Number 166 Reservoir Fishing near Excelsior Springs, Missouri

• Overview

  Within Ray County, Missouri, you have Number 166 Reservoir. The water sits 925 feet up. At 12 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Excelsior Springs sits 2.9 miles from the bank. Lawson is 5.5 miles away, with Kearney at 9.8 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Number 166 Reservoir

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Fish documented in Ray County include bluegill, orangethroat darter and green sunfish. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. At this water the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 77°F and January at 26°F. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. It sets the rhythm of the year at this water. The first frost of the year slows things for a few days.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Failing this one, try Number 165 Reservoir, 0.2 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at this water for certain.