Farm 13/Stick Marsh
Indian River County
(Note that a new boat ramp was recently opened on the adjacent Fellsmere Reservoir, also known as Headwaters Lake. For more information on that separate location see the Fellsmere Fishing Forecast page.)
The St. Johns Water Management Area (SJWMA), known to most anglers as the Farm 13/Stick Marsh, is a 6,500-acre impoundment located along the east coast of central Florida in northwest Indian River County. Water depths range from 4 to 8 feet. Boaters unfamiliar with the SJWMA are advised to navigate to fishing locations with extreme caution due to the number of man-made and natural hazards present. Facilities include a double lane concrete boat ramp, air boat launch site, restroom and paved parking lot. Closest towns/cities are Melbourne, Palm Bay, Vero Beach, Sebastian and Fellsmere. No gas, food or bait available on site. Popular sportfish include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and several catfish species. This water body is noted for its excellent bass fishing due to the special no harvest regulation on largemouth bass. The SJWMA is one of the top 10 trophy bass spots in the state.
Anglers are reminded to exercise caution when boating due to submerged and floating timber in the Stick Marsh/Farm13 impoundment and that they are legally obligated to adhere to catch-and-release regulations for largemouth bass.
For more information on daily fishing forecasts and lake conditions for Stick Marsh/Farm 13, call Stick Marsh Bait & Tackle Shop at (772) 571-9855.
High water from hurricane season still has water moving at the structures near the south inlet, pump station 4 along the eastern shore of Farm 13, and in the north flow-way “Back Lot” near the ramp. Bass can be found actively feeding in these areas. Flows will probably taper soon in Farm 13/Stick Marsh barring another significant rain. During this quarter bass will move in shallow for the spawn. Senko, swim-baits, and jigs are favorite lures this time of year. Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, rattletraps, and zoom speed worms all produce well targeting the feeding bass near the flowing water. Wild golden shiners are the top option for those wanting to try live bait. Anglers are reminded that all largemouth bass caught must be released immediately under the special no harvest regulation.
Black crappie should be concentrated during this quarter in Ditch 7, Ditch 13, the north flow-way, and in other submerged secondary canals. The cattail edge along the north end of the farm would be a good place to drop a jig. Any place that has an overhanging canopy of floating plants will provide good cover for crappie. Anglers targeting these tasty panfish should use minnows and/or small jigs (1/32-1/8 oz.) in twister tail or tube styles. Bluegill and shell-crackers will be found the humps and shell beds around the perimeter of the Stick Marsh as they move in shallow late in the quarter.
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Black crappie
TrophyCatch Tracker
TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from Farm 13/Stick Marsh:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 135
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 28
Hall of Fame (13+ pounds): 1