Small Lake, Missouri: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Small Lake is a Jefferson County water, in Missouri. The bank gives way to rolling hill. At roughly 3 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Our Jefferson County list holds plenty of bigger water. Nearest place of any size is De Soto, 6.6 miles away. For a city, St. Louis is 45 miles off. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Small Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Fish documented in Jefferson County include orangethroat darter, longear sunfish, rainbow darter, bluegill and banded darter. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The shape of Small Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 77°F and January near 30°F. A lid forms in a hard winter only. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. At Small Lake the season follows that pattern closely. Warm spells bring fish up, cold snaps push them down.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. For a change of water, Big Lake is 0.3 miles distant. What applies at Small Lake may have changed since it was mapped.