As of November 23, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking promising, especially with the fall season in full swing. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Conditions
The weather today is expected to be crisp with a mild breeze, perfect for fall fishing. Sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. The water level is stable, and the clarity is good, though it might be slightly stained in some areas due to recent rains.
### Fish Activity
Bass and crappie are the main targets this time of year. Bass activity has been strong, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when the light is low. They are actively chasing shad around points, channel swings, and in the backs of creeks. Crappie are also biting well, especially around brush piles and boat docks.
### Catch Reports
Yesterday saw a good number of bass caught, with several largemouth bass in the 3-5 pound range. Crappie were also plentiful, with many anglers reporting catches of both white crappie and black crappie in the 1-2 pound range.
### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, topwater lures and jerk baits are working well, especially in the morning. Deep diving crankbaits and square bills are also effective, particularly around structure like points and channel swings. For crappie, slip bobbers with Bobby Garland minnows are traditional and effective. However, experimenting with different depths and lures like small jigs and minnows can also yield good results.
### Hot Spots
- **Brush Piles and Boat Docks**: These areas are hotspots for both bass and crappie. Look for brush piles in deeper water and boat docks with structure underneath.
- **Creeks and Channel Swings**: The backs of creeks and channel swings are where you’ll find bass chasing shad. Use topwater lures or jerk baits to target these areas.
- **Main Lake Docks**: Larger docks on the main lake, especially those with shoreline cover like rocks and laydowns, are great places to find bass.
Overall, the fall season at Lake of the Ozarks is shaping up to be excellent for fishing. With the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you should have a productive and enjoyable day on the water.