Fishing Lake Lotawana in Jackson County, Missouri

• Overview

  Lake Lotawana lies within the bounds of Jackson County, Missouri. The surface lies 886 feet up. Surface area runs to roughly 487 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. At about 6.6 miles of edge, most people work one arm at a time. On our Jackson County list it sits near the top for size. For supplies, Lake Lotawana is 1.1 miles out. Beyond it, Blue Springs at 5.9 miles and Lone Jack at 6.3 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Lotawana

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Public occurrence data for Jackson County names bluegill, channel catfish, green sunfish, common carp and redear sunfish. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Lake Lotawana gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 78°F and January about 27°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. On Lake Lotawana that shapes the whole year. The hour either side of first light is rarely wasted.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Tarsney Lake, 2.9 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position at Lake Lotawana before loading the car.