Headwaters Lake bass fishing
Largemouth bass on a newer reservoir west of Vero Beach, near Fellsmere.
Guided bass trips on Headwaters Lake, inland from Vero Beach near Fellsmere. Fish standing timber, grass and open water for largemouth bass with artificial lures or live shiners. Trips book online with live dates.
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Book your Headwaters Lake fishing trips today.
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Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
How do you book a Headwaters Lake bass fishing trip?
iOutdoors books 4-, 6- and 8-hour guided bass trips, 4-, 6- and 8-hour crappie trips and 4-, 6- or 8-hour pontoon charters on Headwaters Lake, near Fellsmere west of Vero Beach, with live dates online. The guide provides the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license.
What's included and what's not
- Professional local fishing guide
- Boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (required for most anglers 16 and older)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Headwaters Lake
Headwaters Lake is a newer reservoir west of Vero Beach near Fellsmere, in the upper St. Johns River marsh next to the Stick Marsh. Every trip on this page fishes its standing timber, grass and open water: largemouth bass all year, with the spawn and the best shot at a big fish in winter and early spring.
Fish you can catch on Headwaters Lake
Know your fish →
Largemouth bassLearn more
Black crappieLearn more
BluegillLearn more
Redear sunfishLearn more
BowfinLearn moreSize limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Reviews from Headwaters Lake trips
5.0101 reviews
Always enjoy coming out to fish Headwaters with Captain Paul! I’ll be back!
Jim Amsler · October 2026 · Google
Epic day on the water!
First time fishing with Captain Lemay and he did not disappoint at all. He was very courteous and worked great with my grandson Giving him advice on the ins and outs of landing them all . We did a four hour trip on headwaters and it was a great day of memories of epic proportions, He put my…
William Cooper · April 2026
Fishing the Headwaters
Capt Paul Was very knowledgeable about the headwaters, and instructed us about the best methods used to catch Bass with live bait. We caught ten Bass during our afternoon charter and had an enjoyable day. My friend and I would recommend Capt Paul for your next charter. J Cattell
J Cattell · March 2026
We had a fantastic time at Headwater lake today with Captain Paul!
Holly Oconnell · February 2026 · Google
Second time I have fished with Captain Bill Goudy Jr. He did an incredible job putting me on a pile of fish on Headwaters Lake on an unseasonably cold day. Caught 56! large mouth bass. Already planning my next trip with Captain Bill.
Warren Barratt · February 2026 · Google
I had a great trip today with Captain Mike at Headwaters! Caught many quality fish! Absolutely beautiful day! Loved the spots Mike took me too! Wonderful conversation too!
John Linton · January 2026 · Google
Excellent fishing with Bill Goudy
A friend of mine and I went fishing with Bill Goudy at headwaters Lake in mid January. We caught a lot of fish. My friend got one over 6 pounds and I got one just under 5 pounds and a whole lot of them from their own down. The action was steady, sometimes slow, but if you waited it out, it wouldn’t…
Gary Doering · January 2026
We fished with Capt Bill Goudy Jr on Headwaters Lake on 3 Jan 2026 just after the cold weather. He put us on plenty of large bass with our best 5 weighing 24 lbs. He is knowledgeable and friendly and an excellent guide. Highly recommend him for a great day of fishing.
Tim Harrington · January 2026 · Google
Monster LM Bass Fishing on Headwaters Lake
Spent the day on Headwaters Lake having an awesome time fishing with Spencer! We caught a massive amount of HUGE largemouth bass and had a great time! Got to see some big Gators out there too. Plenty of room on board for two adults and a teen to fish at the same time. Spend the extra $$ to get live…
AMES1811 · November 2025 · TripAdvisor
Headwaters
My son and I have attempted to fish Headwaters about 4 times while visiting family in the area. While the lake is beautiful we leave frustrated not catching much of anything. This time we decided to book and guide to see what we were missing. Captain Bill Goudy did a great job showing us around and…
Kris B. · June 2025
Catchin Bass guide service
Bill Goudy Jr is an easy going guide that wants you to catch fish. He takes me out with shiners for relaxing catching. Then we though me how to throw a chatter bait and we caught another 20 with another giant lost in the drill. He put us on 30 plus fish to 8 and a half pounds. Highly recommend and…
Kenny Hass · June 2025
Good Trip!
2 days fishing. 1st day Kissimmee river…. slow 2nd day headwaters..great.. 37 fish. couple of 5’s
Tom M. · April 2025
Headwaters Lake bass fishing: what you can catch
Headwaters Lake bass fishing near Vero Beach is mostly about largemouth bass, which hold on the standing timber, grass and open water of this reservoir near Fellsmere. Crappie, bluegill and shellcracker round out the catch in season. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big bass; in summer, the early-morning bite is best.
What's biting by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Bass spawn season and the best shot at a big fish
- Crappie at their best
Spring Mar–May
- Late spawn and post-spawn bass, bluegill and shellcracker on beds
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning topwater bass, then deeper grass edges as it heats up
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Crappie start to school late in the season
- Every angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Buy it online before the trip.
- Black bass: 5 per person per day, and only 1 may be 16" or longer. Some waters have special bass rules; your guide will tell you before the trip.
- Crappie: 25 per person per day, 10" minimum.
Source: FWC. Limits change; your guide has the current rules.
Headwaters Lake bass fishing guide
West of Vero Beach near Fellsmere, Headwaters Lake sits in the upper St. Johns River marsh next to the Stick Marsh. Standing timber, grass and open water hold largemouth bass, and the lake is a short drive inland from the beaches.
Where you'll fish
Headwaters Lake is the newer reservoir next to the Stick Marsh, with timber and grass. Every trip on this page fishes Headwaters Lake. Your guide confirms the boat ramp before the trip.
How the trips work
Trips run from a bass boat with a trolling motor. Your guide provides rods, reels and artificial lures, and can set you up with live wild shiners, which is often the best way to catch a big bass. Shiners are optional and cost extra; ask your guide when you book. Most bass are photographed and released.
Best time to go
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish. In summer, go early for topwater action before the heat and afternoon storms. Fall brings cooler water and active fish.
Tips for planning your trip
- Get your license first. Buy a Florida freshwater fishing license online before the trip and bring it with you.
- Morning trips usually fish best, especially in summer.
- Ask about the rules. Some waters here have special bass rules; your guide will explain them.
Questions about Headwaters Lake trips
How much does a Headwaters Lake bass fishing trip cost?
Trips start at $400 for 4 hours. The live calendar shows the price for each trip length and date.
What is included?
Your guide, the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels and tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. The Florida freshwater license, live shiners and the guide's tip are not included.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Freshwater guides don't carry a license that covers guests, so each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.
How many people can come?
Bass boats usually take 2 to 3 anglers. Choose your number of guests in the calendar.
Which trip length should I book?
A 4-hour trip is a good first trip and fits families. Book 6 or 8 hours for more time on the water and a better shot at a big bass. For crappie, book a 4-, 6- or 8-hour crappie trip. For a roomier boat, book a 4-, 6- or 8-hour pontoon charter.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Trips launch near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach.
What should I bring?
Your fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a light rain jacket, water and snacks, and a phone or camera in a dry bag.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. A 4-hour trip, often with live shiners for steady action, is a good fit for families.
Can I keep my fish?
Most guides release bass after photos. You may keep fish within FWC limits; ask your guide before the trip.
When is the best time to fish Headwaters Lake?
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish; in summer, go early in the morning.
Nearby lakes
More lakes with guided bass trips around Vero Beach and Lake Okeechobee.
