Fishing at Sunset Lake (historical), Cole County, Missouri

• Overview

  This water sits in Cole County, Missouri. Farm and woodlot runs right down to the water. For supplies, Jefferson City is 1.7 miles out. For a city, Columbia is 28 miles off. What else is close: Hough Park Lake 1.5 miles off, Lakewood Estates Lake lies 2.2 miles on, Gurwit and Lewis Lake 4.5 miles off, Lake Claradean lies 4.8 miles on and Woodward Lake 5.4 miles off. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Sunset Lake (historical)

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Across Cole County, recorded fish include orangethroat darter, green sunfish, bluegill, channel catfish and fantail darter. The county list is broader than any single water. On Sunset Lake (historical) a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 78°F, the coldest about 29°F. The year gives four workable seasons without severe ends. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. Sunset Lake (historical) runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. Parking is close: a car park sits 160 yards from the bank. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. The nearest alternative is Hough Park Lake, 1.5 miles out. For Sunset Lake (historical) in particular, ask before you travel.