Fishing Patten Lake in Adair County, Missouri

• Overview

  Patten Lake sits within Adair County in Missouri. Around the bank it is lake country bush. About 3 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Our Adair County list holds plenty of bigger water. Supplies mean a trip to Kirksville, 5.3 miles off. After that come La Plata at 9.8 miles and Edina at 17 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Patten Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Across Adair County, recorded fish include black crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, walleye and channel catfish. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. At Patten Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 77°F in July and bottoms out near 24°F in January. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. After mid March the shallows warm and the fish move up. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid March in spring and again near late December in autumn. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. On Patten Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. For walleye, a jig and minnow near the bottom is the standard; evenings beat middays. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Kirksville Country Club Lake, 3.9 miles away. Confirm access to Patten Lake locally before you travel.