Lake Boutin in Cape Girardeau County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Lake Boutin in the Cape Girardeau County part of Missouri. Height above sea level is 522 feet. Surface area runs to about 20 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is low-lying compared with other Missouri water we list. Cape Girardeau sits 10 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Beyond it, Jackson at 11 miles and Jonesboro at 12 miles. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Lake Boutin

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Cape Girardeau County records list common carp, bluegill and longear sunfish among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Lake Boutin gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 79°F in July and bottom out at 31°F in January. Whether it freezes depends on the year. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Expect Lake Boutin to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Parking is not close: half a mile from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. For the carp, bait a margin spot and sit on it; corn and bread still work. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Failing this one, try Lipps Lake, 2.9 miles away. Check the position on Lake Boutin before loading the car.