PALM BAY, Fla. — Anglers targeting the Upper St. Johns River Basin’s Headwaters Lake will need to plan around a three-day closure this week: the Headwaters Boat Ramp and kayak launch at the Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA) are closed Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 8–10, for scheduled maintenance and habitat work.
Plan ahead: ramps, timing and updates
- Use Stick Marsh or C-54 midweek if you were counting on Headwaters.
- Fish early or late if you’re battling heat; local reports note the bite often shifts to dawn/dusk windows in late summer.
- Check for updates before you go: the district posts closure dates and recreation notices here under Recreation announcements.
According to the St. Johns River Water Management District, this shutdown is the final of five monthly closures scheduled from June to September.
What’s closed, what’s open
- Closed: Headwaters Boat Ramp and kayak launch (FWMA), Sept. 8–10.
- Open: Western levee trails for hiking and bank fishing during the closure.
- Alternative launches: Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area (Stick Marsh) and the C-54 Boat Ramp will remain open for trailered boats and kayaks.
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