Fishing James Lake in Worth County, Missouri

• Overview

  James Lake is one of the Worth County waters in Missouri. It stands 1,125 feet above sea level. About 6 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Compared with other Missouri water on our list, it sits high. For supplies, Bedford is 10 miles out. The big place round here is Omaha, 85 miles distant. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on James Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. County-wide records name black bullhead, channel catfish, white sucker and bigmouth shiner. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Take James Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 76°F and January about 22°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid March. On average, mid March opens the water and mid December closes it again. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Time your trip to James Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Aldrich Lake, 1.4 miles out. Treat James Lake as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.