Binder Lake is just minutes west of Jefferson City and offers 155 acres of excellent fishing and scenic surroundings.
Boat and bank fishing are permitted at Binder Lake. Large mouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, red-ear sunfish and crappie are the most plentiful species and fishing these species is permitted year-round.
Only poles and rods with attached lines are permissible. Boats and outboard motors of all sizes are permitted on Binder Lake, however, motors over 10 h.p. must be operated at no-wake speed. All Missouri Department of Conservation rules and limits pertaining to fishing apply on Binder Lake.
Binder Lake has a boat ramp for easy access to the lake. The ramp has a rough texture to help eliminate slipping and minimize moss growth during the summer months. The ramp is angled at a greater pitch which allows for easier loading and unloading.
Click here for a map to Binder Park and Binder Lake
McKay Park was constructed in 1988-89 as a joint project between the Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation. The project added park land to the city, expanded McKay Lake, and remediated storm water control issues for the area.
Only bank fishing is permitted in McKay Lake. Large mouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, red-ear sunfish and crappie are the most plentiful species with fishing permitted year-round. Poles and rods with attached lines are permissible.
Click here for a map to McKay Lake
McKay Lake is home to the Winter Trout Fishing Program. Under a cooperative agreement, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City Parks and Recreation, and Capital City Fly Fishers are stocking trout into McKay Lake to create an urban winter fishery in Jefferson City.
Each year over 2,400 trout will be stocked during the first week in November. Most of the trout stocked will be 10 to 13 inches (about 3/4 pound) and some larger trout will be released (up to 6 pounds). For further information about the program, please call the Missouri Department of Conservation at (573) 884-6861.
Jefferson City Winter Trout Program Rules and Regulations*All anglers must use only flies, artificial lures and soft plastic baits (unscented) on McKay Lake from November 1 to January 31
*All trout must be released unharmed from November 1 to January 31
*After January 31, trout may be kept with a creel limit of 4 per day
*Anyone keeping trout must possess a trout permit
*Anglers age 16 to 64 must possess a valid fishing permit
*After January 31, natural and scented baits may be used
*Anglers are limited to 3 fishing poles
*No boats are allowed in McKay Lake
Hough Park Lake is located on the south side of the Oak Hills Golf Center and can be accessed from from Iven Road. Do not cross the Oak Hills Golf Course to access the lake. The lake is available for fishing bass, sunfish, bluegill and crappie. Boats are permitted but must be hand launched and cannot be gasoline powered. For those who don't want to use a boat to fish there are two trails that access the lake from the east and west banks.
Click here for map to Lake access off of Iven Rd.
