Ashland Lake in Boone County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Boone County entry here is Ashland Lake, in Missouri. What surrounds it is mixed woodland. Small at around 9 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Ashland is the closest place, 3 miles off. Further out sit Holts Summit (9.3 miles) and Jefferson City (13 miles). It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Ashland Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Fish documented in Boone County include orangethroat darter, bluegill and shortnose gar. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Fish Ashland Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 78°F; by January the average is down near 28°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Ashland Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Launch at Ashland Lake Boat Ramp, half a mile from the water. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Peterson Lake, 1.8 miles away. Nothing on Ashland Lake should be assumed from this page alone.