Number 226 Reservoir, Missouri: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Number 226 Reservoir lies within the bounds of Cooper County, Missouri. Farm and woodlot runs right down to the water. Surface area runs to about 14 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is the biggest water on our Cooper County list. Boonville at 1.8 miles is the nearest place to stop. Further out sit New Franklin (4 miles) and Fayette (13 miles). This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Number 226 Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Species logged across Cooper County include channel catfish, blue catfish, shortnose gar, silver carp and grass carp. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. The near bank of this water is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 78°F in July and bottom out at 28°F in January. A lid forms in a hard winter only. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. At this water the season follows that pattern closely. Autumn cools the shallows first, so work deeper as it goes on.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Stoelting Lake at 1.5 miles is the sensible second choice. The position on this water is worth confirming on the day.