Kenansville Lake

About Kenansville Lake

Kenansville Lake is a 2500-acre shallow impoundment located in East Central Florida. Before flooding in 1993, the area was a cattle pasture. The lake earned the nickname “Jurassic Park” because of its big bass and the large quantity of fish. Water depths in Kenansville Lake range from 3 to 5 feet, with an average depth of approximately 3 feet.

The town of Kenansville, located in the Indian River County, is the closest area to the lake for food, gas, and bait. Kenansville is in the center of a group of lakes called Farm 13 and Blue Cypress Lake. Kenansville Lake is a sister to Farm 13; the two are located just two miles apart. Farm 13 consists of Blue Cypress Lake in the southwest corner and Kenansville Lake in the northwest corner; none of the fisheries are connected.

Interior levees are at the north, center, and south parts of the lake. A single-lane concrete boat ramp is the only facility provided on the site. Bank fishing is common along the access canal and the north end of the lake for those willing to walk or ride a bicycle to those areas. A unique no-harvest regulation protects all largemouth bass.

The area of Kenansville, Florida, provides a rural Old Florida vibe. Aside from bass fishing for trophies, there are many activities to partake in for the whole family, not far from the lake. Most places in the area offer tours that take you close to nature, allowing you to experience Florida’s wildlife.

Fishing Kenansville Lake FL

The lake is renowned for its incredible largemouth bass, redear sunfish, crappie, and bluegill fishing opportunities. Anglers on a Kenansville fishing charter have caught over 100 basses in a single trip, and it’s not uncommon to get one up to 10 pounds. This fishery has more bluegill over one pound than any other place in Florida. It’s also known to have more crappie throughout the water than any other site in the state.

The most effective method for crappie fishing in Kenansville is using small minnows on spider rigs. Crappie usually live in deeper holes during the summer and winter months.

The best time to fish for redear sunfish here is early spring with worms.

The spawning season for bass in Florida occurs from approximately late November to April, with peak months being February and March. The west side of the lake is full of grass, reeds, and cypress trees. The heavy aquatic vegetation provides an ideal habitat for baitfish and largemouth bass.

Bass Fishing the Stick Marsh Area

Kenansville Lake in Florida is renowned for its exceptional fishing, particularly for trophy bass. Fence lines are often the best places to catch largemouth bass. Along the edge of the grass beds, there are also some incredible bass fishing spots. Bass fishing in Kenansville Lake is full of nonstop action. Anglers typically catch the most significant bass numbers when fishing around vegetation points, and the big bass are often found in holes in the grass where they can ambush prey.

Technique

Fishing with live shiners is usually the most productive and best chance at catching big bass. 2-3-inch baits are the most popular used here; however, some anglers have caught huge trophies on baits over six inches. Swim jigs, Senko’s, swimbaits, and topwater seem to be the favorites and most productive of the lures used here.

The best way to make the most of this big bass lake is fishing by boat; however, bank fishing is available along the lake’s north end and the access canal. Kenansville Lake is under the state’s no-harvest regulation. All largemouth bass must be released immediately after being caught.

Fishing With A Local Expert

Fishing with a guide is the best way to get to all the best fishing spots in Kenansville safely. Kenansville is a flooded Florida farm area with shallow waters and only one boat ramp.

There are numerous rows of submerged fence posts with barbed wire and drainage ditches; anyone unfamiliar with the area is advised to exercise caution. The area is also challenging for many anglers to navigate and identify productive areas that hold fish.

The area is also challenging for many anglers to navigate and locate productive areas that hold fish. Your licensed captain is a local expert who has spent years learning these waters and knowing where the fish are. Your fishing captain will have everything you need for a successful day on the water and provide you with your best chances of catching a Florida trophy bass.

But the area also has several other lakes worth exploring, like Cypress Lake, Alligator Lake, Kenansville Lake, and East Lake Toho. If you are used to fishing locations like Lake Erie, Table Rock, The Delta, or Lake Oconee you definitely should get some assistance before launching!

Kenansville Lake Fishing Guides

To see a complete list of great Kenansville Fishing Guides, please click here!