Fishing at Vandiver and Barchers Number A-2 Reservoir, Ray County, Missouri

• Overview

  Vandiver and Barchers Number A-2 Reservoir is a Ray County water, Missouri side. The setting is open valley. Small at around 8 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Nearest town is Richmond, 2.7 miles off. After that come Albany at 5.6 miles and Lexington at 9 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end. It is easier to fish well than to fish quickly.

• Where to Fish on Vandiver and Barchers Number A-2 Reservoir

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Public occurrence data for Ray County names bluegill, orangethroat darter, green sunfish, plains darter and common carp. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. The near bank of this water is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 78°F; by January the average is down near 26°F. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. The hot months push the fishing to dawn and dusk. That is the shape of the year on this water.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Ray A-246 Lake at 0.7 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position on this water before loading the car.