for freshwater fishing at county parks the same as anywhere else in the state (with limited exceptions), so anglers should have a valid license before casting a line, and should expect catch-and-release rules or size/bag limits to apply as they would on any public freshwater body in the state.

Getting set up before you go

Because the two lakes serve different activities and sit in different parts of the park, it's worth confirming which access road and parking area serves the lake you're headed to before arriving — this isn't a single waterfront with two uses, but two separate lake areas. Water conditions, algae advisories, and seasonal lake-use schedules can all shift throughout the year, so a quick check with the park office ahead of a planned ski outing or fishing trip can save a wasted drive.