About 5½ acres
MDC lists 5.3 acres and the City of Ferguson describes the lake as 5.5 acres. The small difference does not change trip planning: this is a compact walkable urban fishery.
Ferguson
Start with the map.
Then pick the pattern.
Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish and hybrid sunfish.
JANUARY-WABASH · VERIFIED LOCAL DETAILS
A heavily used Ferguson lake with a real seasonal split.
Official sources checked September 25, 2026
January-Wabash is more than “a trout lake.” Ferguson describes it as one of the state’s heavily fished urban lakes, while MDC lists a broad species mix and highlights spring largemouth bass. Winter stocking and warm-season fishing should be planned differently.
Winter trout program
Ferguson says MDC stocks trout during the winter program and directs anglers to the stocking hotline. MDC also lists trout among the lake’s fishing opportunities.
No boats
MDC’s cooperative-area page prohibits boats, so January-Wabash is a bank-fishing destination.
More than trout
MDC lists trout, white bass, sunfish, catfish, crappie and black bass. Its annual prospect report specifically calls out spring largemouth bass potential here.
Use the calendar, not one year-round setup
- During winter trout season, verify the current special regulations first. A light spinning outfit and legal small artificial presentation is a safer starting point than arriving with a warm-season catfish rig and assuming the same rules apply.
- In spring, bass becomes a stronger reason to fish the lake. Cover the bank methodically with a small moving bait or finesse lure before spending the trip in one spot.
- In the warmer months, the urban program’s catfish and sunfish opportunities make simple bait rigs useful for beginners and families.
Cast STL planning note: These are source-backed trip-planning recommendations, not a claim that Cast STL visited the water or caught fish there on the verification date.
Official sources used for this guide
Rules, stocking details and access can change. Use these links and posted signs as the final authority.
SEASONAL PLAN
Fish the calendar.
Not one tactic all year.
Winter trout transitions into a spring bass opportunity; summer catfish and sunfish keep the lake active later in the year.
WINTER TROUT
Light spinning
4–6 lb mono/fluoro. Start with a small spoon, inline spinner or 1/32–1/16 oz jig when allowed by the lake's current winter rules.
WARM SEASON
Catfish + panfish
Catfish: 12–20 lb line with a simple bottom rig. Panfish: 4–6 lb line, small jig or worm under a float.
BASS
Finesse first
8–12 lb mono/fluoro or light braid with a fluorocarbon leader. Start with a finesse worm, compact jig or small moving bait.
CURRENT RULES
Check before you keep.
- MDC lists the lake at 5.3 acres.
- Boats are prohibited.
- Black bass have an 18-inch minimum under current St. Louis urban-lake regulations.
- MDC prospect guidance specifically highlights spring largemouth bass potential here.
OFFICIAL SOURCE
MDC is the authority.
Cast STL is a planning guide. Stocking dates, seasonal restrictions and posted rules can change.
Check MDC informationStocking hotline