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Indian River County

Kenansville

Kenansville Lake is a shallow 2,500- acre impoundment with an average water depth of 3 feet. This area was cattle pasture prior to flooding in 1993. Boaters, especially those unfamiliar with this water body, should navigate with caution as there are rows of submerged fence posts throughout the lake. Interior levees are also located at the north, center and south areas of the lake. A single lane concrete boat ramp is the only facility on the site. The town of Kenansville is the closest place to obtain gas, food and bait. Although most anglers fish this area by boat, bank fishing is available along the access canal and north end of the lake for those willing to walk or ride a bicycle to those areas. The most popular fish species include: black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and catfish.

Anglers are reminded that all largemouth bass caught must be released immediately under the special no-harvest regulation.

Coontail and hydrilla coverage is high this year and as of march, does not impede navigation, although that may change if water levels drop through April and May. Hydrilla levels and floating plants usually increase during this quarter as the water temperature rises but anglers who don’t mind navigating and fishing in heavy cover should still be able to catch fish. Targeting well defined edges of heavy vegetation adjacent to canals and larger open pools with weedless plastic worms, craws and jig should produce a bite. Punching vegetated mats to find cooler water can be effective as water temperatures rise. Remember that Kenansville Lake is catch-and-release only for largemouth bass.

The bluegill and redear sunfish bite on this lake should be hot this quarter, anglers will want to move around until they find where these panfish are concentrating. Bluegill beds may be found along many of the submerged berms. Many panfish anglers use artificial lures, live minnows, crickets, and grass shrimp can also produce some of the better catches. Crappie can be found under the edges of floating mats of vegetation early in the quarter and likely moving to deeper water later on. Small jigs and live minnows fished with a jigging pole or ultralight spinning gear will both work.

Remember that Kenansville Lake is catch-and-release only for largemouth bass.

Popular Species

Popular Sport Fish Species

Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.

More species information is available for:

Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfishBlack crappie

FWC Trophy Catch Logo

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 Kenansville Lake:

Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 191

Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 27

Hall of Fame Club (13+ pounds): 2