Railroad Lake in Moniteau County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Railroad Lake falls in Moniteau County, part of Missouri. The ground around here is mixed woodland. California is the closest town at 0.6 miles. The nearest city of size is Columbia, 26 miles away. Within easy reach: Derbey Lake the better part of 6.7 miles, Binder Lake some 14 miles off, Woodward Lake the better part of 15 miles, Lake Claradean some 15 miles off and Demarco Lake the better part of 17 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Railroad Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Species logged across Moniteau County include white sucker, channel catfish and fantail darter. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Railroad Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 29°F and July at about 78°F, the water has a wide range to work through. 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. That shapes the year on Railroad Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. For a change of water, Derbey Lake is 6.7 miles distant. For Railroad Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.