Headwaters Lake

Led by locals who love where they’re from and what they do. With intimate group sizes, you’ll never get lost in the crowd.

Every experience is reviewed for quality and uniqueness and is entirely private.

About Fellsmere

Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area, also known as Fellsmere Reservoir, Lake Eden, Headwaters Lake, and Lake Headwaters, is a 10,000-acre human-made world-class lake in Indian River County bordering Farm 13, Stick Marsh, Blue Cypress Lake, and Lake Garcia. FWC and SJRWMD conducted extensive habitat work before flooding, which helped establish this area as a bass fishery. The structural habitat and numerous underwater features are designed to provide a once-in-a-lifetime bass fishing experience, along with multiple opportunities for sport fishing.

Once the reservoir flooded, FWC stocked nearly 1,000,000 sport fish, along with crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish. It took years to open the fishery; management actions and fish population sampling have shown the bass population has flourished in this habitat-rich environment. Please continue to read more to understand the structure, fishing patterns, boat ramp, maps, and why anglers think it’s world-class!  Read More

• Region: Florida, Palm Bay
• Duration: 4, 6, 8, & 12 hrs
• Cancellation: 12 hrs in advance
• Weather-Related: Full refund
• Instant Online Confirmation
• Includes All State Taxes

• All Fishing Equipment
• Professional Captain
• Boat & Fuel
• Cooler & Ice
• Bottled water
• Photos

• Florida Freshwater Fishing License for those ages 16+
• Live bait, if desired, is an additional purchase and is available on the morning of the trip. (optional)
• Food or Specialty beverages

Fellsmere Reservoir Fishing

Why fish Fellsmere? In simple terms, most fishing lakes show real highs and lows, and while Lake Egan has days when you are not setting your PB more than average, it continues to be an incredible bass fishing factory. Many rumors report catches in triple-digit quantities in a single day, which we have experienced and accomplished many times with customers.

However, significant numbers keep anglers busy because this is a place where the odds of success are high. You can only catch so many fish before the big hits. There is ample opportunity to target only trophies, using specific techniques such as flipping or simply using wild shiners.

Like most places, the winds can take a toll on water quality. The usual water supply quality is excellent, but please note that it may change. Make an adjustment, find cleaner water, and you will achieve the results you want.

Water level depth varies by season, but 6 feet is the target depth they aim to maintain. Now, that’s the average; there are much shallower spots, so use caution, but there are some areas as deep as 30 feet.

Best Techniques for Big Bass

There are thousands of acres of underwater vegetation, submerged trees, and expansive amounts of quality hydrilla. The thousands of acres of emergents and the visual look of cattails and spatterdock pads lead you not to know where to cat next. Please start by learning the basics of bass fishing, find something that looks healthy, and cast to it. Catch one, that’s luck; catch two, that’s a pattern. Keep track of what the bass are holding to and look for more of that area and structure.

For years, bass anglers have heard fellow anglers say how hard it is to pattern Lake Okeechobee due to its size, and that it all looks so good; where do you start? Well, folks, this place is no different. From the time you put your boat in the water, it is very fishy, which is perhaps the only downside to fishing Headwaters Lake.

Headwaters Lake offers something for everyone:

• Shoreline Fishing: Miles of shoreline provide ample opportunities for anglers who enjoy this technique.
• Submerged Trees: An endless supply of submerged trees awaits anglers who like targeting this type of structure.
• Underwater Vegetation: Rip lipless crankbaits or slow-roll swimbaits through the abundant vegetation.

Fish your strength, if, like pounding shorelines, there are plenty here. Do you like targeting submerged trees? Well, there is an endless amount. Maybe underwater vegetation is your thing, ripen rattle traps, or slow rolling a swimbait through the grass. Well, good news, you’re going to need about a month to fish it all. Stick to your strength when fishing this location, whether that’s fishing fast or slow, and you will find the fish!

Amenities:

• Fishing Chairs
• GPS & Fishfinder
• Life Jackets
• Catch and Release Allowed
• Keep Fish Allowed within Laws

About this Tour:

• Boat Specs: 20+ ft
• Boat Capacity: 4 People
• All Fishing Equipment
• Boat & Fuel
• Photos

Fishing Techniques:

• Light Tackle
• Heavy Tackle
• Livebait
• Fly Fishing
• Artificial Lures

Fishing Equipment:

• Spinning Rods
• Baitcasting Rods
• Left & Right Handed
• Fly Rods (request only)
• Braid & Mono Line

What to Throw at Headwaters Lake?

Because the fishery is so new, many of the 1 million largemouth bass have never seen a lure, so most fishermen are using artificial lures. It is hard to go wrong in Lake Edan as the bass don’t seem to mind a diverse menu. Plastics, spinnerbaits, plugs, swimbaits, and jerkbaits are excellent choices for fishing in areas with vast vegetation, as they allow you to stick with weedless lures until you locate the fish.

Suppose you are a cranker, and Headwaters Lake is something for you as well. There are numerous deep ponds and lakes where deep-diving crankbaits will land your trophy bass. Your ability and the vegetation limit your use to water. Lures that cover water are good choices when the fish are active; a speed worm or fluke will allow you to do that effectively and avoid frustration. When the fish are less active, try casting a Senko or a tried-and-true worm.

If the wind is blowing, try adding a small 1/16-ounce weight to your lure to provide more control, feel, and casting distance. The favorite color among most Central Florida lakes is Green Pumpkin, which consistently performs well. In real, clear water, a lighter watermelon works well as a choice. We like dark colors, like Junebug and black.

If topwater is your thing, try a Gamble Big Easy or Zoom Horny toad plastic, as it will come through all the covers very well. And like all lakes in Florida, using live bait with Wild Shiners works very well.

Summary

We believe everyone involved would like to see Egan Lake catch and release only; the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FWC decided not to make it that way for some insane reason. So it is currently under the normal statewide State of Florida limit laws. Why doesn’t it make any sense to promote a freshwater fishing trophy catch program if we’re not going to protect the fishing capital of the world?

You’ll like Fellsmere Reservoir, Lake Eden, and the Headwaters Lake area if you give it a chance!!!

Headwaters Lake Fishing Guides

Meet the TEAM of local Fellsmere Reservoir fishing guides. We know the best spots, baits, and techniques to give you the most incredible fishing experience.

Here are some key facts about Headwaters Lake:

1. Flooding began in 2015 and has been ongoing until 2020, affecting the general public.
2. Access to 10,000 acres total, 7,000 is considered fishable, the rest is Marsh.
3. Native Florida fish populations in ditches keep the original strain dominant
4. A million bass stocked, 500,000 in 2015 and 500,000 in 2016
5. Florida hatchery confirms DNA test of 100% Florida strain bass
6. Statewide bag and length limits apply, not Catch and Release only
7. Stocked with Largemouth Bass, Redear sunfish, Bluegill and Crappie
8. FWC state regulations on Panfish and Catfish
9. The expected water level is 19.5 feet above sea level
10. Average depth 6′, deepest water 30′ plus
11. Just under 7 miles North to South, and 3 miles wide
12. Indian burial mounds, 3 exist on the lake & protected

Recreational Outdoor Activities

Of course, fishing also provides opportunities for seasonal hunting, hiking, bicycling along levees, wildlife viewing, canoeing, kayaking, and boating. The access canals are narrow with blind corners; boating speeds shall not exceed 25 mph and are enforced by FWC. These speed limits are within designated portions of channels marked “idle speed,” no wake.

Wildlife viewing

Let’s all respect wildlife and use caution while visiting the Fellsmere Reservoir and the surrounding area. These are dedicated wilderness areas with wild animals. For the safety of the animals, please refrain from feeding them or provoking any wild animals.

It contains a foraging and nesting habitat for snail kites and other birds on the property’s eastern corner. It’s not uncommon to see great blue herons, white ibis, snowy egrets, limpkins, and night herons in these wetlands. Other species include wood storks, ospreys, and bald eagles, which are common as well.

Kayaking Opportunities

Canoeing, Kayaking, and Paddle craft users come in countless shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether it is a paddle version or a powered version, they are a popular freshwater fishing attraction in this area and have their own launch ramp. Thinking of visiting Headwaters Lake in Fellsmere, FL? Don’t hesitate – it’s an outstanding experience. Vegetation is very visible, but there are many canals to avoid dense areas.

It’s relatively open; when fishing, Fellsmere Reservoir is a massive place. Please pay attention to the weather and wind before and during your trip, especially if you plan for a long day and venture a long way from the launch point.

Without obstructions, the wind can pick up and create quite a chop on the lake. If you find boat traffic unpleasant, consider recommending it during the week, if at all possible. Otherwise, enjoy yourselves, it’s a fantastic place!

Non-motorized access by the St Johns River Water Management District is available to the L75 levee and a non-motorized watercraft launch at the Fellsmere reservoir area.

Fellsmere Reservoir Boat Ramp

A partnership between the St Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FWC has installed the Fellsmere Reservoir boat ramp, providing anglers access. The park, located in Indian River County, will be open to the public from dawn to dusk.

You will find a pair of beautiful boat ramps with floating docks and complete ADA access—a fully paved ramp with parking area and basic restrooms. There is no tackle shop, store, ice, or gas available; please obtain all necessary supplies before you arrive. The taxpayers contributed over 1 million dollars to enhance this project.

Fellsmere Reservoir Directions

Headwaters Lake is directly east of Sebastian, Florida, and just South of Melbourne on the Treasure Coast. Where you can find the local Bass Pro Shops, named after the local fishery “Stick Marsh Outpost.” Located on the border between Brevard and Indian River counties, which is separated by the C-54 canal.

As you drive down Stick Marsh Road, the canal is on your north side; it runs west to a spillway at the Stick Marsh boat ramp area. I-95 is the best option for traveling from the north or south. Because of the interstate access, the reservoir is a pleasant drive for anyone from any direction.

North

I am coming from the north, exit Malabar Road on I-95 in Palm Bay. Exit east, turn south on Babcock Street, go for approximately 11 miles. Look for a small concrete bridge; it’s labeled the C54 canal; turn right after the bridge onto Fellsmere Grade Road.

South

If traveling from the south, exit Fellsmere Rd off I-95. Head west on SR512 into the town of Fellsmere. Turn right on N Broadway Street, go 1/4 mile, then take a left on South Carolina Ave. Go 1/4 mile again and take a right onto SR507.

Look for a small concrete bridge; it’s labeled the C54 canal; turn left before the bridge onto Fells Grade Road.

Continue west on Fells Grade Road, following the C54 canal on your right for approximately 7 miles. The road has improved over the years; it is a graded dirt road. Like all dirt roads, it can be dusty during the summer, bumpy at any time, and have lots of puddles during the rainy season.
The speed limit is posted 35mph, but you will find the people that creep and others that almost fly. It’s 5 miles give or take, to Headwaters Lake boat ramp and park lot, which will be on your left; if you continue to the end, this is the Stick Marsh Farm 13 park lot and overflow lot for the Fellsmere Lake ramp.

Come Early

As a new addition, we have seen the park lot full at times; there is typically plenty of parking, but the fishing continues to attract more people. An overflow area has been established for times of high use, which helps. Do not park along the main road; you will be towed. Wintertime brings tourists from the north, duck season for locals, and crappie anglers. This is the prime season, so plan on the parking lot being full.

A few covered picnic areas make for a nice family picnic if you pass through. It also has public grills and restrooms, which are fancy outhouse-style bathrooms.

Note: Additional parking is available 2 miles west at the Stick Marsh boat ramp.

We believe everyone involved would like to see Egan Lake catch and release only; the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission FWC decided not to make it that way for some insane reason. So it is currently under the normal statewide State of Florida limit laws, which is why it doesn’t make any sense to promote a freshwater fishing trophy catch program if we’re not going to protect the fishing capital of the world!
You’ll like Fellsmere Reservoir, Lake Eden, and the Headwaters Lake area if you give it a chance!!!

Fellsmere Reservoir Map

Note: Below find a Fellsmere water management area map by St Johns River Water Management