Fishing at Demarco Lake, Boone County, Missouri

• Overview

  Look for Demarco Lake in Boone County, Missouri. It lies 696 feet above sea level. The far bank is a conversation away, so keep low and quiet. It is a small entry by Boone County standards. 6.9 miles away sits Ashland, the nearest town. Columbia is the closest city, 20 miles away. This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Demarco Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Boone County include orangethroat darter, bluegill and shortnose gar. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Treat Demarco Lake as a water to read rather than to cover.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 28°F in January up to 78°F in July. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Demarco Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try Lake Champetra, 1 mile away. For Demarco Lake in particular, ask before you travel.