Binder Lake

Body

Bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass are proven stocking combination that provides both food and sport-fishing. When stocked in this order and properly managed, these species provide great fishing and good eating.

Area Information

Driving directions: Take Highway 50 west from Jefferson City to the Apache Flats/St. Martin's exit, continue west on Bus. 50, turn right (north) at South Binder Lake Rd., left (west) on Rainbow Dr., and right (north) on Binder Lake Rd. This portion of Binder Lake Road winds along the west side of the lake, where you will find the boat ramp, docks, and jetties. Binder Lake (150 acres) is situated on Dickerson Creek in the Ozark border region on 710 acres of Jefferson City parkland. The park (managed by Jefferson City Parks and Recreation; 573-634-6482) contains numerous amenities including an RV campground, pavilions with picnic tables and barbecue grills, hiking trails, and public restrooms. The restrooms are open approximately April to November. The lake (managed by the Department of Conservation) has a concrete boat ramp, a disabled-accessible fishing dock and jetty, and two courtesy docks to assist boaters.

Annual Prospects Report

Binder Lake (150 acres) is situated on Dickerson Creek in the Ozark border region of Missouri on 710 acres of Jefferson City parkland. The park (managed by Jefferson City Parks and Recreation; 573-634-6482) contains numerous amenities including an RV campground, pavilions with picnic tables and barbecue grills, hiking trails, and public restrooms. The restrooms are open approximately April to November. The lake (managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation) has a concrete boat ramp, a disabled-accessible fishing dock and jetty, and two courtesy docks to assist boaters. Largemouth bass fishing should be about the same in 2023 as it was in 2022. Electrofishing samples in 2022 caught more bass over 15" than in previous years. Most Largemouth Bass were between 13-15", with 20" the largest bass sampled. Bass up to 22" have been sampled in previous years. Bluegill fishing will be about the same in 2023 as in 2022. Most Bluegill sampled were between 4-7". In Fall 2022, the Missouri Department of Conservation stocked 4,000 additional channel catfish. The fish were 8-12" when stocked, so in 1-2 years these fish will make nice filets. Crappie were sampled in fall of 2021, and both white and black crappie are found in Binder Lake. White crappie average size was 8.7", the longest at 14.6". Black crappie average size was 7.9", with the longest at 13.5". There were more black crappie sampled than white crappie. In 2023 and 2024, there should be a good number of black and white crappie over 9" available to anglers. Spring of 2022 electrofishing sampling showed redear sunfish are numerous in the 7-8" range with a few over 9". 

Driving Directions

Take Highway 50 west from Jefferson City, MO, to the Apache Flats/St. Martin's exit, continue west on Business 50 for 1.2 miles. Turn right (north) on South Binder Lake Road. Go 0.3 miles and then turn left (west) on Rainbow Drive. Go 0.2 miles, crossing over the upper end of Binder Lake, and then turn right on Binder Park Road. Binder Park Road winds along the west side of the lake where there are docks, a boat ramp, and jetties.

Map Image
Binder lake in central missouri
Region
Central
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