Headwaters question

[Jamesg0418]

How early do you need to be at the ramp to get a parking spot?  We haven’t been before but will be spending two weeks in Kissimmee starting Monday.  We’d like to fish it at least a day or two.  I’ve read it can be a tricky place to get into.  Any info would be great,  thanks!

[crypt]

I get there about 30 minutes before sunrise. That will usually get you a spot.On the weekends you better be there an hour before sunrise. 

[Jamesg0418]

Yeah I figure we are doing Tuesday Wednesday of next week, planning on arriving quite early.  Don’t want to make the drive and be screwed lol.

[SC53]

Next week will be tough anywhere in Florida.

Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid 30’s in Central Florida . Punching will be your best bet there.
There is overflow parking across the street that’s never been even partially full any time I’ve been there during the week. Even if the parking lots were full, the worst thing is you’d have to drive a mile down the road to the stick marsh. While it’s nowhere near its former self, the marsh can still be good. It’s recovering from a drawdown in 2023 and will take a few years to get back on its feet but there’s still fish to be caught there and it’s quite a bit different, visible vegetation wise, than it was. Plus the water is up about 2’ so there’s a lot of water to explore.

[Jamesg0418]

Yeah I saw it looks like there’s a couple cold snaps next week.  However it’s much better than the 28 degrees here right now lol. 

[crypt]

Stick Marsh was great the day after Thanksgiving. Took my son and grandson. Was going to go to Headwaters but it was a parking lot on the water. We pulled out and went down the road and had the lake to ourselves. Saw 2 boats the whole day and caught fish all day.,even thought the wind was howling. 

[Mike L]

A friend who’s on that lake almost everyday has been known to get there between 3&4 from Thursday to Sunday (he’s not alone) and takes a nap until safe light which is about 7:00 down here this time of year. 

 

Early and mid week isn’t too bad as @SC53 mentioned. 
 

If you go to the Stick be aware of the depth if you plan on running a lot. 
There are stumps mid lake. 
 

Blue Cypress and Kenansville aren’t too far away if you want peace

 

 

 

 

Mike

[SC53]

Mike, we were there about a month ago and the SM water level is up quite a bit. 
Same with HW.  There’s been a lot of floating islands at HW blocking the main channels so be aware of that if you go. 

[Zcoker]

There's been some pretty big blockages lately in the main canal, so be mindful of that, or at the very least prepared to deal with them. Can use an anchor to clear the stuff out or a push poll or just motor in to break clear. The bigger mud bogs may be a bit more of a challenge. 

[Jamesg0418]

Thank you for all the info, I appreciate it.