Atlanta City Lake Fishing Guide, Macon County, Missouri

• Overview

  The Macon County end of Missouri holds Atlanta City Lake. It lies 860 feet above sea level. Small at around 17 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Most waters listed here for Macon County are larger. La Plata is the closest town at 9.6 miles. Beyond it, Macon at 9.9 miles and Kirksville at 22 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Atlanta City Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Reported across Macon County: black bullhead, bluegill and green sunfish. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Atlanta City Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 25°F in January to roughly 77°F in July. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Once it clears, about early March, the fishing comes on quickly. Climate averages put the opening at about early March and the closing near late December. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Atlanta City Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. You can leave the car about half a mile from the water. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Sort the permit out before you load the car. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Long Branch, 4.2 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Signs at Atlanta City Lake carry more weight than any list.