Vatterott Lake in Jefferson County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  The Jefferson County entry here is Vatterott Lake, in Missouri. The bank is 610 feet above sea level. At 15 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The town to know is Hillsboro, 5.8 miles out. It is 29 miles to St. Louis, the nearest city. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Vatterott Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Reported across Jefferson County: orangethroat darter, longear sunfish and rainbow darter. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. On Vatterott Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 30°F in January and 77°F in July. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Expect Vatterott Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Parking is at MoDOT Commuter Lot, some half a mile off. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Lake Loraine, 1 mile away. For Vatterott Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.