Fishing Higginsville Old City Lake in Lafayette County, Missouri

• Overview

  Out in Lafayette County, Missouri, sits Higginsville Old City Lake. Height above sea level is 758 feet. Nearest town is Higginsville, 2.5 miles off. The big place round here is East Independence, 37 miles distant. Alternatives close at hand: North Pond 4.7 miles away, Lake Mizzau a touch under 4.8 miles, Frank Riekhof and William Nuelle Lake 5.1 miles away, Neher - Gibson Lake a touch under 5.2 miles and Lafayette E-34 Lake 8.2 miles away. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Higginsville Old City Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Lafayette County records list rainbow smelt, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp and green sunfish among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Anyone new to Higginsville Old City Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 78°F, the coldest about 26°F. Some winters cap it and some do not. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. It holds true on Higginsville Old City Lake more years than not. Barometric swings often matter more than the calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. A platform or pier sits within half a mile. Public toilets are recorded roughly half a mile off. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Failing this one, try North Pond, 4.7 miles away. For Higginsville Old City Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.