What You'll Find at Fellows Lake

Fellows Lake is a 650-acre impoundment on the James River just north of Springfield, Missouri, and it holds a solid mix of walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. The lake runs narrow and deep in places, with a dam at the south end and a more open basin toward the north. Water clarity varies with season and recent rainfall—spring runoff can cloud it for weeks, while late summer often brings clearer conditions that favor sight-fishing for bass.

The walleye population here is the main draw for many anglers. They're not huge—most run 12 to 16 inches—but they're consistent, and the lake gets less pressure than some of the bigger reservoirs to the south. Bass fishing is secondary but worthwhile, especially if you're working shallow cover in spring or targeting deeper structure in summer heat.

Key Takeaways

  • Fellows Lake holds walleye year-round, with spring and fall offering the most predictable action in shallower water near the dam and channel ledges.
  • Largemouth bass respond well to shallow cover in spring and early summer, then move to deeper structure and shade as water temperatures climb above 80 degrees.
  • Channel catfish are abundant and underutilized; night fishing with chicken liver or cut shad near the dam produces steady results from May through September.
  • The lake is narrow enough that a small boat or canoe works well, and several public access points mean you don't need a private ramp.

Spring Walleye: The Dam and Channel Breaks

March through May is when Fellows Lake walleye move shallow and feed aggressively. Focus on the dam structure itself—the riprap and deeper water just off the face hold walleye that are staging before spawning. Work jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics in 8 to 14 feet of water, casting parallel to the dam rather than straight at it.

The old river channel that runs through the lake is equally productive. Find it on your sounder as a deeper trough cutting through shallower flats, then work the edges where the bottom drops off. Walleye position themselves on these breaks to intercept baitfish moving between shallow and deep water. Early morning and late evening are prime, but spring walleye will bite through midday if you're working the right depth.

Live minnows—shiners or shad, 3 to 4 inches—outfish artificials most springs, but if you prefer casting, small crankbaits in shad or perch patterns work when you're covering water quickly. Jig-and-minnow combinations give you the best of both: you can cast, cover ground, and still present live bait.

Summer: Depth and Shade for Bass and Walleye

By June, surface temperatures climb into the mid-70s and keep rising. Walleye retreat to deeper structure—the channel ledges, deeper holes near the dam, and any rocky or woody cover in 15 to 25 feet of water. Night fishing becomes more productive than day fishing. Slip-sinker rigs with live minnows, fished slowly along the bottom, work better than jigs when the sun is high.

Largemouth bass move to shade and structure. Downed trees, brush piles, and dock pilings hold fish all day. Work these areas with soft plastics—creature baits, worms, or small swimbaits—in dark colors that stand out in the water. Early morning and late evening still produce, but summer bass at Fellows Lake are more active in shade than in open water, so don't waste time casting to empty flats.

Channel catfish become the most reliable target in summer. Fish the dam area at night with cut shad, chicken liver, or stink baits. Catfish don't care about water temperature the way walleye and bass do, and they feed steadily through the heat. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a short leader to your bait works fine; set out two or three rods and wait for the rod tip to bend.

Fall: A Second Spring for Walleye

September and October bring another window of shallow, aggressive walleye fishing. As water temperatures drop back into the 60s, walleye move off the deep structure and return to the shallows to feed before winter. The dam, the channel breaks, and any rocky areas in 6 to 12 feet of water hold fish.

Jigs and live minnows work as well in fall as they do in spring. You can also throw small crankbaits and soft plastics with confidence—walleye are feeding hard and less selective than they are in summer. Dawn and dusk are still best, but fall walleye will bite through the middle of the day if you're in the right spot.

Bass fishing also improves in fall. Shallow cover becomes productive again as water cools, and bass move back into the shallows to hunt. Work the same areas you fished in spring—docks, brush, riprap—with the same soft plastics and crankbaits.

Winter: Slow and Deep

From November through February, Fellows Lake walleye are deep and sluggish. Most anglers stop fishing or switch to catfish and crappie. If you do pursue walleye in winter, fish the deepest holes you can find—often 25 to 35 feet near the dam—with live minnows fished on the bottom. Expect slow fishing and small numbers, but the fish you do catch are often larger than summer walleye.

Winter catfish fishing can be decent if you're willing to fish at night. The same baits and rigs work, just in deeper water. Crappie move into the main lake basin in winter and can be caught on small jigs and minnows if you locate them on your sounder.

Access and Practical Details

Fellows Lake has two public boat ramps: one at the dam (south end) and one on the north shore near the highway. Both are free and maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The dam ramp is smaller and can get crowded on weekends, but it puts you right on the structure. The north ramp gives you access to the open basin and the upper end of the lake.

The lake is open year-round. No special permit is required beyond a standard Missouri fishing license. Walleye have a 15-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily limit. Bass are 12 inches minimum with a five-fish limit. Catfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily limit.

The lake is narrow enough that a 16-foot boat is plenty; many anglers fish it successfully from canoes or kayaks. Wind can pick up in the afternoon, especially in spring, so plan your trip for early morning if you're in a small boat. The shoreline is mostly private, so stay on the water.

What Gear to Bring

For walleye, bring a medium-power spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. A 6.5-foot rod is ideal for jig fishing in tight quarters. Pack a selection of 1/8- to 3/8-ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors, plus a container of live minnows or shiners.

For bass, a medium-heavy spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound line handles soft plastics and small crankbaits. Bring dark-colored creature baits, worms, and a few small swimbaits. A shallow-running crankbait in shad pattern is useful for spring and fall.

For catfish, a heavier rod—medium-heavy or heavy—with 12- to 15-pound line is standard. A three-way rig, a supply of cut shad or chicken liver, and a headlamp for night fishing round out the setup. A cooler with ice keeps your bait fresh and your catch cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Fellows Lake?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) are most consistent for walleye. Summer is best for catfish and bass in shade. Winter fishing is slow and requires patience, but larger walleye are possible in deep water.

Can I fish Fellows Lake from shore?

The shoreline is mostly private property, so boat access is strongly preferred. The dam area has a small public area where you can fish from shore, but it's limited and often crowded.

Do I need a boat to fish Fellows Lake?

A boat makes fishing much easier, but a canoe or kayak works well for walleye and bass fishing. The lake is narrow enough that you don't need a large or powerful boat—a 16-footer with a small outboard or trolling motor is ideal.

What size walleye should I expect?

Most walleye at Fellows Lake run 12 to 16 inches. Fish over 18 inches are possible but less common. The population is healthy and consistent rather than trophy-focused.

Is Fellows Lake crowded on weekends?

It sees moderate weekend traffic, especially at the dam ramp in spring and fall. The north ramp is usually less crowded. Weekday fishing is quieter and often more productive.