Mineral Lake near Gerald: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Within Franklin County, Missouri, you have Mineral Lake. What surrounds it is rolling hill. About 9 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The nearest town is Gerald, 6.4 miles away. Beyond it, Union at 11 miles and Saint Clair at 13 miles. No border sits close enough to matter. The area takes around 40 inches of rain a year, with May the wettest month and January the driest.

• Where to Fish on Mineral Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Records held for Franklin County cover longear sunfish, orangethroat darter, bluegill, greenside darter and rainbow darter. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Mineral Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 77°F and January near 29°F on the long-run figures. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. It holds true on Mineral Lake more years than not. The week either side of a change of season often fishes hardest.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. The nearest alternative is Melody Lake, 4.8 miles out. Check the current arrangement for Mineral Lake.