Episodes

  • Fall Fishing Forecast at Lake of the Ozarks: Promising Bass and Crappie Action Awaits Anglers

    Fall Fishing Forecast at Lake of the Ozarks: Promising Bass and Crappie Action Awaits Anglers
    Nov 23 2024
    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.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Lake of the Ozarks - A Robust Bite, Ideal Conditions, and Top Baits for the Day

    Fishing the Lake of the Ozarks - A Robust Bite, Ideal Conditions, and Top Baits for the Day
    Nov 22 2024
    For November 22, 2024, at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, here’s what you can expect:

    First off, the weather is looking partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees and a low of 43 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM.

    Since the Lake of the Ozarks is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal reports to consider, but water levels have been rising slightly due to recent rains. The water temperature is in the low 60s, and the water color is somewhat turbid, especially in the mid-lake area, which can actually make it easier to catch fish as they can still see bait well.

    Fish activity has been robust, with a mix of pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn fish. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a good number of bass, both in shallow and deeper waters. The shallower bite seemed to produce better quality fish, particularly around little eddies and current breaks where fish can rest and feed.

    For lures, shaky heads with worms like the Bass Pro Shops Mag Fini or Sticko 5 in green pumpkin have been consistent producers. Texas rigs, Wacky rigs, and swimbaits like the Glide or hollow belly swimbaits are also working well. In the morning, spinnerbaits around the Shad spawn areas have been effective. Look for birds feeding on shad to locate these areas.

    Crappie and white bass are also active. For crappie, try using small hair jigs or Bobby Garland Baby Shad with a sixteenth- or eighth-ounce jighead in about 15 feet of water, especially around standing timber.

    Hot spots include the Gravois Arm, where the water is a bit cleaner around the mouth, and the lower end of the lake, which has seen a lot of fish activity lately. Fishing around any structure like docks, rocks, or submerged logs can be very productive.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the Lake of the Ozarks, with plenty of fish biting and a variety of effective baits and lures to choose from.
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    2 mins
  • Fall Fishing Frenzy at Lake of the Ozarks: Promising Conditions and Diverse Catches

    Fall Fishing Frenzy at Lake of the Ozarks: Promising Conditions and Diverse Catches
    Nov 21 2024
    As of November 21, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking promising, especially as we transition into the fall season.

    First off, the weather is mild with temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s, making it ideal for a day on the water. Sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM, giving you a good window to catch both the morning and afternoon bites.

    Since Lake of the Ozarks is a man-made lake, it doesn't have tides, but water levels can fluctuate. Currently, the water level is at summer pool, providing ample shoreline cover.

    Fish activity has been robust, with bass starting to school and move into the backs of creeks, chasing shad. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass, along with some crappie. The bass are spread out, from the main lake to the creek channels, and can be found around boat docks, shoreline grass, and laydowns.

    For lures, it's all about matching the small bait that the fish are feeding on. Small jigs, weightless soft plastics, and topwater baits are working well. The fish are focused on eating small shad and minnows, so using smaller lures that mimic these baitfish is key.

    Hot spots include the main lake docks, especially those with structure underneath, and the creek channels where shad are migrating. Look for isolated laydowns off the bank and shallow brush piles around docks. The shoreline grass and water willow areas are also productive, especially if the water level is right.

    If you're looking for specific areas, try the Osage Arm and the Niangua Arm, where the fish tend to congregate around the boat docks and creek channels. These areas offer a mix of deep and shallow water, making them ideal for both suspended and shallow fishing.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake of the Ozarks, with plenty of fish to be caught and the fall season bringing in some of the bigger ones.
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    2 mins
  • Fall Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks: Secrets to a Successful Day on the Water

    Fall Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks: Secrets to a Successful Day on the Water
    Nov 17 2024
    As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking promising, especially with the crisp fall conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Time
    Today, the sunrise is at 6:55 AM and sunset at 4:57 PM. The moon phase is waning gibbous, which can affect fish activity, but the overall conditions are favorable. The major bite times are from 12:44 to 14:44, and the minor bite times are from 8:12 to 10:12 and 17:17 to 19:17[3].

    ### Fish Activity
    The fall season is one of the best times to fish at Lake of the Ozarks, with both bass and crappie being very active. Largemouth bass and spotted bass are plentiful, especially around points, brush piles, and docks. Crappie, both white and black, are also abundant, particularly near brush piles located on or near points[5].

    ### Catch Reports
    Yesterday saw a good number of bass and crappie caught. Bass anglers reported success using topwater baits during low light periods, as well as plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Crappie anglers did well with small jigs and minnows. Catfish, including channel and blue catfish, were also caught, especially by those drifting with live or cut shad[2][5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, topwater baits, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are highly recommended. For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the best bets. For catfish, live or cut shad are effective, and for flathead catfish, live bait such as small bluegill or green sunfish works well[5].

    ### Hot Spots
    Some of the best spots to try today include the Niangua and Glaize arms, particularly around points and brush piles. Jennings Branch Cove, McCoy Branch Cove, and Duck Head Point are also known for their productive fishing. For crappie, focus on areas like Moonlight Bay and Still Water Bay, where the structure is favorable[3][5].

    With the right lures and knowledge of the hot spots, you should have a great day fishing at Lake of the Ozarks. Enjoy the fall weather and tight lines
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    3 mins
  • Promising Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks with Ideal Fall Conditions

    Promising Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks with Ideal Fall Conditions
    Nov 16 2024
    As of November 16, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking promising, especially with the crisp fall conditions.

    ### Weather and Time
    Today, the sunrise is at 6:51 AM, and the sunset will be at 4:58 PM. The weather is expected to be cool and clear, making it an ideal day for fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been robust, particularly during the major bite times. According to the fishing times chart, the major bite times today are from 7:23 AM to 9:23 AM and 7:37 PM to 9:37 PM, with minor bite times from 1:14 AM to 3:14 AM and 1:25 PM to 3:25 PM.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Yesterday saw a good catch of bass and crappie. Ken and Michelle Miller reported a successful crappie fishing trip, catching several crappies in the deeper waters. Bass fishing has also been productive, with many anglers reporting catches of both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, using jigs and crankbaits has been effective, especially in the clearer waters around the points and coves. Soft plastics like curly tail grubs and plastic worms are also working well. For crappie, small jigs tipped with minnows or small plastic lures have been the go-to choice.

    ### Hot Spots
    Some of the best spots to try your luck include Moonlight Bay, Bogue Bay, and Still Water Bay. These areas, with their shallow waters and clear conditions, are ideal for land-based fishing, especially during twilight times. Additionally, points like Duck Head Point and Perkins Point, as well as coves such as Jennings Branch Cove and McCoy Branch Cove, have been productive.

    Overall, with the favorable weather and fish activity, today should be a great day to get out on the water at Lake of the Ozarks.
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    2 mins
  • Crisp Fall Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks: Bass, Crappie, and Prime Conditions

    Crisp Fall Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks: Bass, Crappie, and Prime Conditions
    Nov 15 2024
    As of November 15, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking quite promising, especially with the crisp fall conditions.

    ### Weather and Time
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been robust, particularly for bass and crappie. The cooler temperatures have made the fish more active, and anglers have been reporting a good bite. Yesterday, several anglers caught a mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass, along with a decent number of crappie.

    ### Tidal Report
    Lake of the Ozarks is a freshwater lake, so there are no tidal changes to report. However, water levels have been stable, which is favorable for fishing.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, topwater lures such as poppers and spoons have been effective, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Targeting brush piles and submerged structures with soft plastics like curly tail grubs and plastic worms has also yielded good results. For crappie, jigs tipped with minnows or small jigs in white or chartreuse have been successful.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the mid-lake area around the Osage Arm, where several anglers have reported catching bass and crappie near submerged brush piles. Another good spot is the Grand Glaize Arm, particularly around the rocky points and drop-offs.

    Overall, the conditions are ideal for a productive day of fishing at Lake of the Ozarks. Make sure to dress warmly and take advantage of the active fish bite.
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    2 mins
  • Fishing Forecast for Lake of the Ozarks: Fall Conditions Offer Promising Bass and Crappie Action

    Fishing Forecast for Lake of the Ozarks: Fall Conditions Offer Promising Bass and Crappie Action
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking promising, especially with the crisp fall conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Time
    The weather is expected to be clear with a light wind of about 5 miles per hour. Sunrise was at around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. These conditions are ideal for a day of fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a good bite, particularly for bass and crappie. The cool nights have made the fish more active, especially during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Bass fishing has been consistent, with both largemouth and spotted bass being caught in decent numbers. The largemouth bass population, as indicated by recent surveys, shows about 25 percent of the fish on the Niangua Arm and 12 percent on the Glaize Arm are over the 15-inch size limit[2].

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Anglers reported catching a mix of largemouth and spotted bass, with some fish weighing up to 4 pounds. Crappie fishing was also strong, with many white and black crappie over the 9-inch minimum length limit being caught, especially around brush piles[2][3].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, topwater lures are working well during low light periods. Plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are also producing good results. For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the best bets. Targeting brush piles, especially those located on or near points, is key for both bass and crappie[2][3].

    ### Hot Spots
    Focus on the Niangua and Glaize arms of the lake. Points, brush piles, and docks are hot spots for bass. For crappie, concentrate on brush piles and submerged structures. The mouths of coves and deep flats are also good areas to try for catfish and other species[2].

    ### Additional Tips
    Given the fall conditions, it's a good idea to fish slowly and methodically, especially for bass. Jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks can be effective for bass during this time. For catfish, drifting with live or cut shad on days with a light breeze has been productive[2].

    Overall, the conditions at Lake of the Ozarks are ripe for a great day of fishing. Make sure to take advantage of the early morning and late afternoon bites, and don’t hesitate to try different lures and baits to see what the fish are favoring.
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    3 mins
  • Fall Fishing Flourishes at Lake of the Ozarks: Weather, Fish Activity, and Top Spots for Bass, Crappie, and Catfish

    Fall Fishing Flourishes at Lake of the Ozarks: Weather, Fish Activity, and Top Spots for Bass, Crappie, and Catfish
    Nov 9 2024
    As of November 9, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking quite promising, especially with the crisp fall conditions. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Time
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM. These conditions are ideal for fall fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a good amount of fish activity, particularly around points, brush piles, and docks. Bass and crappie were the main catches, with several largemouth and spotted bass caught using topwater lures and plastic worms. Crappie fishing was also strong, especially around brush piles, with small jigs and minnows being the most effective baits.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Several largemouth and spotted bass were caught, with some fish exceeding the 15-inch size limit. For crappie, both white and black crappie were abundant, with approximately 50% of them meeting or exceeding the 9-inch minimum length limit.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are your best bets. For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are highly recommended. If you're targeting catfish, live or cut shad are excellent choices, especially when drifting or fishing near the bottom.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is around the points and brush piles on the Niangua and Glaize arms. The Truman Dam tailwater is also a good spot for hybrid striped bass. For crappie, focus on brush piles located on or near points, which can be found using the Missouri Department of Conservation's resources.

    ### Additional Tips
    Given the fall season, targeting bass around pea gravel banks with jerkbaits can be very effective. For catfish, the mouths of coves, deep flats, and river channel breaks are prime areas. Remember to handle fish gently when releasing them to ensure their survival.

    With these conditions and tips, you're set for a great day of fishing at Lake of the Ozarks. Enjoy your time on the water
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    3 mins