Walk before casting.
Use the first few minutes to look for shade, vegetation, wind, points and shoreline changes.
FIRST TRIP
Small lake.
Better decisions.
Simpson is a good place to simplify. Pick a reachable stretch, fish it thoroughly, and move only when the water gives you a reason.
Start with bass or panfish.
Both let you fish actively and learn the lake without committing to one stationary spot.
Fish clean water.
Make a few good casts at each piece of cover, then keep moving instead of changing lures constantly.
INTERACTIVE MAP
See the whole lake.
Then pick a stretch.
Use the map to understand the shape of Simpson Lake and nearby park access before choosing where to start.
OpenStreetMap base map. Use official access information and posted signs when you arrive.
TARGET SPECIES
Match the tackle
to the water.
These are practical starting points. Adjust for current, cover, water clarity and the fish you are actually encountering.
Largemouth Bass
- Start with
- Finesse worm, small jig, spinnerbait or compact crankbait.
- Line
- 8–12 lb mono/fluoro or 15–30 lb braid.
- Leader
- With braid, 8–12 lb fluorocarbon, about 4–6 ft.
- Look for
- Vegetation, shade, bank transitions and windblown edges.
Bluegill / Panfish
- Start with
- Small jig, worm piece or tiny plastic under a float.
- Line
- 4–6 lb mono/fluoro.
- Leader
- Usually not needed.
- Look for
- Shallow cover, shade and protected shoreline.
Channel Catfish
- Start with
- Simple bottom rig with legal natural or prepared bait.
- Line
- 12–20 lb mono or braid.
- Leader
- 15–25 lb abrasion-resistant leader, 12–24 in.
- Look for
- Deeper reachable water and low-light periods.
Crappie
- Start with
- 1/32–1/16 oz jig or small minnow presentation where legal.
- Line
- 4–8 lb mono/fluoro.
- Leader
- Usually unnecessary with straight light line.
- Look for
- Cover, transitions and suspended fish near structure.
SEASONAL START
Change the approach.
Keep it simple.
Use the same core gear and change location, speed and presentation as conditions shift.
Move shallow.
Fish warming banks, protected water and current seams as activity increases.
Time it right.
Prioritize shade, current, wind and early/late periods.
Follow food.
Cover water until you find active bait and feeding fish.
Slow down.
Use smaller presentations and focus on the best reachable water.
FIRST-TIME SETUP
One spinning combo.
Plenty to start.
A medium-light or medium spinning rod handles the most useful Simpson presentations without carrying a pile of gear.
See lures, line & knotsRod + reel6'6"–7' medium-light/medium spinning rod, 2500 size reel.
Main line8–10 lb mono for simplicity or 15 lb braid.
LeaderWith braid, 6–10 lb fluorocarbon, 4–6 ft.
First luresFinesse worm, small jig, spinnerbait, small panfish jig.
Catfish add-onA few sinkers, swivels and circle hooks for a light bottom rig.
ACCESS + RULES
Know before
you unload.
Simpson Park is managed by St. Louis County Parks. Current fishing and park rules should be checked before a special trip.
KEY NOTES
Keep the park trip simple.
- St. Louis County identifies Simpson Park as a park with a 72-acre fishing lake.
- Use designated park access and obey posted hours and temporary restrictions.
- Follow current Missouri fishing regulations and any posted lake-specific rules.
- Do not assume old boating rules or event rules still apply; verify current park guidance.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Check current information.
Cast STL is a trip-planning guide, not a replacement for current regulations, closures, river conditions or posted signs.