Overview
Headwaters Lake is an approximately 10,000-acre man-made reservoir and wetland-restoration feature at the north end of the Fellsmere Water Management Area in Indian River County. It was created by the St. Johns River Water Management District to store and treat stormwater, support water supply, and reduce harmful freshwater discharges to the Indian River Lagoon while restoring Upper St. Johns River headwaters habitat.
Most of the lake averages about 6 feet deep, with deeper borrow pits and sculpted channels reaching near 30 feet where FWC habitat work reshaped the bottom before flooding. Expansive marsh, wet prairie, and open water connect to Egan Lake and the broader Fellsmere complex, creating a young but structurally rich basin.
Headwaters quickly became known for largemouth bass fishing after FWC stocking and habitat enhancement, and it also supports waterfowl hunting and wildlife viewing. Fisheries and habitat work are led by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in partnership with SJRWMD. Public access centers on the Headwaters Boat Ramp and nearby Stick Marsh / Fellsmere Grade launches.
Water levels are managed by SJRWMD through Fellsmere Water Management Area pumps and structures (including S-96 / S-96B and PS-4) reported on the NAVD88 datum. Stages respond to stormwater storage needs and Upper St. Johns operations that also influence Blue Cypress Lake, so checking current elevations helps with navigation across shallow marsh and deeper pits.
Current Conditions
- 7-day trendFallingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.11 ft
- 30-day changeUp 0.23 ft
- Drought conditionsNo Drought
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Headwaters Lake is a 10,000-acre natural lake with management context from St. Johns River Water Management District. Levels respond to rainfall, runoff, and natural inflows and outflows.