Headwaters Lake is located in Fellsmere, FL. It is conveniently located to destinations including Sebastian, FL and Vero Beach, FL. You can also access Headwaters Lake from Central Florida destinations when looking to explore. Use our Headwater Lake Boat Ramp & Directions page for more information.

Headwaters Lake is located at 16955 Fellsmere Grade Road, Fellsmere, FL 32948. Access to the lake is via Fellsmere Grade Road, a well-maintained dirt road that leads to the public boat ramp.

From the south (e.g., Vero Beach or Fort Pierce), take I-95 North to Exit 156 (CR 512), head west through Fellsmere, then turn right onto CR 507. After about 3.4 miles, turn left onto Fellsmere Grade Road and follow it west for approximately 3.9 miles to reach the ramp entrance on the left.

From the north (e.g., Palm Bay or Melbourne), take I-95 South to Exit 166 (St. Johns Heritage Parkway), continue west to CR 507, turn left, and travel south for about 5.5 miles before turning right onto Fellsmere Grade Road.

The boat ramp is open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Please note that the road is unpaved and can be dusty, so plan accordingly.

There are several convenient and comfortable places to stay near Headwaters Lake in Fellsmere, Florida, ranging from affordable hotels to riverfront resorts and private vacation rentals. Many anglers choose to stay in Palm Bay or Sebastian, both of which are within a 15–25 minute drive of the boat ramp. Popular hotel options in Palm Bay include the Best Western Plus, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Suites, and Quality Inn, offering easy access to restaurants and I-95. If you’re looking for something more scenic or upscale, the Sebastian area offers excellent choices like Capt Hiram’s Resort, a full-service waterfront property with live music, dining, and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for relaxing after a day of bass fishing. Learn More – Headwaters Lake Accomodations 

Headwaters Lake has gained a reputation for producing some impressive trophy bass catches. The record bass caught in Headwaters Lake weighed in at over 15 pounds, showcasing the lake’s potential for yielding large and healthy largemouth bass. Anglers from all over visit in hopes of breaking this record, drawn by the promise of landing a once-in-a-lifetime catch. Our fishing guides are popular Trophy Bass Fishing captains for this lake! 

Headwaters Lake (Fellsmere Reservoir) is relatively shallow overall, with depths ranging from about 4 to 10 feet across most areas, and some deeper holes reaching up to 30 feet.  The lake was designed with varying bottom contours, ridges, and submerged structures to mimic a natural fishery. This depth diversity — along with extensive submerged vegetation — creates ideal conditions for trophy largemouth bass, making it one of the best bass fisheries in Florida.

Fishing at Headwaters Lake is a rewarding experience throughout the year, but some months offer particularly favorable conditions for anglers. The spring months, especially March and April, are considered the best time to fish Headwaters Lake. During this period, the bass are in their spawning phase, making them more active and easier to catch. The warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours contribute to increased fish activity, providing anglers with ample opportunities to land trophy bass.

Headwaters Lake, also known as Fellsmere Reservoir, is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to protect and maintain its reputation as a premier trophy bass fishery. All largemouth bass caught within the lake are subject to catch-and-release only regulations; possession or harvest of largemouth bass is prohibited. When using natural bait larger than 3 inches, anglers are required to use non-offset circle hooks to reduce fish injury during catch and release.

For all other freshwater species such as bluegill, crappie, and redear sunfish, Florida’s statewide freshwater fishing regulations apply. Boating access to Headwaters Lake is restricted to the hours between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset. Airboats are not permitted on the lake. Additionally, all watercraft must adhere to posted speed limits and idle-speed (no wake) zones as designated within the water management area.

For the most up-to-date regulations and licensing requirements, anglers should refer to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) official websites.

Headwaters Lake, also known as the Fellsmere Reservoir, was officially opened to the public for fishing in August 2020. Developed by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the lake is part of a larger Everglades restoration and water management initiative.

Construction and habitat development spanned several years, with the goal of creating a highly productive freshwater fishery. Designed as a man-made wetland system, Headwaters Lake features varied depths, submerged vegetation, and engineered structure to replicate natural fish habitats.

Today, it covers over 10,000 acres of fishable water and is recognized as one of Florida’s top destinations for trophy largemouth bass.

Headwaters Lake spans an impressive 10,000 acres, making it one of the largest manmade lakes in Florida. This expansive body of water provides ample space for a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Its size and carefully designed aquatic habitats create an ideal environment for a diverse range of fish species and other wildlife.