Rothwell Lake is a small, shallow impoundment in Cosmo Park near Chillicothe, Missouri, best for panfish and catfish in spring and early summer
Rothwell Lake covers roughly 15 acres and sits inside Cosmo Park, a 2,200-acre conservation area managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The lake is shallow — most of it runs 4 to 8 feet deep — which makes it warm quickly in spring and productive for bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish. It is not a destination for largemouth bass or trophy fish; it is a place to catch numbers of smaller panfish and catfish, often in a single afternoon.
The park itself is open year-round, but the lake fishes best from April through June when water temperatures climb and panfish move into shallower water to spawn. Summer can be productive for catfish at dawn and dusk. Fall and winter see fewer anglers and slower action, though some catfish remain active on warmer days.
Key Takeaways
- Rothwell Lake holds bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish in a shallow 15-acre impoundment that warms quickly in spring.
- A Missouri fishing permit is required for anyone 16 and older; permits are sold at the park office and online through the Missouri Department of Conservation.
- The lake has a boat ramp and bank access, but no rental boats or guide services operate on-site.
- Spring (April through June) is the most reliable season, when panfish spawn in shallow water and catfish feed actively.
- Cosmo Park charges no day-use fee and offers picnic areas, restrooms, and parking near the lake.
What Species Live in Rothwell Lake
Bluegill and other sunfish are the most abundant species and the easiest to catch. They school in shallow water during spring spawning season and will take small jigs, live crickets, waxworms, and tiny spinners. A light spinning rod or a simple cane pole works well. Most bluegill run 6 to 9 inches, though occasional fish reach 10 inches or larger.
Channel catfish are present year-round and grow larger than the panfish — 2 to 5 pounds is common. They feed on the bottom and respond to chicken liver, cut shad, stink baits, and live crawfish. Fish the deeper holes along the dam and the channel that runs through the middle of the lake. Catfish bite best at night and during low-light hours, though they will feed during the day if the water is murky.
Largemouth bass are in the lake but not abundant. Most are small (under 12 inches), and the shallow water and heavy panfish population mean bass are not the primary draw. If you want to target them, work soft plastics and small crankbaits around any submerged timber or vegetation you can find.
Access, Parking, and Facilities
Rothwell Lake has a concrete boat ramp on the north shore, suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. The ramp is free to use. Bank access is available in several spots around the lake, with the best fishing from the dam and along the eastern shore. Parking is available near the ramp and at a secondary lot on the south side of the park.
Cosmo Park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and grills throughout the grounds. There is no lodge, bait shop, or food service on-site, so bring what you need. The park is open during daylight hours; exact hours vary by season, so check the Missouri Department of Conservation website before you go. No camping is permitted at Cosmo Park itself, though private campgrounds operate nearby in Chillicothe.
The park is located about 30 miles northeast of Sedalia and roughly 90 miles south of Kansas City. From Chillicothe, take Highway 65 north and follow signs to Cosmo Park. The drive from Chillicothe is about 15 minutes.
Fishing Seasons and Best Times
Spring (April through June) is the peak season. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 70s, and bluegill and sunfish move into shallow water to spawn. You can catch 20 to 40 panfish in a morning session, often in water 2 to 4 feet deep. Catfish also feed actively as water warms. Mornings and evenings are most productive, though midday action can be good on cloudy days.
Summer (July and August) sees panfish move deeper as the lake warms, but catfish remain active at night and in early morning. Fishing slows during the heat of the day. The lake can become weedy in midsummer, which can make casting difficult but also concentrates fish in clearer channels.
Fall (September through November) brings cooler water and scattered action. Panfish bite in the morning, and catfish feed more consistently as temperatures drop. Fewer anglers are on the water, so you may have the lake to yourself.
Winter (December through March) is slow. The lake rarely freezes solid enough for safe ice fishing, and open-water fishing is unpredictable. A few dedicated anglers fish for catfish on warmer days, but most anglers skip this season.
Gear and Tackle for Rothwell Lake
For panfish, a light spinning rod (5 to 6 feet) with 4- to 6-pound monofilament is ideal. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with live bait or soft plastics work well. Alternatively, a simple cane pole with a bobber and live cricket or waxworm is effective and requires no casting skill. Bring a small net to land fish quickly.
For catfish, use a medium spinning rod or baitcasting setup with 8- to 12-pound line. Three-way rigs with a sinker and a short leader work well on the bottom. Chicken liver, cut shad, and commercial stink baits are reliable. Fish the deeper areas near the dam and let the bait sit; catfish will find it.
A small tackle box with jigs, hooks (sizes 6 to 2/0), split shot, bobbers, and a few spinners covers most situations. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — there is no shade on much of the lake. A headlamp is useful if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk.
Regulations and Permits
A valid Missouri fishing permit is required for anyone 16 years old and older. Permits are available at the Cosmo Park office, at bait shops in Chillicothe, and online through the Missouri Department of Conservation website. A one-day permit costs less than a full-year permit; choose based on how often you plan to fish.
Rothwell Lake has no special restrictions beyond state regulations. The statewide daily limit for bluegill and sunfish is 50 fish per person. Channel catfish have a 25-fish daily limit. Bass are catch-and-release only (no harvest). Check the current Missouri fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change.
Gasoline motors are permitted on the lake, but the shallow water and small size mean most anglers use trolling motors or paddle. No jet skis or high-speed boats are allowed.
Nearby Alternatives if Rothwell Lake is Crowded or Slow
If Rothwell Lake is not producing or you want a change of scenery, several other Missouri lakes are within 30 to 45 minutes. Truman Lake, about 40 miles south, is much larger and holds striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. Pomme de Terre Lake, also south of Cosmo Park, is similar in size to Rothwell but deeper and better for bass.
For a smaller, quieter option, check with the Missouri Department of Conservation about smaller ponds and lakes in Livingston County. Many are less known and see fewer anglers, though they may hold fewer fish overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Rothwell Lake year-round?
Yes, the lake is open year-round, but fishing is most productive from April through June. Winter fishing is slow and unpredictable. Check the park's hours before you visit, as they vary by season.
Do I need a boat to fish Rothwell Lake?
No. Bank access is available around much of the lake, and the dam is a good spot to fish from shore. A boat or kayak lets you reach deeper water and cover more ground, but it is not required.
What is the best bait for catfish at Rothwell Lake?
Chicken liver, cut shad, and commercial stink baits all work. Live crawfish and live bluegill are effective if you can catch them. Fish the bottom near the dam or the deeper channel in the middle of the lake.
Is there a bait shop at Cosmo Park?
No. Bring your own bait or stop at a shop in Chillicothe before you arrive. The nearest town with bait and tackle shops is Chillicothe, about 15 minutes away.
What is the water temperature in spring?
Water temperatures in April typically range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. By June, they climb into the 70s. Warmer water triggers panfish spawning and increases catfish feeding activity.