Fishing Number 203 Reservoir in Johnson County, Missouri

• Overview

  Johnson County in Missouri is where Number 203 Reservoir sits. The country here is open valley. This is a pocket water of some 14 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Holden at 1.9 miles is the nearest place to stop. Further out sit Warrensburg (12 miles) and Lone Jack (16 miles). It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Number 203 Reservoir

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Records held for Johnson County cover bluegill, orangethroat darter, green sunfish and johnny darter. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Anyone new to this water should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 78°F; the cold one sits at 27°F. Seasons here are moderate, and the fishing runs most of the year. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. It holds true on this water more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. The nearest alternative is Holden City Lake, 5.5 miles out. Nothing here settles the position at this water for certain.