Guthrie Lake Fishing near Fulton, Missouri

• Overview

  Set in Callaway County, Missouri, this is Guthrie Lake. It lies 866 feet above sea level. Small at around 23 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Supplies mean a trip to Fulton, 8 miles off. For a city, Columbia is 20 miles off. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout. Nothing about the setting is dramatic, and that suits the fishing.

• Where to Fish on Guthrie Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Public occurrence data for Callaway County names orangethroat darter, bluegill, green sunfish, johnny darter and longear sunfish. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Anyone new to Guthrie Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 27°F in January up to 77°F in July. A lid forms in a hard winter only. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. The season on Guthrie Lake follows the weather closely. A settled week fishes better than a changeable one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. We find no slipway, car park or made path within a short radius, so treat access as rough. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Should this one be busy, McCredie Watershed W-1 Reservoir is 2.8 miles off. Signs at Guthrie Lake carry more weight than any list.