Lake Butler

Beautiful Lake Bulter is the largest lake in the Butler Chain of Lakes in Central Florida area on the southwest side of Orlando.  Also known as the Windermere Chain of Lakes, this chain is made up of 11-13 (depending on who you ask) lakes covering 5,000+ acres all interconnected by a canal system allowing boaters to move quickly from one lake to another. There are 23 canals that connect the lakes in the Butler Chain.  Each canal is considered navigable and averages three to five feet of water depth during most times of the year.

Boat access is available only on one Orange County ramp, R.D. Kene Park on Lake Isleworth. Orange County charges a daily boat ramp fee and the ramp is open sunrise to sunset

This chain of lakes was formed over time by a series of sinkholes that were created due to dissolved limestone. Rainwater is the primary source that fills the Butler Chain of Lakes. Wildlife is abundant in the city, however urbanized the area may seem. The water quality in the lake is maintained to preserve its marine life. 

This premier bass fishing destination is known for its incredible catches. The Butler Chain is legendary for the number of bass it produces year after year. It is ranked consistently as one of the top ten best bass fishing lakes in the country. You can enjoy fishing with both artificial lures and live bait. Wild-caught live shiners are ultimately the bait of choice when looking to catch that trophy bass you have been after. 

Other game fish found in Lake Butler include bowfin, chain pickerel, crappie, bluegill, alligator gar, grass carp, sunfish and channel catfish.  Fish species in the lake eat a variety of plant and animal life, including amphibians, crustaceans, and other small fish. 

The Butler Chain of Lakes gives you the feel of “Old Florida” with is natural surroundings, wetlands / marshes and abundant wildlife.  While there are a number of residential homes and communities which surround the lakes on the Butler chain, there is no significant commercial development. 

Lake Butler is home to Bird Island which is a bird sanctuary owned by the Audubon Society.  This pristine island is not open to the public but it is a popular mooring spot for boaters enjoying a day on their boats (and in the water).  

People also enjoy many other activities around Lake Butler, including different watersports, leisurely cruising, golfing, picnicking, biking, jogging, and yoga in the parks. Notable wildlife preserves nearby are Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve to the lake’s south, R.D. Keene Park to its northwest, Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park to its far east.  It is also just minutes from Disney World and only 30 minutes from Downtown Orlando.