Fishing at Bass Lake, Dent County, Missouri

• Overview

  Missouri holds Bass Lake, in Dent County. Height above sea level is 1,138 feet. At roughly 10 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is a small entry by Dent County standards. For supplies, Salem is 1.5 miles out. It is 99 miles to Columbia, the nearest city. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Bass Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Fish documented in Dent County include Missouri saddled darter, banded darter, black bullhead and johnny darter. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Read Bass Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 77°F and January about 30°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. On Bass Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. A marina sits within 100 yards of the water. There is somewhere to leave the car, half a mile off. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. For a change of water, Putman Lake is 1.9 miles distant. Nothing on Bass Lake should be assumed from this page alone.