Fishing at Nelson Lake, Harrison County, Missouri

• Overview

  In Missouri, Nelson Lake belongs to Harrison County. Elevation runs to 971 feet. About 6 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. For supplies, Bethany is 4.7 miles out. Albany lies 12 miles off, Stanberry another 23 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout. It sits away from the main road, which keeps the noise down.

• Where to Fish on Nelson Lake

  No chart reached our records; the first cast is your sounding. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Public occurrence data for Harrison County names johnny darter, black bullhead and channel catfish. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Read Nelson Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 77°F and January about 24°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Winter fishing happens on the ice here, with open water back around mid March. On average, mid March opens the water and late December closes it again. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. On Nelson Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Should this one be busy, Bethany City Reservoir is 5.3 miles off. Confirm before you fish Nelson Lake.