Fellsmere Reservoir Fishing
Brevard County, FWC North Central region, 10,000 acres.
- 4ramps
- 590TrophyCatch bass
- 10,000acres
Photo, nearby stand in for Fellsmere Reservoir: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fellsmere Reservoir for anglers
FWC lists Fellsmere Reservoir under its North Central fishing sites, in Brevard County and Indian River County. It spreads over 10,000 acres, per FWC.
590 Florida bass of 8 pounds and up from Fellsmere Reservoir are in the TrophyCatch records. FWC names Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and black crappie for Fellsmere Reservoir. Launch options at Fellsmere Reservoir: 4 public ramps, 4 free.
What FWC says about Fellsmere Reservoir
Fishing spots on Fellsmere Reservoir, per FWC
“Once the lake was flooded, nearly 1,000,000 Florida bass were stocked along with bluegill, redear sunfish, and crappie.”
“Fellsmere Reservoir, also known as Headwaters Lake or Lake Egan, is a 10,000-acre manmade lake in Indian River county adjacent to Stick Marsh/Farm 13.”
“There are thousands of acres of submerged vegetation, mostly hydrilla, along with thousands of acres of emergent vegetation, such as cattails and spatterdock pads.”
“Flooded timber is present in small amounts.”
“Note that additional parking is available 2 miles away at the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 boat ramp.”
“The average size bass is 1.5 to 3 pounds.”
“Parking for around 44 trailers and restroom facilities are currently available.”
Quoted from the FWC site page: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
FWC report for Fellsmere Reservoir
“Live golden shiners are a staple for anglers targeting big bass as well, please note circle hooks are required when using natural baits over 3” in length.”
“Water Levels are available.”
“Another strategy for success is jigging along the hydrilla edges of canals and ditches, keep moving if you’re having a hard time finding them!”
“Crappie anglers may find suspended schools by drifting minnows or jigs in the deeper pits or ledges and drop-offs in open water areas.”
Quoted from the FWC fishing forecast: FWC page 1. Checked October 2026.
Getting on Fellsmere Reservoir
- Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (St. Johns Stick Marsh) Airboat Ramp1 lane ramp, free, 39 trailer spaces, composting toilet
- Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (St. Johns Stick Marsh) Motorboat Ramp2 lane ramp, free, 39 trailer spaces, composting toilet
- Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area – Headwaters Lake Kayak Accesspaddle launch, free, composting toilet
- Fellsmere Headwaters Lake Boat Ramp2 lane ramp, free, 36 trailer spaces, composting toilet
Source: FWC Boat Ramp Inventory, October 2026.
Species in Fellsmere Reservoir
TrophyCatch bass from Fellsmere Reservoir
TrophyCatch counts as shown on the FWC page (Fellsmere Reservoir). Only bass 8 pounds and up, released alive, are counted.
Bag limits at Fellsmere Reservoir
Rules that apply only at Fellsmere Water Management Area (commonly known as Headwaters Lake and Egan Lake), Indian River County:
- Fellsmere Water Management Area (commonly known as Headwaters Lake and Egan Lake), Indian River County:
- Access: Hunters must abide by the same hours as all other users, including at the old kayak launch area. No access is allowed to Fellsmere until ONE HOUR BEFORE SUNRISE
- Fish:
- Black bass must be released immediately
- Circle hooks required when fishing with natural bait greater than 3” in length
- The rules have an effective date of June 7, 2022
- Navigation: – Boat speed shall not exceed 25 mph in all areas of the reservoir. Outside of the access canals, the reservoir contains a mixture of habitats, which combined with varying water levels create shallow water obstacles and navigation hazards
- – Boating speed limits within the boat basin, designated portions of canals, and when passing other boats will be “idle speed,” no wake. The area’s access canals are narrow with blind corners and are vulnerable to erosion from boat wakes. The reservoir is also popular with kayak and paddle-craft anglers; please use caution and be aware of low draft vessels. If fishing from a kayak, it is recommended to use an elevated flag to increase visibility
| Species | Statewide daily bag | Length rule |
|---|---|---|
| Florida bass | 5 | only one 16 in or longer |
| Black crappie | 25 | none statewide |
| Bluegill and other panfish | 50 combined | none statewide |
FWC freshwater regulations, 2026-27 season, checked October 2026. All Florida limits and license prices.
Fellsmere Reservoir on the FWC top spots list
Black-Bass, 2026 list
Bass size, bass numbers, TrophyCatch submissions
“Water levels are managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) completed extensive habitat improvements before the lake was flooded.”
From FWC’s yearly top freshwater fishing spots lists.
Tournaments on Fellsmere Reservoir
Bass tournament dates and results for Fellsmere Reservoir are on its tournament page.
Fellsmere Reservoir and the lakes around it
| Lake | Distance | Acres (FWC) | Public ramps | TrophyCatch bass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fellsmere Reservoir | 10,000 | 4 | 590 | |
| Farm 13/Stick Marsh | under a mile west | 6,500 | 2 | 171 |
| Kenansville Lake | 7 miles west | 2,500 | 1 | 236 |
| Blue Cypress Lake | 7 miles southwest | 5,500 | 2 | 12 |
| Lake Garcia | 12 miles south | 3,149 | 3 | 51 |
| Lake Hell 'n' Blazes | 15 miles northwest | 0 |
Close to Fellsmere Reservoir
Lakes within a short drive of Fellsmere Reservoir
- Farm 13/Stick Marshunder a mile west
- Kenansville Lake7 miles west
- Blue Cypress Lake7 miles southwest
- Lake Garcia12 miles south
- Lake Hell 'n' Blazes15 miles northwest
Bait and tackle near Fellsmere Reservoir
- Stick Marsh Bait & Tackle Shopbait and tackle, Fellsmere, 7 miles
- Sportsmen's Specialtiesbait and tackle, Fellsmere, 8 miles
- Sebastian River Marina & Boatyardmarina, Sebastian, 13 miles
- Sebastian Inlet Marinamarina, Micco, 13 miles
- Bucktail Bait & Tacklebait and tackle, Grant, 13 miles
- Treasure Coast Marina, 5185 S US Highway 1marina, Grant, 13 miles
Bass guides around Fellsmere Reservoir
- Fin & Fly Fishing Chartersfly, Cocoa Beach, (321) 652-5903
Where to base a trip to Fellsmere Reservoir
- Palm Bay10 miles
- Sebastian14 miles
- Melbourne20 miles
Counties touching Fellsmere Reservoir
- Brevard Countyseat: Titusville
- Indian River Countyseat: Vero Beach
Questions about fishing Fellsmere Reservoir
What county is Fellsmere Reservoir in?
In Brevard County and Indian River County.
How many acres is Fellsmere Reservoir?
About 10,000 acres by the FWC figure.
Are there public boat ramps on Fellsmere Reservoir?
4 ramps, all listed on this page.
What should I fish for on Fellsmere Reservoir?
FWC names Florida bass, bluegill, redear sunfish and black crappie.
How big do bass get in Fellsmere Reservoir?
TrophyCatch has 590 bass from Fellsmere Reservoir, each 8 pounds or more.
What are the rules on Fellsmere Reservoir?
Yes. Fellsmere Water Management Area (commonly known as Headwaters Lake and Egan Lake), Indian River County:
What license covers Fellsmere Reservoir?
Yes, the resident annual freshwater license costs $17.
Is Fellsmere Reservoir stocked?
No FWC stockings are listed for Fellsmere Reservoir in 2021-22 to 2023-24.
How do I check Fellsmere Reservoir levels?
Fellsmere Reservoir has no public real-time gauge.
Plan a trip to Fellsmere Reservoir
Buy a license online before you go.