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Lake of the Ozarks is serving up classic June fishing conditions, and the summer bite is absolutely on fire right now. The sun rose this morning at 5:44 a.m. and will set at 8:36 p.m., giving anglers a long window to capitalize on active fish. With water temps hovering in the low 70s—around 73 degrees lately according to local guides—the fish are in prime feeding mode. The lake is sitting just below full pool thanks to recent rain and some steady current generation, which keeps the fish scattered but hungry.

Recent reports have seen tournament anglers bringing in solid weights, and folks fishing for fun are landing good numbers too. As of this week, there have been several keeper-sized largemouth bass caught, with three tipping the tape at 17 inches and one stretching to an impressive 19.5 inches. The evening tournaments have been especially productive, so don’t overlook that dusk bite.

Bass are hanging mid-depth, focusing around the mouths of creeks, secondary points, and docks set along channel swings with nearby cover. Brush piles, submerged metal, and deeper boat docks are all holding fish—key in on those current breaks and suspended structure. On some days, the fish are up chasing, while other days they’re hugging cover. Versatility in your approach is the name of the game.

For bait and tackle, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows remain best for crappie, especially near brush piles and structure on points. Bass are biting a variety of lures—soft plastics like creature baits and worms are local favorites, but don’t sleep on crankbaits and spinnerbaits when the fish are active. Black and chartreuse patterns are pulling bites, especially when the water has a little stain from recent rains.

Catfishing is solid and should stay that way through September, with both channel and blue cats on the prowl. Nightcrawlers, cut shad, and prepared baits will all get action along flats, channel edges, and deeper holes. White bass are also fair right now—look for them busting shad on windy points and submerged islands. If you want to try your hand at walleye, try trolling bright crankbaits on steep, rocky points or humps.

Hot spots this week include the mouths of major creeks off the Niangua and Glaize Arms, and the docks along the channel swings near the 10-20 mile markers. Brush piles placed by the MDC are always worth a cast—check their website for the latest GPS coordinates.

Fish are feeding well, whether you’re casting jigs for crappie, working plastics for bass, or soaking bait for catfish. Just remember to mix up your presentation and don’t be afraid to move if the action slows down.

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Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Sunrise today was at 5:45 AM, with sunset rolling in at 8:36 PM—plenty of daylight for anglers to chase their personal bests. We’re sitting in the middle of a warm, steady summer pattern. Early mornings start off in the upper 60s and by mid-afternoon, temps climb into the mid-80s. Water temps are running in the low 70s—about 73 degrees—slower to warm up than usual this year, which is keeping fish a bit more active than your typical late June[1][2].

The fishing’s been hot, even with the lake sitting just under full pool and a touch of current generation keeping things lively. Fish have been somewhat scattered, so you’ve got to be willing to move and mix up your presentation. Most of the big tournament weights lately have come from that magic mid-depth range—secondary points, channel swing docks, and brush piles on or near deeper water. These pattern areas are holding a mix of suspended and bottom-hugging fish, so watch your electronics and adjust as needed[2][3].

Largemouth bass are the main event, and the bite’s been “on fire,” as reported by BassingBob and Casey Scanlon. Big fish are showing up, especially during evening tournaments. Early and late in the day, topwater baits like walking plugs and poppers are getting solid blowups, especially around the mouths of creeks, shallow brush, and shady docks[2][3][4]. When the sun’s high, switch to creature baits or jigs pitched around brush piles and docks, where bass are ambushing shad and bluegill. Don’t overlook a Carolina-rigged worm or deep-diving crankbait off secondary points and steeper banks.

Crappie fishing is steady. The best bite is on brush piles, particularly those on or adjacent to points. Fish small jigs—1/32 to 1/8 ounce—or minnows just above or in the brush. Most fish are running above the 9-inch minimum, and they’re thick thanks to a solid cicada and shad forage base this year[4].

Catfish are active, running strong from April through September as usual. Some big blue cats have come on cut shad, especially off deeper flats and near creek mouths. Channel cats are reliable on stink bait and nightcrawlers.

Walleye are a sleeper hit, especially if you troll crankbaits over rocky points and humps at dawn or dusk. Bright colors are key—orange, chartreuse, or white jigs tipped with minnows or grubs get it done. White bass are schooling over long points and around windy, submerged islands. Throw small swimbaits or spoons into the action when you spot a frenzy.

A couple of hot spots worth your time right now:
- The Niangua Arm, especially secondary points with brush and docks.
- The Glaize Arm, for both crappie and bass—focus on points with good structure.

That’s it for today’s report—thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss the latest fishing scoop. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, I’m Artificial Lure with your June 21, 2025 fishing report, straight from the boat ramp and docks we all know and love.

We’re looking at a muggy summer morning with sunrise right at 5:45 a.m. and sunset just after 8:40 p.m. The forecast today calls for partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid-80s, and a bit of wind rolling in from the southwest. There’s been some recent rain in the region, so the water is up a bit but clearing—perfect conditions to get out and chase some fish. No tides to worry about here in central Missouri, just focus on that current—especially when those flood gates are open; the fish are feeding hard on moving water.

Let’s talk bite: Largemouth bass are hot right now. Local anglers have reported multiple keepers over the past week, with several measured at 17 inches and one hawg tipping the tape at 19.5 inches. The bass are transitioning from late spawn to post-spawn, so they’re smashing topwater baits at first light—think Whopper Ploppers, Spooks, or a classic buzzbait. As the sun gets higher, switch to flipping soft plastics like brush hogs or jigs around docks and laydowns, particularly in 3-6 feet of water. Don’t sleep on the chatterbait if there’s a chop on the water.

Crappie remain active, especially on brush piles—check the MDC map for GPS spots or just cruise the Glaize and Niangua arms. Both black and white crappie are running above the 9-inch limit. Small jigs—1/32 to 1/8 ounce in chartreuse or pink—or live minnows are putting limits in the boat.

Catfish action is solid from sundown into the night, especially with cut shad, nightcrawlers, or stink bait. Target channel edges and points with current for the biggest blues and channels.

Don’t forget the walleye—these toothy critters are being picked up by trolling bright crankbaits along steep rocky points and humps, especially early and late in the day.

Hot spots today: try the mouths of Gravois or Little Niangua for bass early, and hit the brush piles near the Grand Glaize bridge for crappie. For catfish, anchor up in the main river channel bends near the 6-Mile Marker.

That’s your boots-on-the-ground report for June 21st from Lake of the Ozarks. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, I’m Artificial Lure with your June 21, 2025 fishing report, straight from the boat ramp and docks we all know and love.

We’re looking at a muggy summer morning with sunrise right at 5:45 a.m. and sunset just after 8:40 p.m. The forecast today calls for partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid-80s, and a bit of wind rolling in from the southwest. There’s been some recent rain in the region, so the water is up a bit but clearing—perfect conditions to get out and chase some fish. No tides to worry about here in central Missouri, just focus on that current—especially when those flood gates are open; the fish are feeding hard on moving water.

Let’s talk bite: Largemouth bass are hot right now. Local anglers have reported multiple keepers over the past week, with several measured at 17 inches and one hawg tipping the tape at 19.5 inches. The bass are transitioning from late spawn to post-spawn, so they’re smashing topwater baits at first light—think Whopper Ploppers, Spooks, or a classic buzzbait. As the sun gets higher, switch to flipping soft plastics like brush hogs or jigs around docks and laydowns, particularly in 3-6 feet of water. Don’t sleep on the chatterbait if there’s a chop on the water.

Crappie remain active, especially on brush piles—check the MDC map for GPS spots or just cruise the Glaize and Niangua arms. Both black and white crappie are running above the 9-inch limit. Small jigs—1/32 to 1/8 ounce in chartreuse or pink—or live minnows are putting limits in the boat.

Catfish action is solid from sundown into the night, especially with cut shad, nightcrawlers, or stink bait. Target channel edges and points with current for the biggest blues and channels.

Don’t forget the walleye—these toothy critters are being picked up by trolling bright crankbaits along steep rocky points and humps, especially early and late in the day.

Hot spots today: try the mouths of Gravois or Little Niangua for bass early, and hit the brush piles near the Grand Glaize bridge for crappie. For catfish, anchor up in the main river channel bends near the 6-Mile Marker.

That’s your boots-on-the-ground report for June 21st from Lake of the Ozarks. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, I’m Artificial Lure with your June 21, 2025 fishing report, straight from the boat ramp and docks we all know and love.

We’re looking at a muggy summer morning with sunrise right at 5:45 a.m. and sunset just after 8:40 p.m. The forecast today calls for partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid-80s, and a bit of wind rolling in from the southwest. There’s been some recent rain in the region, so the water is up a bit but clearing—perfect conditions to get out and chase some fish. No tides to worry about here in central Missouri, just focus on that current—especially when those flood gates are open; the fish are feeding hard on moving water.

Let’s talk bite: Largemouth bass are hot right now. Local anglers have reported multiple keepers over the past week, with several measured at 17 inches and one hawg tipping the tape at 19.5 inches. The bass are transitioning from late spawn to post-spawn, so they’re smashing topwater baits at first light—think Whopper Ploppers, Spooks, or a classic buzzbait. As the sun gets higher, switch to flipping soft plastics like brush hogs or jigs around docks and laydowns, particularly in 3-6 feet of water. Don’t sleep on the chatterbait if there’s a chop on the water.

Crappie remain active, especially on brush piles—check the MDC map for GPS spots or just cruise the Glaize and Niangua arms. Both black and white crappie are running above the 9-inch limit. Small jigs—1/32 to 1/8 ounce in chartreuse or pink—or live minnows are putting limits in the boat.

Catfish action is solid from sundown into the night, especially with cut shad, nightcrawlers, or stink bait. Target channel edges and points with current for the biggest blues and channels.

Don’t forget the walleye—these toothy critters are being picked up by trolling bright crankbaits along steep rocky points and humps, especially early and late in the day.

Hot spots today: try the mouths of Gravois or Little Niangua for bass early, and hit the brush piles near the Grand Glaize bridge for crappie. For catfish, anchor up in the main river channel bends near the 6-Mile Marker.

That’s your boots-on-the-ground report for June 21st from Lake of the Ozarks. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, I’m Artificial Lure with your June 21, 2025 fishing report, straight from the boat ramp and docks we all know and love.

We’re looking at a muggy summer morning with sunrise right at 5:45 a.m. and sunset just after 8:40 p.m. The forecast today calls for partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid-80s, and a bit of wind rolling in from the southwest. There’s been some recent rain in the region, so the water is up a bit but clearing—perfect conditions to get out and chase some fish. No tides to worry about here in central Missouri, just focus on that current—especially when those flood gates are open; the fish are feeding hard on moving water.

Let’s talk bite: Largemouth bass are hot right now. Local anglers have reported multiple keepers over the past week, with several measured at 17 inches and one hawg tipping the tape at 19.5 inches. The bass are transitioning from late spawn to post-spawn, so they’re smashing topwater baits at first light—think Whopper Ploppers, Spooks, or a classic buzzbait. As the sun gets higher, switch to flipping soft plastics like brush hogs or jigs around docks and laydowns, particularly in 3-6 feet of water. Don’t sleep on the chatterbait if there’s a chop on the water.

Crappie remain active, especially on brush piles—check the MDC map for GPS spots or just cruise the Glaize and Niangua arms. Both black and white crappie are running above the 9-inch limit. Small jigs—1/32 to 1/8 ounce in chartreuse or pink—or live minnows are putting limits in the boat.

Catfish action is solid from sundown into the night, especially with cut shad, nightcrawlers, or stink bait. Target channel edges and points with current for the biggest blues and channels.

Don’t forget the walleye—these toothy critters are being picked up by trolling bright crankbaits along steep rocky points and humps, especially early and late in the day.

Hot spots today: try the mouths of Gravois or Little Niangua for bass early, and hit the brush piles near the Grand Glaize bridge for crappie. For catfish, anchor up in the main river channel bends near the 6-Mile Marker.

That’s your boots-on-the-ground report for June 21st from Lake of the Ozarks. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, I’m Artificial Lure with your June 21, 2025 fishing report, straight from the boat ramp and docks we all know and love.

We’re looking at a muggy summer morning with sunrise right at 5:45 a.m. and sunset just after 8:40 p.m. The forecast today calls for partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid-80s, and a bit of wind rolling in from the southwest. There’s been some recent rain in the region, so the water is up a bit but clearing—perfect conditions to get out and chase some fish. No tides to worry about here in central Missouri, just focus on that current—especially when those flood gates are open; the fish are feeding hard on moving water.

Let’s talk bite: Largemouth bass are hot right now. Local anglers have reported multiple keepers over the past week, with several measured at 17 inches and one hawg tipping the tape at 19.5 inches. The bass are transitioning from late spawn to post-spawn, so they’re smashing topwater baits at first light—think Whopper Ploppers, Spooks, or a classic buzzbait. As the sun gets higher, switch to flipping soft plastics like brush hogs or jigs around docks and laydowns, particularly in 3-6 feet of water. Don’t sleep on the chatterbait if there’s a chop on the water.

Crappie remain active, especially on brush piles—check the MDC map for GPS spots or just cruise the Glaize and Niangua arms. Both black and white crappie are running above the 9-inch limit. Small jigs—1/32 to 1/8 ounce in chartreuse or pink—or live minnows are putting limits in the boat.

Catfish action is solid from sundown into the night, especially with cut shad, nightcrawlers, or stink bait. Target channel edges and points with current for the biggest blues and channels.

Don’t forget the walleye—these toothy critters are being picked up by trolling bright crankbaits along steep rocky points and humps, especially early and late in the day.

Hot spots today: try the mouths of Gravois or Little Niangua for bass early, and hit the brush piles near the Grand Glaize bridge for crappie. For catfish, anchor up in the main river channel bends near the 6-Mile Marker.

That’s your boots-on-the-ground report for June 21st from Lake of the Ozarks. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, I’m Artificial Lure with your June 21, 2025 fishing report, straight from the boat ramp and docks we all know and love.

We’re looking at a muggy summer morning with sunrise right at 5:45 a.m. and sunset just after 8:40 p.m. The forecast today calls for partly cloudy skies, highs in the mid-80s, and a bit of wind rolling in from the southwest. There’s been some recent rain in the region, so the water is up a bit but clearing—perfect conditions to get out and chase some fish. No tides to worry about here in central Missouri, just focus on that current—especially when those flood gates are open; the fish are feeding hard on moving water.

Let’s talk bite: Largemouth bass are hot right now. Local anglers have reported multiple keepers over the past week, with several measured at 17 inches and one hawg tipping the tape at 19.5 inches. The bass are transitioning from late spawn to post-spawn, so they’re smashing topwater baits at first light—think Whopper Ploppers, Spooks, or a classic buzzbait. As the sun gets higher, switch to flipping soft plastics like brush hogs or jigs around docks and laydowns, particularly in 3-6 feet of water. Don’t sleep on the chatterbait if there’s a chop on the water.

Crappie remain active, especially on brush piles—check the MDC map for GPS spots or just cruise the Glaize and Niangua arms. Both black and white crappie are running above the 9-inch limit. Small jigs—1/32 to 1/8 ounce in chartreuse or pink—or live minnows are putting limits in the boat.

Catfish action is solid from sundown into the night, especially with cut shad, nightcrawlers, or stink bait. Target channel edges and points with current for the biggest blues and channels.

Don’t forget the walleye—these toothy critters are being picked up by trolling bright crankbaits along steep rocky points and humps, especially early and late in the day.

Hot spots today: try the mouths of Gravois or Little Niangua for bass early, and hit the brush piles near the Grand Glaize bridge for crappie. For catfish, anchor up in the main river channel bends near the 6-Mile Marker.

That’s your boots-on-the-ground report for June 21st from Lake of the Ozarks. Thanks for tuning in—be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Friday, June 20, 2025.

The summer bite is absolutely on fire right now across the Ozarks. We’ve had a run of warm, mostly clear days with early mornings starting in the upper 60s and highs pushing into the mid-80s. Sunrise was right around 5:45 AM with sunset coming in close to 8:37 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to find a prize catch. The lake level’s been rising after a wet spring, and the dam’s still running some water, so you’ll find a good amount of current, especially down by the main channels. No tides to report in these parts, but the water movement from the dam is the key to action this week.

Bass fishing is top notch right now. Anglers are reporting strong numbers of largemouth, especially behind docks in 1-4 feet of water. The hot lure for keepers has been a wacky-rigged stick bait in green pumpkin, with some folks cleaning up flipping crankbaits in crawfish patterns along chunk rock and rip rap banks, mostly up the river arms in dirtier water. There’s been consistent success using frogs and toads early and late in the day, especially in shallow back coves and on secondary points between the 32 and 34 mile markers. Several fish in the 17 to 19-inch range have been caught and released this week, with the occasional lunker topping 19.5 inches, according to the latest reports on Omnia Fishing.

The crappie bite has slowed a bit compared to past years, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, but solid fish are still being taken off brush piles near points, especially on the Glaize Arm. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 oz) and live minnows are the ticket, and most keepers are right at or just above the 9-inch limit. White bass are fair—your best odds are on windy points and submerged islands using shad-imitating lures. Catfish action is steady, with blues, channels, and flatheads coming in from deeper channels and near structure, especially during night hours.

For those looking to try something different, walleye are being caught trolling bright-colored crankbaits along steep rocky points and humps—orange, white, and chartreuse are the go-to colors. Paddlefish, carp, and gar are also in play for those looking to mix it up.

Hot spots this week include the docks and shallow coves between mile markers 32 and 34 for bass, and the brush piles on the Glaize Arm for crappie. The Truman Dam tailwater is producing hybrids and occasional big bites for the adventurous.

Thanks for tuning in to your daily Ozarks fishing report. Be sure to subscribe to keep up with the bite, and tight lines out there!

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Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Wednesday, June 18th, 2025. Let’s dive right in to what’s biting and where you ought to put your time on the water today.

Sunrise hit the lake at 5:40 AM, with sunset coming up around 8:40 PM. Weather’s shaping up mild for June—expect an early morning haze burning off into a sunny day, moderate humidity and a nice light breeze, perfect for making those long casts along points and docks. No tidal action to report since the Ozarks aren’t tidally influenced, but water levels are holding steady at summer pool.

Right now, the bite is still hot across much of the lake. As reported by the Missouri Department of Conservation, black bass—especially largemouth—have been plentiful, with catch rates up compared to past years. Many anglers are seeing a mix of 15 to 18-inch bass, with most action coming from secondary points and the backs of coves. Solid keepers are coming in, especially for those working a pattern around boat docks and brush piles. According to Jack’s Guide Service, current is playing a big factor this season: if you can find moving water or wind-blown banks, you’re in business.

For lures, you can’t go wrong with a shaky head worm or a 3/8 oz. jig, especially in green pumpkin or black and blue. Folks are also having luck with soft plastic creature baits, Texas-rigged, fished slow along docks. Don’t forget the topwater action is heating up—early mornings along shady banks and dock walkways, try a buzzbait or walking bait for a shot at a kicker fish. If the sun’s up and fish push deeper, switch to crankbaits or a Carolina rig on points and brush.

Crappie are still hanging close to structure, particularly brush piles set on or near points. Both black and white crappie over the 9-inch mark have been coming steady on 1/16 to 1/8 oz. jigs, with minnows producing as well. MDC points out that finding brush with good depth variation is key, so check out their interactive map for recent brush pile locations.

Catfish action is solid, with blues and channels both active. Best bite is night and early morning using fresh shad or cut bait on deep flats and channel bends. If you want to mix things up, head for submerged islands and long, sloping points to try your hand at white bass—throwing small spoons or inline spinners can trigger a feeding frenzy when they’re schooling.

Hot spots this week include the Niangua Arm for bass—especially near the mouth where current concentrates bait—and the Grand Glaize Arm, which is stacked with crappie and has excellent dock fishing opportunities. Don’t overlook the Truman Dam tailwater area for hybrid stripers if you want a real tug on the line.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s Lake of the Ozarks fishing report. Be sure to subscribe for daily updates and more local tips to keep your stringer full. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Friday, June 6th, 2025. Folks, it’s shaping up to be a stellar early summer day on the water! Sunrise hit the lake at 5:45 AM and we’ll see sunset tonight at 8:29 PM, giving you plenty of time to get in on the action. The weather’s been classic Ozarks—warm, mostly clear, with gentle breezes pushing bait up shallow and keeping the fish active.

There’s no tide on our reservoir, but water levels are at full pool, which means all your favorite shoreline and dock patterns are wide open—just be mindful of the boat traffic picking up with the summer crowd rolling in.

Bass are still in post-spawn mode, with a lot of largemouths hanging in two feet of water or less. Recent reports from anglers have tallied up plenty of 15 to 18-inch fish, especially around secondary points and the backs of coves, with some solid keepers mixed in. BassingBob.com and Omnia Fishing both note that hard jerkbaits, medium-diving crankbaits, shakey heads, and wacky-rigged worms are all producing. Don’t sleep on umbrella rigs either. Look for bass to start transitioning just a bit deeper as the water continues to warm, but for now, there’s still a lot of shallow action.

Crappie are in excellent condition after a strong spawn, and with the shad population booming from the spring kill and cicada hatch, these slabs are fat and feisty. The Missouri Department of Conservation recommends targeting brush piles near points—many of which are marked on their online map—and sticking with small jigs, 1/32 to 1/8 ounce, or classic minnows. Most crappie are hitting the nine-inch minimum and up on the Glaize Arm, so head that way if you’re chasing a fry-up.

If you’re looking to change it up, catfish are just getting hot, especially blues and channels. June kicks off peak catfishing. Try drifting fresh shad or cut bait along channel edges or tossing chicken livers around bridge pilings after dark, and you’re almost sure to put a few in the cooler. White bass will be picking up on the windy points—throw small swimbaits or spoons where you see baitfish flickering.

Hot spots? Hit the Shawnee Bend Area for quality bass and brush pile crappie action, or head up the Niangua Arm for numbers of both bass and panfish. For catfish, the deep holes near the main lake channel around the 20-30 mile marker are favorites right now.

No serious worries about the fish kill this spring—it was mostly shad and it’s actually fertilized the bite, with lots of shad fry fueling the food chain, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Thanks for tuning in to your Lake of the Ozarks fishing fix! Remember to subscribe for daily reports and more. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Lake of the Ozarks anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with the latest report for Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

The lake is alive with activity as we ride the tail end of a cool front. Water temps are holding in the low 70s, with early morning fog giving way to mostly sunny skies and a light breeze from the south. Expect a high around 82°F by the afternoon. Sunrise was at 5:44 a.m. today, and sunset will be right around 8:28 p.m.—lots of daylight to chase those slabs and hawgs. Tides aren’t a factor here, so you can focus on wind and water clarity, which is slightly stained up in the creeks and clearer on the main lake.

Bass fishing’s heating up post-spawn. According to Bassing Bob, the Shawnee Bend area and up the Glaize Arm are producing strong numbers of both largemouth and spots. Local sticks are reporting better catch rates than the past couple of years, but you may find yourself kissing a few more fish goodbye as they run a little short of the length limit. Still, quality bites are there, particularly on medium-diving crankbaits like the Phantom Red Craw Wiggle Wart, worked along rip rap and rocky points. Frogs and toads like the Z-Man Goat Toad in black are pulling bites shallow, especially early—target those shaded docks and backs of coves for the best action. If you want to finesse ‘em, throw a Ned rig or dropshot near deeper brush in 8 to 10 feet; bigger females are still staging on those transitions, according to Omnia Fishing’s community reports.

Crappie are looking healthy, thanks in part to a flush of young shad after last March’s natural fish kill. Missouri Department of Conservation says the Glaize Arm and brush piles near points or close to structure hold both black and white crappie over the 9-inch minimum. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 oz) in bright colors or minnows under floats are your go-to. The crappie bite has been best at dawn, with smaller males up shallow on pea gravel, while the bigger females are deeper, often around docks—try shooting a jig under the walkway if you can.

Catfish are getting active with the warming water. Set lines and rod-and-reel anglers are pulling blues and channels off chunk rock on cut shad and live bluegill, especially overnight. Best months are right now through September. For white bass and the occasional hybrid, hit long points or wind-blown banks with small swimbaits or spoons in the evening.

Hot spots this week:
- Shawnee Bend area for bass, both shallow and mid-depth
- Glaize Arm brush piles and docks for crappie
- Niangua Arm for catfish and mixed species action

Pro tip: Don’t skip the topwater bite early and late. A walking bait or popper can draw explosive strikes off the main lake points before the sun gets high.

Thanks for tuning in to your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report! Be sure to subscribe for more local tips and conditions. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

Lake of the Ozarks anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your local Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Sunday, June 1, 2025.

We’re coming off a run of clear, warm days—you can expect highs in the mid-80s today, light southeast winds, and just a touch of morning fog burning off by 8 AM. Sunrise was right at 5:45 AM with sunset coming in at 8:25 PM, giving you a good long stretch to chase those bites. With the recent full moon last week and the lake sitting at full pool, fish activity is high and patterns are shifting fast. There’s no real tide to report for Lake of the Ozarks, but the moon phase and stable water levels are keeping the bite lively throughout the day.

Bass fishing is leading the way this week. Reports from Omnia Fishing are showing strong numbers of largemouth taken shallow—recent catches include fish in the 15- to 18-inch range, mostly in two feet or less around secondary points. Top producers right now: hard jerkbaits, medium diving crankbaits, shakey heads, umbrella rigs, and wacky rigs. Color preference leans toward shad imitations and brighter patterns, especially when there’s cloud cover. For the bigger females, they’re a bit more elusive right now, waiting to move off bank structure, but keep working boat docks and brush piles—there’s a pile of keeper bass waiting to bite.

Crappie are still holding strong, especially on the Glaize Arm and main lake brush piles. The Missouri Department of Conservation reports crappie are in excellent shape this year, thanks in part to abundant shad and even a cicada boom. Most keepers are coming from brush piles—visit the MDC’s brush pile locator for up-to-date spots. Best bets are small jigs, 1/32 to 1/8 ounce, or live minnows fished around structure. The key right now: find the brush, and you’ll find the crappie.

Catfish are picking up, too. Channel cats and blues are both active, with May into June considered prime time. Cut shad and nightcrawlers are top baits. Try drifting flats in the upper arms early, then move deeper as the day heats up.

If you’re chasing walleye, now’s the time to troll bright crankbaits along steep rocky points and humps—orange, white, and chartreuse are producing. Jigs tipped with minnows or grubs on the bottom are also pulling in some quality fish.

For hotspots, check out the Niangua and Glaize Arms for bass and crappie. Hurricane Deck and Shawnee Bend are local favorites for both numbers and size right now. For catfish and walleye, focus on Truman Dam tailwater and the deeper points near the dam.

That wraps up today’s fishing report from your local Lake of the Ozarks water. Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure—don’t forget to subscribe, and we’ll see you on the water next time.

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Good morning from the Lake of the Ozarks—this is Artificial Lure with your May 31, 2025, fishing report.

We’re coming off a stretch of solid late-spring weather. Overnight temps have been in the upper 50s to low 60s, with afternoons pushing into the upper 70s. The air this morning’s crisp and still, but there’s rain pushed off ‘til later in the weekend, so it’s a fine day to be on the water. Sunrise hit at 5:45 a.m., and sunset will light up the main channel at 8:25 p.m. Being an inland reservoir, Lake of the Ozarks doesn’t have true tides, so fish activity is driven more by temperature, light, and recent weather than anything.

Water’s at full pool and clarity’s improving—especially in the lower lake and around the Toll Bridge to the Dam area, where you can spot bass beds if the sun’s just right. Water temps are running in the low to mid-70s, and that’s got black bass moving into classic early post-spawn patterns. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, you’ll want to target both shallow banks and the first drop-offs near spawning pockets—the bass are still tight to docks, points, and riprap[7].

Both largemouth and spotted bass are biting. Best luck this week has come with topwater baits in the morning—think walking baits and poppers in shad or bone colors, especially around docks and shaded banks. After the sun’s up, switch over to jigs, finesse worms, and creature baits worked slow along brush piles or rocky points. On windier afternoons, a crankbait in a chartreuse or natural shad pattern is getting reaction bites.

Crappie fishing is slower than years past because of those back-to-back drought years, but you can still find slabs—both black and white crappie—on brush piles and submerged cover in 8–15 feet of water. Small jigs from 1/32 to 1/8 ounce or live minnows are your best bet. Concentrate around the mouths of coves and main lake points, especially in the Glaize and Niangua Arms[7]. Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s brush pile map for structure locations.

Catfish are heating up, with both channel and blue cats starting to move shallow for late spring. Cut shad, nightcrawlers, and stink baits fished in creek mouths and muddy flats or below main lake docks are producing good numbers. White bass are fair; toss small spoons or in-line spinners on windy points.

For hot spots, the lower lake—from the Toll Bridge to Bagnell Dam—is crystal clear and producing the most consistent bass numbers. The mouth of the Niangua Arm is another winner, and Linn Creek’s brush piles are holding some solid crappie. For catfish, check the flats around Coffman Bend and the main river channel swings.

Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to subscribe for up-to-date fishing news and tips all season long. This has been a Quiet Please Production. For more, check out quietplease.ai.

Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for May 30th, 2025. Sunrise hit the water this morning at 5:46 a.m., with sunset expected at 8:24 p.m. We’re looking at classic late-spring conditions: warm highs in the upper 70s, light winds out of the southwest, and partly cloudy skies. Water level is at full pool, and May’s full moon last week means the spawn is winding down, with a good mix of both spawning and post-spawn activity out there. There’s no tidal movement here, but the lake is alive with fish transitioning between shallow and deeper patterns.

Bass fishing has been on fire the last week. Largemouth are hanging tight to docks, secondary points, and especially those shaded stretches by midday. Both reaction baits and bottom presentations are working. Local tournament anglers weighed in some solid bags last Sunday, showing the bite’s still hot. Topwater lures like Whopper Ploppers and walking baits are drawing explosive strikes, especially early and late in the day. As the sun gets higher, switch to green pumpkin jigs, shakey heads, or a Texas-rigged worm and work those deeper docks and brush piles. According to local experts, the lower end of the lake, especially from Toll Bridge to the Dam, has the best clarity and most visible beds. But don’t overlook those protected spawning pockets just inside main lake points in the upper Glaize and Niangua arms.

Crappie action is a little tougher this year, and the Missouri Department of Conservation attributes it to the poor recruitment from drought over the last couple seasons. Still, if you’re targeting crappie, focus on brush piles near points—especially on the Glaize Arm—using small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range, or live minnows. Most of the keepers have come off deeper piles in 12 to 18 feet this week, but you can still pick some up on laydowns near the bank early in the morning.

Catfish are in their prime, and now’s the time to go after them with cut shad or live bluegill fished on the bottom near channel swings and the mouths of coves. The main lake and lower Niangua arm are producing some nice blues and channels, especially after sundown.

A couple of hot spots to check out:
- Coffman Bend for early morning bass schooling and topwater action.
- Brush piles near the mouth of the Glaize Arm for both bass and crappie.
- The mouth of Linn Creek and the flats above the 10-mile marker for steady catfish action.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s Lake of the Ozarks report. Don’t forget to subscribe for daily updates and all the inside tips you need to keep your lines tight.

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Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for May 28, 2025, straight from the dock.

Weather this morning is starting off mild with light winds and highs expected in the upper 70s by afternoon. Skies are mostly clear, setting up a great day for fishing. Sunrise was at 5:48 AM and sunset will be at 8:25 PM. No tides to worry about here at the lake, just steady water levels at full pool after the recent rains and a full moon last week.

The bite is definitely on. Bass and crappie have both seen recent waves of spawning, so you’ll find fish both shallow on the banks and moving out toward deeper water and docks. Right now, there’s action throughout the lake, with lots of fish caught shallow early and late, then moving to deeper structure and boat docks by midday. Keeper-sized bass are being caught regularly, mostly in the 2 to 3-pound range. Bigger females are elusive but still there, often lurking near bluegill beds or around dock pilings. Crappie numbers are down a bit from years past due to weaker recruitment, but you’ll still pick up good ones—especially black and white crappie—if you target brush piles and points with structure[1][5].

For lures, you can’t go wrong with a topwater like a spook or popper first thing in the morning, especially around shallow banks or walkways with shade. Once the sun’s up, switch to creature baits, jigs, or big worms worked around dock posts, brush piles, and deeper ledges. Swimbaits and chatterbaits are also productive in the clearer water. For crappie, go small: 1/32 to 1/8 ounce jigs tipped with a minnow are solid choices, especially dropped straight into brush piles[5]. Catfish are also biting on cut shad or stinkbait along channel swings and deeper holes.

If you’re looking for hot spots, check out the Glaize Arm for crappie—especially around brush piles on points. For bass, Grand Glaize and the main lake points near Osage Beach and Linn Creek are producing, especially where you find a mix of docks and rocky banks. If you find any slightly stained or dirty water, stick around; those areas have been holding active fish[3].

In summary, there’s a lot of fishable water and a lot of patterns working right now. Bring a bit of everything and don’t be afraid to move until you find them. Good luck, and I’ll see you on the lake.

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for this Monday, May 26th, 2025.

Folks, summer is officially kicking into high gear here at the lake, and the fishing is really heating up! The water level is sitting at full pool right now, which has been great for all species. Water temps are climbing steadily, pushing into the low 80s in most areas.

Bass fishing has been excellent these past couple weeks. After those waves of spawning activity we saw earlier this month, many fish are now transitioning to their early summer patterns. You'll find good numbers of keeper-sized bass around boat docks and on points, though the trophy-sized females remain somewhat elusive. They're starting to push off the banks a bit deeper, setting up on structure in 10-15 feet of water.

For bass, I'm having my best luck with topwaters early in the morning - spooks and poppers are getting solid action during that first light period. As the day progresses, switch to jigs around docks or big worms worked slowly through brush piles. The shad and bluegill patterns are both producing, so match your lures accordingly.

Crappie fishing continues to be challenging this year. We're still feeling the effects of those drought conditions from a few years back that hurt their numbers. If you're determined to target crappie, focus on brush piles near points with small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range or live minnows.

Catfish action is really picking up now - this is prime time for our whisker fish friends. Cut bait or prepared stinkbaits are working well in coves and creek arms.

For hot spots this week, I'd recommend trying the lower end of the lake around the 4-7 mile markers where tournament anglers have been bringing in some decent bags. Also, any areas where you can find clear water meeting slightly stained water have been particularly productive - that's your golden ticket right now.

Sunrise is around 5:45 AM with sunset just after 8:30 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get on the water. We're looking at stable weather this week with highs in the mid-80s and light winds - perfect conditions for a great day on the lake.

Remember folks, stay hydrated out there as these temperatures climb, and don't forget your sunscreen. Until next time, this is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and God bless!

This is Artificial Lure checking in with your Lake of the Ozarks local fishing report for Sunday, May 25, 2025.

It’s been a near perfect stretch of late May weather with warm temps, clear skies, and light winds. Today’s sunrise was at 5:47 a.m., and sunset will be around 8:23 p.m. No tidal changes to report, just the steady current you’d expect from LOZ. The water level is full pool and clear everywhere, holding steady around 659 feet, with water temps right around 80 degrees.

The bass bite is on fire right now in just about every corner of the lake. We’re in that sweet spot of the season where fish are both spawning and transitioning to early post-spawn patterns. You’ll find plenty of bass up shallow, especially near boat docks, brush, and along sunny banks. Good numbers of keepers are being caught daily, though the bigger females are hit-or-miss as they wait to push off the bank. If you’re looking for a lunker, focus on areas where bluegill are spawning—those big girls are hanging out near bluegill beds by docks, lights, and wood cover. Morning and evening shade periods are especially hot near overhead cover and in deeper boat docks.

Best baits right now include topwaters like walking baits and poppers, swimbaits, big worms, and jigs. Topwater action is reliable in spawning pockets and just inside main lake points. If you love running brush piles, don’t hesitate to throw a jig or Texas-rigged plastic. The shad and bluegill are thick and suspended, so matching the hatch will get you good results. If you find dirtier water, which is rare this week, fish it hard—you’ll likely strike gold with more aggressive bites.

Crappie are still being caught but action is starting to slow down a bit from the peak. The key is fishing brush piles on or near main lake points, especially on the Glaize Arm. Most crappie being caught are solid keepers, both black and white, most above the 9-inch minimum. Small jigs and minnows are best, and fishing structure is the real key.

For hot spots, check out the Grand Glaize Arm for both crappie and bass, especially the brush piles and docks in that area. Another great area right now is the stretch just inside main lake points throughout the mid-lake region—these spots are holding both spawning and post-spawn bass and lots of baitfish.

Overall, it’s a fantastic time to be out. The fish are biting, the water is just right, and there’s a pattern for every angler. Good luck and tight lines—see y’all on the water!

Artificial Lure

Good morning, anglers, this is Artificial Lure with the latest Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Saturday, May 24th, 2025. The lake is full pool and the water is clear just about everywhere. We’re coming out of a recent full moon, and that’s pushed another wave of fish up to spawn – so there’s a lot of activity both shallow and deep right now. The sun rose this morning at 5:47 AM and will set around 8:22 PM, giving you a long day to chase bites.

Temperature-wise, expect warm spring conditions, with water temps moving into the upper 70s and even creeping toward 80 degrees in some spots. Winds have been mild, which has kept water clarity high. Since the Lake of the Ozarks isn’t a tidal system, there’s no tidal report, but the stable water levels help keep those fish shallow.

Bass fishing is hot right now, with plenty of keepers being caught. The big females are still playing hard to get, but you’ll find them cruising around docks, especially where bluegill are beginning to nest. There are several patterns working, so take your pick: topwater baits like Spooks, walking baits, and buzzbaits over shallow points and spawning pockets have been producing fish, especially early in the morning and during cloudy stretches. Around docks and brush, try skipping stickbaits, Texas-rigged worms, or shaky heads for numbers. Main lake and secondary points with a little slope and some chunk rock have been good as well, especially just inside the main lake where bank transitions happen[1][3][4].

Crappie have slowed a bit post-spawn but are starting to regroup around deeper brush piles and shaded docks. Jigs tipped with minnows or small plastics under a slip cork should get you some action, but you’ll have to work a bit harder than a couple weeks ago. Catfish are entering their prime time, with channels and blues being caught around rocky banks, bridge pilings, and the mouths of coves. Fresh cut shad or live bait is the ticket.

As for hot spots, the Gravois Arm and areas near the Grand Glaize Bridge have been producing good numbers of bass, especially early. The Niangua Arm is always a solid bet for a mixed bag of bass and catfish. Look for a little stain in the water if you can find it – that can be a goldmine when the lake is otherwise clear[4].

To sum up, the fish are biting, the patterns are wide open, and with a little bit of hunting you’ll put together a nice bag. Bring your favorite topwater lures and soft plastics, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Good luck out there and tight lines[1][2][3][4][5]!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Friday, May 23rd, 2025.

We're looking at another beautiful day on the water with the water level finally at full pool after being low earlier this spring. The recent full moon has triggered another wave of spawning activity, though we're starting to see a transition as we move deeper into May.

Bass fishing has been heating up nicely across the lake! Many fish are still up on the banks, but we're seeing the beginning of their movement toward deeper water and boat docks. There are multiple patterns in play right now, which means you've got options. Keeper bass are plentiful, though the big females have been somewhat elusive. If you're trophy hunting, focus on areas with bluegill beds, as the biggest bass seem to be hanging around there rather than chasing shad.

For lures, try topwaters early in the morning along steep banks where shad are present. As the sun gets higher, switch to swimbaits, jigs, or big worms around docks and tree cover. One hot tip: if you can find any pockets of stained water in our currently clear lake, that's absolute gold right now!

Crappie fishing remains a bit slower than typical for May, likely due to those drought conditions we experienced back in 2022-2023 that hurt recruitment. Your best shot at slabs is targeting brush piles near points in the Glaize Arm, where they're holding in 8-15 feet of water. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) in chartreuse colors have been effective, and minnows remain reliable for consistent action.

Catfish action is prime time right now! They've been particularly active following the recent full moon.

Hot spots this week include the lower end of the lake for bass, which has produced solid tournament weigh-ins recently. For crappie, focus on the Glaize Arm brush piles. If you're after numbers of fish rather than size, the numerous docks with overhead shade have been holding good concentrations of keeper bass during the heat of the day.

Water clarity is good throughout the lake, and we've got perfect temperatures for late May fishing. Remember that in the coming weeks, we'll see more fish transitioning to their summer patterns and moving to slightly deeper water.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next time. Y'all get out there and catch 'em up!

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, folks. Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday, May 21, 2025, fishing report, and you could not ask for better timing to be out on the water. The lake is sitting at full pool after a recent full moon, and as of sunrise at 5:51 AM, the weather is seasonably warm with water temperatures hovering right around 80 degrees and rising. We’re headed for a mostly sunny day, highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, and sunset will be at 8:22 PM.

Fish are active and biting all over the lake right now. There has been a recent wave of both bass and crappie moving up to spawn, with a mix of pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn patterns happening all at once. Most bass are hanging around the banks and boat docks, especially in those sun-drenched northern pockets and any coves off the bigger creeks. You can find bass just inside main lake points on sloped and mixed rock banks as well. Docks and shaded cover are especially productive during the midday heat.

Anglers have been putting good numbers of keepers in the boat, though the bigger bass—those lunker females—are a bit elusive and scattered, likely waiting to push off the bank or hanging around bluegill beds and docks. If you want a chance at a big girl, target areas where bluegill are spawning, like shallow brush, docks, and anywhere with shade or bug activity. Wolf packs of bass are still chasing shad and bluegill, and there is a strong bite early and late on topwater lures. Baits like walking spooks, poppers, buzzbaits, and swimbaits are hot right now, especially fished around shallow pockets and just inside main lake points. Jigs and big soft plastics are still catching fish, too, both shallow and deep.

Crappie fishing has been a little tougher in recent days, as many are wrapping up their spawn, but you can still pluck some decent slabs off deeper brush and dock structure using minnows or small jigs. Catfish anglers are enjoying prime time, with flatheads and channels active on cut bait and live bait around channel swings and deeper holes.

Best bets for hot spots today include the Gravois Arm for consistent bass action, and the backs of Lick Branch and Shawnee Bend where you’ll find active fish on both docks and shallow brush. If you stumble onto a patch of dirty water in an otherwise clear lake, you just found a hidden gem—bass are often stacked up where the water’s got a little color.

For bait, keep your topwater plugs, green pumpkin jigs, pearl swimbaits, and spinnerbaits handy for bass, and live minnows or Bobby Garland-style jigs for crappie. Catfish are best on fresh cut shad or bluegill.

That’s the scoop today from Lake of the Ozarks. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water. The fish are biting—don’t miss out!

[1][2][3][4]

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Monday, May 19th, 2025.

We're looking at another beautiful day on the water with temperatures expected to be comfortable for both you and the fish. The lake is finally at full pool after being low earlier this spring, which is great news for all of us looking to get after some fish today.

Bass fishing continues to be hot right now! We've had a full moon just last week that triggered another wave of spawning activity. Currently, we're seeing a mix of spawning and post-spawn bass, with many fish still up on the banks and others starting to utilize boat docks. This transition period means multiple patterns are working, giving you plenty of options.

For those targeting bass, topwater baits have been extremely effective, especially when working spawning pockets and protected northern banks that get plenty of sun. Look for those pearl mix banks just inside main lake points - you don't always have to go all the way to the backs of coves to find bedding fish. The big females have been somewhat elusive, but keeper-size fish are abundant.

Crappie fishing remains a bit challenging compared to typical May patterns. This is likely due to the drought conditions we experienced back in 2022-2023 that affected recruitment. If you're determined to chase slabs, focus on brush piles near points in the Glaize Arm. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8-15 feet of water. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) in chartreuse have been productive, and minnows remain reliable for consistent action.

Catfish are in prime time right now, so don't overlook these fighters if you're looking for some good action.

Hot spots this week include the spawning pockets off bigger creeks, particularly those with northern exposure. Also, try the banks from the main lake to the first spawning pocket - this stretch is great for both pre-spawn and post-spawn fish. For crappie, focus on the Glaize Arm brush piles.

In about two weeks, we'll see many more post-spawn fish moving to deeper water, but for now, we have the luxury of targeting fish both shallow and deep. The bite has been good overall with plenty of keepers, though trophy fish have been somewhat scarce.

Remember, folks, the early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. Get out there and enjoy our beautiful lake during this fantastic time of year!

This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, everyone!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for this beautiful Sunday, May 18th, 2025.

Folks, the fishing action is really heating up as we move deeper into May! The bass bite has been exceptional this past week with many fish in post-spawn patterns now. Two weeks ago they were actively spawning, but now they've moved to recovery mode[2]. This transition has made topwater baits extremely effective, especially when working spawning pockets, northern banks that get plenty of sun, and areas just inside main lake points[2].

The crappie fishing continues to be a bit slower than usual this season. This is likely due to those drought conditions we experienced back in 2022-2023 affecting recruitment[4]. If you're still wanting to target slabs, focus on brush piles near points with small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range or minnows.

Catfish action is absolutely prime time right now[3][4]! These whiskered fighters are really turning on as the water warms, making this an excellent opportunity to fill your cooler if you're looking for some good eating.

Water levels are up slightly, which means they're pulling some current. That's only going to improve the fishing conditions[2]. The lake clarity has been improving steadily throughout the month, with fish responding well to both reaction baits and bottom presentations.

For bass anglers, I'd recommend working topwater baits to cover a lot of water, especially in the early morning and late evening. Pearl-colored lures have been particularly effective in the spawning pockets[2].

Hot spots this weekend include the lower end of the lake, which has been producing solid bags during recent tournaments[4]. Also check out those main lake points transitioning into the first spawning pocket - these areas are great for targeting both pre-spawn and post-spawn fish[2].

Remember folks, we can catch fish every month of the year down here at the Lake of the Ozarks. As we move toward summer, expect the numbers to increase even if the average size decreases slightly[2]. That means plenty of action and a whole lot of fun!

Water temperature is climbing nicely, and with the sunny days ahead, expect those fish to settle into their early summer patterns soon. The bass are definitely biting, so get out there and wet a line!

This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, everyone!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for this beautiful Saturday, May 17th, 2025.

We're looking at another gorgeous spring day on the water. The sun rose this morning around 6:00 AM and will set tonight about 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for casting. Winds are staying mild today, making for nice conditions across most of the lake.

Bass fishing has really heated up over the past couple weeks. The spawning activity we saw earlier this month is transitioning now, with many of the bass moving to their post-spawn locations. The lower end of the lake has been producing solid catches, with several nice largemouth being brought in during recent tournaments. Reaction baits have been working well in the mornings, but as the day heats up, you might want to switch to bottom presentations.

Unfortunately, the crappie fishing remains a bit challenging this season. Those drought conditions back in '22 and '23 continue to affect populations. If you're determined to chase slabs, focus on brush piles near points, particularly in the Glaize Arm. They're holding in 8-15 feet right now. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range are your best bet, especially in chartreuse color. Live minnows are still producing the most consistent results if you're after numbers.

Catfish action is really picking up and should be entering prime time. They're responding well to cut bait and stink baits in the deeper channels.

For hot spots this weekend, I'd recommend trying the area around the 20-25 mile marker if you're chasing bass. Ken and Michelle Miller had an excellent outing there just a couple days ago. For crappie, Jack's Guide Service has been finding success at brush piles near the Hurricane Deck Bridge.

Don't forget your sunscreen and plenty of water today, folks. The temperatures are climbing and it's easy to get dehydrated out there. Remember to practice catch and release with those big ones so our grandkids can enjoy the same quality fishing we have today.

This is Artificial Lure signing off. Tight lines, everyone, and I'll see you on the water!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Friday, May 16th, 2025. We're looking at a beautiful day shaping up with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s this afternoon. Sunrise was at about 6:00 AM and we'll have sunset tonight around 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of time on the water.

The fishing action has been heating up nicely across the lake as we settle into mid-May. Bass fishing continues to improve with each passing day. The largemouth are following their typical May patterns, and the lower end of the lake has been producing some solid catches over the past week. Several tournaments wrapped up recently with impressive weigh-ins. Water clarity is good right now, and the bass are responding well to both reaction baits and bottom presentations.

Unfortunately, I've got to tell you that crappie fishing remains a bit slower than what we're used to seeing this time of year. This is likely due to those drought conditions we experienced back in 2022 and 2023 that hurt the crappie recruitment. If you're determined to chase those slabs, your best bet is to target brush piles, especially those located on or near points in the Glaize Arm. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8-15 feet of water. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range are working well, particularly in chartreuse. And minnows remain a reliable option for consistent action.

Catfish action is entering prime time, folks! With water temperatures steadily climbing, these whiskered critters are becoming more active. Cut bait and stink baits are producing well in the deeper channels.

For those of you looking for hot spots today, I'd recommend trying the area around the 40-mile marker where some nice bass have been pulled in this week. Another productive zone has been along the bluffs near Bagnell Dam, where anglers have been having success with larger-sized bass.

For lures, topwater action is starting to pick up early and late in the day. During midday hours, try deeper presentations with jigs, Carolina rigs, or deep-diving crankbaits. Don't overlook docks with good shade cover, as bigger fish are seeking relief from the increasing sun.

Ken and Michelle Miller reported a nice haul of bass just yesterday using Texas-rigged worms around dock structures. And Jack's Guide Service has been putting clients on some quality fish throughout the week.

Remember, the wind is expected to remain light today at around 6-8 mph from the southwest, making for calm conditions across most of the lake. That's all for today, folks. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and good fishing!

Good morning, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday fishing report for May 14, 2025, coming to you from beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.

We're looking at another gorgeous spring day with temperatures heading into the upper 70s this afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:01 AM and we'll have sunset tonight around 8:14 PM, giving you plenty of time to cast those lines. Winds are staying mild today at 5-7 mph from the southwest, making for nice calm conditions across most of the lake.

Now for what y'all really want to know - what's biting out there? Bass fishing has really been heating up these past couple weeks. Largemouth are active in the shallows, especially during the early morning and evening hours. They've been hitting topwater baits like Zara Spooks and poppers near docks and rocky points. During midday, try working Texas-rigged worms or jigs along drop-offs in 10-15 feet of water.

Crappie fishing remains a bit challenging this year. Those drought conditions from a few years back really affected their numbers, but don't worry - there are still keepers to be found if you know where to look. Your best bet is targeting brush piles along points, particularly in the Glaize Arm. They're holding at 8-15 feet deep. Small jigs in chartreuse or white have been producing, and live minnows remain the most reliable bait for consistent action.

Catfish are in prime time right now! Channel cats are moving into the shallows to spawn, making them more accessible to bank anglers. Cut shad, stink baits, and chicken liver are all working well. If you're after blue cats, drift cut bait in the main channel.

As for hot spots, I'm hearing great reports from Gravois Creek arm where some chunky bass are hanging around docks and laydowns. The Grand Glaize area has been producing some nice catfish, especially around the 7-mile marker. For crappie, try the brush piles near the Hurricane Deck Bridge - several locals have pulled limits there over the past few days.

Remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as we're getting into those warmer days. The fish are definitely biting, but you might need to work a bit harder for the crappie. Don't be afraid to switch up your presentations until you find what's working.

This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and good fishing to ya! Hope to see you out on the water soon.

Good morning, folks, Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Monday, May 12, 2025.

Right now, it looks like we’re heading into another fine spring day with temperatures expected to reach the mid-70s, and winds are light, around 6-8 mph out of the southwest, keeping the water pretty calm across most of the lake. We’re not really a tidal lake, so don’t worry about tides—just focus on the structure and the weather. Sunrise was at about 6:05 AM and tonight’s sunset is around 8:10 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get after those fish.

Let’s talk about what’s biting. Bass fishing has been steady, but the fish are a bit picky and spread out right now. With water temps climbing, the shad and bluegill are starting to suspend, and the bass are keying in on them, especially during the low-light hours. You’ll want to target docks and overhanging cover early and late. There are some wolf packs of bass chasing shad, so walking baits like spooks or smaller swimbaits are triggering some nice strikes, especially if you see bluegill activity nearby. For that real big bass, focus on solo fish hanging tight to bluegill beds. Docks, trees, and lights at dusk and dawn are all holding pockets of fish. If you find a stretch of stained water, stick around—it could be your honey hole.

Crappie fishing has been a little slower than usual, thanks to those droughts a couple years back that set recruitment back. Still, anglers targeting brush piles along points—especially in the Glaize Arm—are finding keepers. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8 to 15 feet of water. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range, especially in chartreuse, are working well, and minnows under a float are still the best bet for steady action.

Now, if you’re after catfish, this is prime time. They’re active and feeding aggressively right now.

A couple hot spots to try today: First, hit the Glaize Arm for both crappie and bass. Look for brush piles on points in 8-15 feet of water. Second, work the docks and overhanging cover in the main lake, especially in stained water, for both numbers and quality bass.

Best lures and baits right now: for bass, try walking topwaters early and late, and switch to small swimbaits through the day. For crappie, stick with small chartreuse jigs or plain old minnows.

That’s it for today, folks. Get out there and bend a rod! Artificial Lure, signing off.

Good morning from beautiful Lake of the Ozarks, this is Artificial Lure bringing you your fishing update for Sunday, May 11, 2025. We’re rolling into another classic spring morning here at the lake. Sunrise was just after 6 AM and you’ll have daylight all the way out to around 8:10 PM, so plenty of time to get your lines wet. Expect warm temps climbing into the mid-70s and light winds out of the southwest at 6 to 8 miles per hour, making for ideal calm fishing conditions. The water’s mostly clear right now, and we’re sitting right at full pool with no significant water movement[1][3].

Crappie have been a little slower this year. Those droughts in 2022 and 2023 set recruitment back, but anglers who are targeting brush piles along the points—especially in the Glaize Arm—are still finding keepers. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8 to 15 feet of water. The ticket lately is small jigs, from 1/32 to 1/8 ounce, especially in chartreuse, or just a plain minnow under a float if you want steady action. Focus on brush located near structure for your best shot at a limit[1][4].

Bass fishing is steady, though the fish have been a little picky. With the water warming up, shad and bluegill are suspended, and the bass are keying in on them. During the low-light hours, hit the docks and overhanging cover for action. Wolf packs of bass are chasing topwaters, so walking baits like spooks or smaller swimbaits can trigger a strike, especially if you find bluegill activity nearby. Big bass are cruising solo and hanging tight to bluegill beds—these are your best bet for a kicker fish. Docks, trees, and lights at dusk and dawn are all holding pockets of fish. If you stumble across a stretch of stained water, settle in, you’ve struck gold for this time of year[3].

Catfish are on the prowl with the warming water. Hit the mouths of coves or drift along channel edges with cut shad or nightcrawlers. April through September is prime time, and locals are reporting steady catches across the lake[4].

If you’re chasing walleye, try trolling crankbaits along steep rocky points or humps, or bounce a jig tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler near the bottom. Chartreuse, orange, or white seem to be the best colors for walleye right now[4].

For hot spots, check out the Glaize Arm for crappie, and the stretch around the Niangua Arm for both bass and catfish. Don’t be afraid to fish around docks anywhere between the 10 and 25 mile markers, especially if you spot bluegill beds.

That’s the scoop for today folks. Tight lines and good luck out there[1][3][4]!

Good morning, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Saturday fishing report for May 10, 2025, coming to you from beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. We're looking at another fantastic spring day with temperatures expected to reach the mid-70s by afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:05 this morning, and we'll have sunset around 8:10 tonight, giving you plenty of time on the water.

Wind's staying light today at 6-8 mph from the southwest, creating nice, calm conditions across most of the lake. Water temperature is holding steady in the low 70s, and the lake level is right at full pool.

Now, what's biting? Crappie fishing has been a bit slower in 2025 compared to recent years due to those drought conditions we had back in '22 and '23 that hurt recruitment. But don't worry, there are still plenty of keepers if you know where to look. Your best bet is targeting brush piles along points, especially in the Glaize Arm. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8-15 feet of water. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range are working well, particularly in chartreuse. Minnows remain your most reliable bait for consistent action.

Bass fishing is heating up! The spawn is in full swing, making the fish a bit finicky, but they're definitely catchable. Look for them in shallow water around docks and shoreline cover. Big worms, jigs, and topwater baits are all producing. If you're after size rather than numbers, focus on areas with bluegill beds, as the bigger bass are often targeting bluegill right now rather than shad.

Catfish action should be similar to past years, with good fishing through September. White bass fishing is fair - hit those windy points, submerged islands, and long, sloping points using either artificial lures or shad.

For walleye, try trolling crankbaits on steep rocky points and humps. Jigs tipped with minnows, nightcrawlers, or twister tail grubs in bright colors like orange, white, and chartreuse are also productive.

Hot spots this week? I'd recommend checking out the brush piles near Point Randall for crappie. For bass, the docks in the Gravois Arm have been producing consistently. And here's a little nugget for you - if you can find any pockets of slightly stained water, that's gold right now with the lake being so clear everywhere else.

That's all for today's report. Remember to handle those fish with care if you're releasing them. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, everyone!

Good morning, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Friday fishing report for May 9, 2025, coming to you from beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.

We're looking at another fine spring day with temperatures expected to reach the mid-70s this afternoon. Sunrise was about an hour ago at 6:05 AM and we'll have sunset tonight around 8:10 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water. Winds are staying light today at 6-8 mph from the southwest, making for calm conditions across most of the lake.

Now for what you're all wondering - what's biting? Crappie fishing has been a bit slower this year compared to recent seasons due to those drought conditions back in '22 and '23 that really hurt the recruitment. But don't you worry, there are still plenty of keepers if you know where to look. Your best bet is hitting brush piles along points, especially in the Glaize Arm. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8-15 feet of water. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range are working well, particularly in chartreuse. And don't forget your minnows - they're still the most reliable bait for consistent action.

Bass fishing has picked up nicely as we're right in the middle of spawn season. They're a bit finicky right now, but if you're patient, you'll find success working the shallows with plastic worms and jigs. Some of the best action has been in coves with gravel bottoms.

Catfish action should be good and picking up as we head toward summer. April through September are typically the best months for cats, and we're just getting into prime time.

If you're looking for white bass, try fishing windy points, submerged islands, and long sloping points using either artificial lures or shad. The hybrid striped bass opportunities are good in the Truman Dam tailwater.

For you walleye anglers, try trolling crankbaits on steep rocky points and humps. Jigs tipped with either minnows, nightcrawlers, or twister tail grubs in bright colors like orange, white, and chartreuse are productive when fished near the bottom.

Hot spots this weekend? I'd recommend checking out the brush piles near the 38-mile marker for crappie. For bass, try the coves around Horseshoe Bend and the docks near the Grand Glaize Arm. The area around Bagnell Dam has also been producing some nice catfish this past week.

That's all for today, folks. Remember to handle those fish with care if you're releasing them. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and see you on the water!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for this beautiful Wednesday, May 7th, 2025.

Folks, we've had some decent action over the past few days across the lake. The bass fishing has been picking up nicely as we move deeper into spring. Just yesterday, I was out on the water and noticed the largemouth are starting to settle into their typical May patterns.

Unfortunately, I've got to warn you that crappie fishing is running a bit slower this year compared to what we've seen in recent seasons. The Missouri Department of Conservation says this is due to those drought conditions we had back in 2022 and 2023 that hurt the crappie recruitment. If you're still determined to chase those slabs, concentrate on brush piles, especially those located on or near points. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range or minnows remain your best bet for success.

For you bass anglers, there's been good action in the lower end of the lake over the past weekend. Several tournaments have wrapped up recently, including the MINKS tournament this past Sunday, with some solid bags being brought in. The water clarity is improving, and the fish are responding well to both reaction baits and bottom presentations.

Catfish action should be similar to previous years, with the best months being April through September. We're right in the prime window now, so get those stink baits and cut bait ready!

White bass fishing is fair right now. Try hitting those windy points, submerged islands, and long, sloping points using either artificial lures or shad. For walleye, trolling crankbaits on steep rocky points and humps has been productive. Bright colored jigs in orange, white, and chartreuse tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers are also working well.

For those looking for hot spots, I'd recommend checking out the Glaize Arm for crappie. The MDC has placed several brush piles in the lake that have been holding fish. For bass, the lower end has been producing consistently. The Truman Dam tailwater area is your best bet for hybrid striped bass right now.

The weather for today is looking favorable for a day on the water. Just remember to practice those proper handling techniques when releasing fish to ensure their survival.

That's all I've got for today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off from beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. Tight lines, and I'll see you on the water!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Monday fishing report for May 5, 2025, coming to you from the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.

We're starting off with another gorgeous spring day on the water. Sunrise was around 6:10 AM, and we can expect sunset tonight at approximately 8:05 PM. Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temperatures expected to climb into the low 70s today - absolutely perfect fishing conditions! Winds remain light, giving us excellent boat control for working those productive spots.

As you local folks know, Lake of the Ozarks doesn't have tidal swings, so keep your focus on those water temperatures instead, which continue to climb steadily and have our fish in their classic spring patterns.

Crappie fishing has been somewhat slower this season compared to previous years, mainly due to those drought conditions we experienced back in 2022-2023 that affected recruitment. However, anglers are still finding good success by targeting brush piles, especially those located on or near points in the Glaize Arm. Your best bet is working brush in the 8-15 foot range with small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range. Chartreuse and white have been particularly effective colors, or you can always rely on live minnows.

Bass fishing is absolutely on fire right now! Most of our bass are actively spawning, with many already in post-spawn patterns. For the next week or two, focus on those spawning pockets, especially on northern banks that get plenty of sun and are protected from wind. Top water baits have been extremely effective when fishing these spawning areas. Work those pockets off bigger creeks and coves, and don't forget to check just inside main lake points on sloped banks where bass often spawn.

Catfish action in 2025 should be similar to past years, with the bite improving as we move further into spring. April through September are traditionally the best months for cats.

For white bass, try fishing windy points, submerged islands, and long, sloping points using either artificial lures or shad. Hybrid striped bass opportunities remain good, particularly in the Truman Dam tailwater.

Walleye fishing has been consistent, with success coming from trolling crankbaits on steep rocky points and humps. Bright colored jigs in orange, white, and chartreuse, tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers, have also been productive.

For hot spots this week, I'd recommend checking out brush piles near points in the Glaize Arm for crappie. For bass, those protected northern bank pockets just inside main lake points have been producing some real lunkers. Remember to practice proper catch and release techniques to ensure these fish survive to fight another day.

That's your report for today, May 5, 2025. This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, everyone!

Good morning, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Sunday fishing report for May 4, 2025, coming to you from beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.

We're looking at another gorgeous spring day with temps climbing into the low 70s by afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:08 this morning and sunset will be around 8:07 tonight, giving you plenty of daylight hours on the water. Winds are staying light at 5-7 mph from the southwest, making for nice, calm conditions across most of the lake.

Now for what you're all wondering - what's biting? Crappie fishing has been a bit slower this year compared to recent seasons. Those drought conditions back in '22 and '23 really hurt the recruitment, but don't let that stop you. There are still plenty of keepers if you know where to look. Your best bet is hitting brush piles along points, especially in the Glaize Arm. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8-15 feet of water. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range are working well, particularly in chartreuse. And don't forget your minnows - they're still the most reliable bait for consistent action.

Bass fishing has been picking up nicely with the warming water. They're in full spawn mode now, so look for beds in shallow protected coves. Plastic worms and jigs worked slowly around cover are your best bet. Some nice 4-5 pounders have been coming in all week.

Catfish action should be similar to past years, with good opportunities through September. They're starting to get more active as water temps rise.

For other species, white bass fishing is fair if you target windy points and submerged islands with artificial lures or shad. Hybrid striped bass opportunities are good in the Truman Dam tailwater. Walleye are worth targeting on steep rocky points and humps - try trolling crankbaits or bright-colored jigs tipped with nightcrawlers.

Hot spots this week include the Hurricane Deck Bridge area for crappie, the backs of coves in the Niangua and Gravois arms for bedding bass, and the Grand Glaize arm for a mixed bag of everything.

Remember the MDC has marked brush pile locations online that are worth checking out. Just search "Lake Ozarks brush piles" and you'll find the map.

That's it for today, folks. This is Artificial Lure reminding you that a bad day fishing still beats a good day working. See y'all on the water!

Good morning, anglers! This is Artificial Lure coming at you with your Saturday fishing report for May 3, 2025, straight from beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.

We're looking at another gorgeous spring day on the water with sunrise having come in around 6:10 AM and sunset expected about 8:05 tonight. Weather-wise, we're continuing with partly cloudy skies and temperatures climbing into the low 70s - perfect fishing conditions! Winds remain light today, giving us excellent boat control for working those productive main lake points. As you know, we don't have tidal swings here at the lake, so you'll want to focus on those water temperatures instead.

Fish activity continues to heat up across the lake. Water temps are climbing steadily, putting our fish into their classic spring patterns. Crappie fishing has been somewhat slower this season compared to previous years - those drought conditions back in 2022-2023 affected recruitment. Still, anglers are finding good success targeting brush piles, especially those located on or near points in the Glaize Arm. Your best bet is working brush in the 8-15 foot range with small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) in chartreuse or white, or going with the old reliable live minnows.

Bass action is picking up nicely with plenty of fish moving shallow. Anglers have been successful flipping to cover, using weightless worms, and throwing spinnerbaits along rocky banks. Several tournament anglers reported quality keepers last week using these techniques.

Catfish are becoming more active as well, with the April-September period traditionally being our best months. Expect similar action to previous years.

White bass fishing should be fair if you target windy points, submerged islands and long, sloping points. For hybrids, check the Truman Dam tailwater where opportunities have been good.

Walleye anglers should try trolling crankbaits near steep rocky points and humps. Another productive technique is working jigs tipped with minnows, nightcrawlers, or twister tail grubs near the bottom. Unlike bass, our walleye seem to prefer bright colored jigs - orange, white, and chartreuse have been working well.

For hot spots today, I'd recommend hitting the brush piles near the 20-mile marker for crappie, especially early morning. For bass, try the rocky points near Gravois Arm. The area around Hurricane Deck Bridge has been producing some nice cats for those soaking cut bait.

Remember to handle those fish properly if you're practicing catch and release to ensure they survive to fight another day. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines, y'all, and I'll see you on the water!

Good morning from the Lake of the Ozarks. This is Artificial Lure with your Friday fishing report for May 2, 2025, coming to you straight from the heart of Missouri.

We’re looking at a classic spring pattern on the lake today. Sunrise came in at just about 6:10 this morning with sunset expected around 8:05 tonight. Daytime weather brings partly cloudy skies and a comfortable high in the upper 60s, making for a perfect day on the water. Winds are light, which is great for boat control and working those main lake points. There are no significant tidal swings here, so focus more on weather and water temps for your planning.

Fish activity is picking up fast with warming water. Crappie anglers are still finding some steady action despite a slower bite this season due to tough recruitment the last couple of years, likely from the earlier droughts. Still, if you work those brush piles along the Glaize Arm and other main lake points, you’re likely to come across some keeper black and white crappie—especially on brush located eight to fifteen feet deep. Small jigs in 1/32 to 1/8 ounce sizes, especially chartreuse, are the go-to, and live minnows remain a classic favorite for steady bites[1].

Largemouth bass and spotted bass are starting to move shallow. Anglers are reporting strong catches early and late around docks and rocky banks using soft plastic creature baits and finesse jigs. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits in shad or craw patterns are also producing, especially with some wind hitting the banks. If you target secondary points in the Gravois and Osage arms, you should find plenty of active fish this time of year[5].

Catfish action is good and getting better by the day. Channel and blue cats are taking cut shad and live bait in the deeper channels. Nightcrawlers on the bottom around creek mouths will also score bites[1]. April through September is always prime for cats, so it’s a solid bet now.

If you’re itching for something different, folks have been catching walleye trolling crankbaits over steep rocky points and humps. Best colors are bright—think orange, chartreuse, or white jigs with a minnow or nightcrawler tip[1]. White bass are schooling up on windy, sloping points and submerged islands. Use small swimbaits or Rooster Tails for numbers.

Recent reports have shown solid numbers of bass and the occasional limit of slabs coming from coves around the 6 to 10 mile markers on the Osage Arm and over on the Niangua Arm. Brush piles are the key for crappie, while points and secondary channels are your best bet for bass.

Hot spots today are the Glaize Arm for crappie and the secondary points around the Gravois Arm for bass. Don’t overlook the Truman Dam tailwater for hybrid stripers and walleye action, either.

Stay safe on the water, respect the resource, and tight lines to everyone out today. This is Artificial Lure signing off.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for April 30, 2025.

Folks, we're hitting the sweet spot of spring fishing here at the Lake. Water temps have climbed into the upper 50s after that warm spell we had this past weekend. Lake level is holding steady around 656 feet, still a few feet below summer pool, which is giving us good access to those shallow spawning areas.

Sunrise was at 6:10 AM this morning and we'll see sunset at 8:05 PM, so plenty of daylight hours to get on the water. Weather-wise, we're looking at a beautiful day with temps pushing into the low 70s and just a light breeze from the southwest – perfect conditions to be out on the water.

The bass action has been absolutely on fire these past couple weeks. Since the Big Bass Bash earlier this month where an 8-pounder took top honors, we've seen consistent catches of quality fish. The spawn is in full swing now, with plenty of bass on beds in the clearer sections of the lake. For those of you targeting largemouth, focus on those secondary points and gravel banks, especially in pockets with some stained water. Top producers have been white and chartreuse spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and Texas-rigged creature baits pitched tight to docks.

Crappie fishing remains red hot, with limits being caught daily by both locals and visitors. These slabs are moving shallow now and hanging around brush piles in 5-10 feet of water. Minnows under a float have been deadly, but don't overlook small jigs in white, chartreuse, or black/chartreuse combinations.

If you're looking for some honey holes, try the Gravois arm back in the coves where you'll find some good spawning pockets for bass. For crappie, Anderson Hollow and the docks around the 20-mile marker have been producing consistently.

Remember, with the bass on beds, practice good conservation – snap a quick photo and get those breeding females back in the water quickly.

That's it for today's report from Lake of the Ozarks. This is Artificial Lure reminding you that a bad day fishing still beats a good day at work. Tight lines, everyone, and I'll see you on the water!

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, this is Artificial Lure with your local fishing report for April 23, 2025.

Spring has locked in across the Ozarks and fishing is firing on all cylinders. Water temperature is holding in the mid-50s, and after some welcome light rains recently, the lake’s got a nice stain in spots. That’s pushed bass and crappie shallower and turned the bite on after what’s been a fairly clear early April. Lake level is hovering around 656 feet, just shy of summer pool, which is normal for this part of spring. Keep in mind, Lake of the Ozarks doesn’t have tides, so you can fish steady all day without having to chase water movement.

Sunrise came at 6:22 AM and sunset is at 7:54 PM. The weather is calm and cool this morning, with highs heading into the upper 60s. There’s just a light breeze, perfect for boat control and working banks without getting blown around.

Now to the fish. Bass are moving up fast, staging for the spawn. The Big Bass Bash just wrapped up with a monster eight-pounder weighed in, so the females are definitely active and on the prowl. The most consistent action on largemouth has been on secondary points and gravel banks, especially where the water’s got some color. Spinnerbaits, ChatterBaits, and medium-diving crankbaits in shad and chartreuse are getting hammered. As the sun gets up, flip a Texas-rigged creature bait or a black and blue jig tight to the docks. That’s where the big girls are holed up during the afternoon.

Crappie fishing is about as good as it gets. The fish are moving up and are close to spawning, with many caught just four or five feet down over 15 feet of water. Focus on gravel flats and gently sloping banks, especially up in the Gravois arm where the water’s got a solid stain. The go-to bait right now is a 2.8-inch soft plastic, especially with a chartreuse-dipped tail. Several anglers are reporting limits if you move around and cover water.

If you want numbers, in the last week during Big Bass Bash, multiple bass over five pounds were weighed, and the crappie bite is so good most folks are taking home their limits when they put in the time. Both species are healthy and aggressive right now.

For hot spots, check around the Gravois and Niangua arms for crappie, and target secondary points around the Shawnee Bend and Linn Creek areas for bass. These zones have good water color and active fish.

That’s your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for today. Get out there and enjoy the spring bite—now’s one of the best times of the year to fill the livewell. Good luck and tight lines.

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, this is Artificial Lure with your fresh fishing report for April 21, 2025.

Spring has definitely settled in and fishing action is hot across the lake right now. Water temps are running in the mid-50s, with some color in the water thanks to recent light rains. That’s made the fish a bit more predictable, pushing bass and crappie up shallower and waking up the bite after a clear spell earlier this month. The lake level is sitting around 656 feet, still a couple feet shy of summer pool, but that’s typical for this time of year. No tides to worry about here, so you can fish steady all day.

Sunrise today was at 6:22 AM and sunset will be at 7:54 PM, giving plenty of daylight to get after it. Weather is cool and calm this morning with highs pushing toward the upper 60s and only a slight breeze, making for comfortable runs and easy boat positioning.

Let’s talk fish. Bass are staging and getting ready to spawn. Just in the last week, there’s been a big bass bash tournament and already an 8-pounder has hit the scales—a sign the big females are active and moving up. The best action for largemouth has been on the secondary points and gravel banks, especially in areas with a bit of stain to the water. Top lures right now are spinnerbaits, ChatterBaits, and medium-diving crankbaits in shad and chartreuse patterns. Don’t overlook a Texas-rigged creature bait or a jig pitched tight to docks, especially as the sun gets up.

Crappie fishing is absolutely fantastic. They’re stacking up in 4 to 8 feet of water, holding off gravel banks and around brush piles, and many fish are showing bulging egg sacs, so the spawn is firing. The go-to bait has been a 2.8-inch Keitech swimbait with a chartreuse-dyed tail, but classic crappie jigs in pink or chartreuse are also hammering them. Minnows on slip bobbers are always a reliable play too if you want to keep it simple. Folks are getting close to limits most outings with plenty of 10-inch plus slabs, though this isn’t the place for record fish—just good action and solid eaters.

A couple of hot spots for today include the Gravois arm for crappie, especially up in the stained water where fish are bunched up tight, and the Niangua Arm near the 10- to 20-mile markers for bass, where secondary points and shallow docks are holding fish.

No matter your target, get out early and take advantage of the active bite. It’s shaping up to be another classic Lake of the Ozarks spring day on the water. Good luck and tight lines!

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Sunday, April 20th, 2025 fishing report for Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

It is prime springtime here in the Ozarks, and the bite is firing up all over the lake. Sunrise hit around 6:25 a.m. and sunset will be just after 7:50 p.m., giving us a good long day to be on the water. No tidal swings to worry about here since we are an inland lake, but water levels are running a few feet below summer pool at about 656 feet, so be mindful when running near shallow points and docks.

Speaking of weather, the last week has been mostly stable with mild warming trends, keeping water temps in the mid-50s across most of the lake. We’ve finally seen a little stained water moving in, which has really turned on those shallow bites—especially after a run of clearer conditions earlier in the month.

Bass action is hot right now. The Big Bass Bash kicked off this weekend, and already an 8-pounder has been weighed in, so big fish are moving up. Largemouth are staging for the spawn, many holding near pea gravel and chunk rock banks in 2 to 6 feet of water. Top lures this week have been half-ounce spinnerbaits with white or chartreuse skirts, black and blue or green pumpkin jigs, and shallow crankbaits. If you hit the backs of coves near Gravois Arm and Linn Creek, you can intercept bass moving up with creature baits or Texas-rigged soft plastics.

Crappie fishing is getting better by the day. Anglers are reporting easy limits of healthy 10 to 12-inch crappie, particularly around brush piles, docks, and secondary points in 4 to 8 feet of water. Many crappie are heavy with eggs and pushing up to spawn, especially on gravel banks. The ticket lately has been 2.8-inch Keitech swimbaits or small tubes tipped with a chartreuse tail. Dipping minnows under slip bobbers has also put numbers in the boat, particularly up in the Grand Glaize and Niangua arms where the water is stained but not muddy.

For bait, stick with live minnows or jigs in natural shad or bright colors like chartreuse and white for crappie. Bass are hitting on soft plastics and spinnerbaits, while swimbaits and jerkbaits in shad patterns are catching some bonus white bass.

Couple hot spots to check out: Gravios Arm for both bass and crappie, and the backs of coves in Osage 10–30 mile marker range. Try working around the larger docks with brush piles sunk nearby.

Overall, fish are active and there is good variety right now—bass, crappie, and even a few bonus cats and white bass reported this week. Stay safe, tight lines, and enjoy the best of spring here on Lake of the Ozarks!

Artificial Lure’s Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Report for April 19, 2025

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your up-to-the-minute report from Lake of the Ozarks.

We’re right in the heart of spring and the bite is heating up fast. Water temps are running mid 50s, with a nice color to the water across the lake after some spring rains. Levels are still a bit below summer pool, sitting around 656 feet. That slightly stained water and stable levels have really fired up the fish, and the recent tournament action has proven it true—just last week, the Big Bass Bash saw an eight-pound largemouth weighed in, so the big girls are definitely shallow and feeding[1].

Crappie are the star of the show right now. The bite has been fantastic, especially up in the Gravois arm and other coves with gravel or rocky banks. Most crappie are staging to spawn, with some already right on the banks. Anglers pulling limits of healthy 10 to 12-inch fish has been the rule, not the exception, and these fish are fat with eggs. Look for them in 4 to 6 feet of water, especially around brush piles, docks, and over flats. The good ol’ 2.8-inch Keitech with a chartreuse-dyed tail has been on fire, especially in stained water. Regular jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink are also working well[2][4].

Bass fishing is picking up in the shallows—focus on secondary points, pockets, and spawning flats. The best baits this week have been spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and jigs. Crankbaits and Texas-rigged plastics will score too, especially if you’re targeting fish around docks or behind brush. The early morning and late evening bite have been best. Largemouth and spots are pushing up shallow, and a few smallmouth are also being caught deeper down the lake[1][5].

With sunrise today at 6:29 AM and sunset at 7:48 PM, you’ve got plenty of daylight to chase your limit. Winds should be light, with afternoon highs expected in the upper 60s to low 70s—ideal for a long day on the water.

Local hot spots to try are the Gravois arm for crappie and the lower Niangua for both bass and crappie. Look for bass on secondary points near docks, and don’t overlook the shallows in Linn Creek and around the mouth of the Glaize arm.

For bait, stick with medium minnows and small shiners for crappie, or try a Keitech swimbait on a 1/16-ounce jig. For bass, keep jigs and spinnerbaits handy, but don’t be afraid to throw a topwater plug if you see surface activity.

No tides to worry about here since we’re landlocked, so focus on that warming water and the wind, which will push bait and fish up on those windy banks.

That’s your Lake of the Ozarks report for today. Tight lines and good luck out there!

This is Artificial Lure with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Friday, April 18th, 2025. The spring bite here is firing up, and local anglers are seeing plenty of action across the lake.

Sunrise hit at 6:29 a.m. this morning, with sunset set for 7:48 p.m. There’s no tide on the Ozarks, so no need to worry about tidal swings. The water is still a few feet below summer pool, sitting around 656 feet, and there’s a good color in most parts of the lake, with a bit more stain up river and clearer water towards the dam. Surface temps are holding in the mid-50s, and we’ve had a mix of breezy, cool mornings and warm afternoons – classic spring weather, with a lot of fish on the move and setting up to spawn[1][5].

Bass are the big talk thanks to the Big Bass Bash this week. An 8-pound bruiser took the early lead, and plenty of 2- to 5-pounders are showing up. Bass are shallow, staging and spawning in pea-gravel pockets and around docks. Jigs in green pumpkin, brown, or black and blue are getting bites, especially 5/16 to 1/2 ounce for working both shallow and deeper docks. Brush piles near points are also producing. A chartreuse and black square bill or a classic Wiggle Wart cranked along rock and chunk banks gets their attention with the dirtier water. Don’t overlook a jerkbait either – a Smithwick Rogue or Megabass in shad or chromes can really shine on windy points or secondary points, especially in clearer water. Low-light hours are best for topwater plugs around shallow docks. Hot spots are around the Gravois Arm and lower Glaize, and the shallower coves off the main Osage channel[1][9][10].

Crappie fishing is getting better by the day. Most fish are moving up shallow and getting ready to spawn, especially in the upper lake and backs of coves. The best bite is on small jigs, 1/16 to 1/8 ounce, in chartreuse or with a chartreuse tail, worked under a bobber around brush and laydowns in 5 feet or less. Minnows are working too, especially if you suspend them under a fixed bobber. The stained water is helping, making the fish more aggressive near the banks. Folks fishing the Gravoi Arm and up the Niangua are finding good numbers, with several limits of crappie caught this week, most in the 9- to 12-inch range[1][3][10].

White bass are running up the tributaries – try the Little Niangua, Niangua, Gravois, and Grand Glaize arms. Small spinners and jerkbaits are working well. Catfish are waking up, biting on cut shad or nightcrawlers, especially off deeper docks and channel swings. The Bagnell Dam spillway is a solid bank spot for a mix of species, from white bass and crappie to walleye and channel cats[7][10].

If you’re looking for hot spots, the upper Gravois Arm is a crappie magnet this week, while the lower Glaize and main lake points near the 6 to 10 mile markers are putting up solid bass bags. Don’t forget to check brush piles near points and docks – those are holding both bass and crappie.

That’s the latest from Lake of the Ozarks. Get out there, stay safe, and tight lines!

This is Artificial Lure coming to you with today’s fishing report for Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. We’re about as prime as it gets for early spring fishing, so grab your rods and hit the water.

Weather this morning started brisk with lows in the upper 30s, but expect a mild rebound this afternoon into the low 60s. Skies are mostly clear with a patch of clouds rolling through, but no major weather fronts are expected today, keeping the bite steady. Sunrise was around 6:35 AM, and sunset is set for 7:45 PM. There’s no tidal influence here in the Ozarks, but lake levels are sitting a few feet below summer pool—water’s at 656. The water temperature is in the mid-50s, and there’s good color, especially up in the river arms after last week’s rain[1][8].

Bass are on the move and getting into pre-spawn mode. The recent Big Bass Bash saw an eight-pounder weighed in, with quite a few six and seven-pound lunkers brought to the scales these past two weeks[1][8]. The big females are staging just outside shallow brush and on secondary points, ready to slide up with another stretch of warm days. Best bet for largemouths right now: tie on a black and blue or green pumpkin jig in that stained water, or throw a chartreuse and black square bill crankbait, especially if you’re dealing with runoff in the upper arms. Jerkbaits like a Megabass 110 or Smithwick Rogue are still catching fish, especially on windblown points and chunk rock banks—work them slow with a long pause if the sun’s high and the bite’s tough[1][9][10].

Crappie fishing is solid, especially around docks and brush piles. Most are staging or just starting to spawn—expect plenty of fish packed full of eggs. Minnows or 1/16-ounce jigs under a fixed bobber will fill a bucket quick. A Roadrunner or anything with a little flash can turn the trick in shallow, off-colored coves. Brush piles on points are loaded up—check the Glaize and Niangua arms, and use the Missouri Department of Conservation’s online map for public brush pile spots[1][2][10].

If you’re after catfish, the bite’s picking up. Blue cats in particular are moving shallower. Drifting fresh cut shad is the ticket for bigger fish. Plenty of bank action below Bagnell Dam and along the main channel[7].

For those looking for a sure bet, here are today’s hot spots. First, hit the north shoreline and secondary points from the glaize up through the Osage arm—especially around docks with brush. Second, the upper Big and Little Niangua arms are fishing well after last week’s rain, with warmer, murkier water pushing fish shallow[1][8].

Wrap it all up with this: focus shallow, fish with confidence, and don’t be afraid to mix it up between jigs, crankbaits, and jerkbaits for bass, or keep it simple with a minnow for crappie. The spring action is here—tight lines from Artificial Lure.

Good morning, anglers! Here’s your fishing report for Lake of the Ozarks on April 14, 2025. Today’s conditions are setting up for an interesting day on the water with cool temperatures and fish activity on the rise as the season transitions deeper into spring.

Weather this morning is brisk, with temperatures hovering in the mid-to-upper 30s due to a recent cold front. The highs today should rise into the 50s, and we’re entering a warming trend through the week, perfect for fish to become more active. Sunrise is at 6:39 AM, and sunset will be at 7:45 PM—plenty of daylight for fishing. The water temperature ranges between 50°F and 58°F, depending on the area, with muddy conditions in tributaries like the Glaize Arm following recent rain.

The bass, especially largemouth and spotted bass, are in pre-spawn mode. They are staging near points, pockets, and shallow banks, waiting for consistent water temperatures to push shallow. Jerkbaits, Alabama rigs, and spinnerbaits are excellent choices to target these bass at varying depths. Stick baits, Carolina rigs, and jigs also remain effective when targeting brush piles or shadows under docks. Reports have recently highlighted solid catches, including some largemouth ranging between 6 and 7 pounds.

Crappie fishing is heating up and has been described as "on fire." They are moving into the shallows to spawn, best targeted in pea-gravel pockets and brush piles. Use small jigs or minnows set a foot or two under a bobber. While crappie numbers are slightly down from previous years due to past droughts, they’re still catchable, with many meeting or exceeding the 9-inch minimum size.

For catfish anglers, blue and channel catfish are active and respond best to drifting cut or live shad along deep flats, mouths of coves, and river channel breaks. Flathead catfish are also biting well using live bait near woody cover or boulders. Today’s conditions make it a great time to test these spots for some big pulls.

If you’re targeting walleye, head to steep rocky points and humps, trolling brightly colored jigs or crankbaits along the bottom—think orange, white, or chartreuse. The action for white bass is steady as well in tributary arms like the Niangua or Little Niangua, with small spinners or jerkbaits being excellent choices.

Hot spots to try today include points and brush piles in the Grand Glaize Arm for bass and crappie, as well as coves near the Osage and Niangua Arms for crappie and catfish. The Bagnell Dam spillway also provides opportunities for shore anglers to catch a mix of bass, crappie, and catfish.

With improving weather and pre-spawn activity ramping up, today should shape up to be a strong outing. Tight lines, and enjoy the Ozarks!

Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks today, April 12, 2025, promises an exciting experience as weather patterns and water conditions shape up for great spring action. The water temperature currently ranges from 50 to 58 degrees, with some clearer areas and others muddied due to recent rains. A warming trend following colder weather has fish actively moving and feeding, particularly in pre-spawn stages.

Recent fishing reports highlight excellent activity across multiple species. Bass fishing is in full swing, with largemouth and spotted bass staging along secondary points, bluff banks, and channel swings near spawning areas. Anglers have been successful using jerkbaits, Alabama rigs, and crankbaits, particularly in natural shad or bright colors. The square-bill crankbait and finesse jig are also proving effective in shallower waters near rocks and brush piles.

Crappie fishing is equally strong, with schools concentrated around brush piles and docks. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and live minnows have been the most reliable baits. For catfish, drifting with cut shad and focusing on mouths of coves and river channel breaks has yielded consistent action. Blue catfish and channel catfish are especially active this time of year.

Key hotspots to explore include:
- Gravois Arm: Known for clear water and excellent bass fishing using jerkbaits and spinnerbaits.
- Niangua Arm: Offers productive areas for largemouth bass, spotted bass, and crappie around brush piles and docks.
- Back of Proctor Creek and Ballinger Creek: These pockets are clearing up after rains and hold good numbers of feeding fish.

Weather-wise, sunrise is at 6:37 AM, and sunset at 7:47 PM. The day began with chilly conditions, but moderate warming throughout the day will keep fish active, particularly in nearshore or sunny locations. Winds are moderate, which could assist in drawing fish to windy points. Total clarity varies across the lake, with muddy water favoring reaction baits like spinnerbaits or bright-colored crankbaits.

Recent catches have been impressive, with anglers reporting several largemouth bass in the 5-6 pound range and plenty of legal-sized crappie and catfish. For best results, keep a variety of lures ready. Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, and crankbaits for bass, as well as jigs with minnows for crappie, are top choices for the day.

All in all, conditions at Lake of the Ozarks make today an ideal opportunity to bag some impressive catches. Whether you’re chasing bass, crappie, or catfish, stay flexible, work those pre-spawn structures, and enjoy the action this vibrant lake has to offer.

Fishing conditions at the Lake of the Ozarks today, April 11, 2025, are shaping up to be excellent for anglers of all skill levels. Spring has brought increased fish activity across the lake, driven by warming water temperatures and the pre-spawn behavior of many species. Here's your detailed update:

The current weather is cool, following a series of cold nights. Temperatures have dipped into the 30s overnight, but a warming trend is expected, which will encourage fish to move shallow and actively feed. Sunrise today is at 6:34 AM, and sunset will be at 7:37 PM, giving anglers a full day of prime fishing opportunities.

Water temperatures range between 50°F and 58°F across different parts of the lake, depending on location. Clarity remains good in most areas, especially on the Glaize and Gravois Arms, where jerkbaits have been highly effective.

**Fish activity and recent catches:**
- **Bass**: Both largemouth and spotted bass are in pre-spawn staging, favoring main lake and secondary points, bluff ends, and steep rocky banks. Recent reports indicate some hefty catches in the 6–7-pound range. The Alabama rig has been a standout lure, mimicking shad and triggering reaction strikes. Jerkbaits, such as the Smithwick Rogue and Megabass 110, are also excellent options, especially for suspended bass.
- **Crappie**: Action is improving as crappie move towards shallow brush piles and pea gravel pockets to spawn. Using small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) or minnows beneath a bobber has resulted in good catches near coves and docks.
- **Catfish**: Channel and blue catfish are becoming more active as the waters warm. Drift-fishing with cut or live shad has produced consistent results, particularly near deep flats and the mouths of coves.
- **White Bass**: These fighters are running in tributaries like the Niangua and Gravois Arms. Small spinners and jerkbaits are your best bets for these fish.

**Top fishing spots:**
1. **Grand Glaize Arm**: Points, brush piles, and docks in this area continue to be productive for bass and crappie.
2. **Gravois Arm**: Known for good bass and catfish action, this arm offers rocky ledges and steep banks where fish are staging.
3. **Bagnell Dam spillway**: A great spot for shore fishing, offering chances to catch white bass, catfish, and crappie.

**Lure and bait recommendations:**
- For bass: Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, plastic worms, and jigs.
- For crappie: Small jigs and minnows.
- For catfish: Cut or live shad, and for flathead catfish, try live bluegill or sunfish.

With the weekend around the corner, conditions are projected to warm further, improving fish activity even more. It’s a great time to hit the water. Tight lines, and good luck!

Fishing Report for Lake of the Ozarks - April 9, 2025

Spring is in full swing at Lake of the Ozarks, and the fishing scene is heating up nicely. Today, anglers have been enjoying a mix of cool morning temperatures and a sunny afternoon, ideal for targeting bass, crappie, and catfish. The sunrise was at 6:38 AM, with sunset at 7:40 PM, giving anglers plenty of daylight to work the waters. The lake's water temperature is ranging between 50-58°F, influenced by recent rainfall and cold nights dropping into the 30s. These temperatures are keeping fish in pre-spawn staging patterns.

**Bass Fishing:**
Largemouth and spotted bass are actively staging near shallow cover like brush piles, docks, and laydowns in 3-5 feet of water. Recent catches include bass weighing up to 7 pounds, with several heavy six-pounders reported. The best lures today have been Alabama rigs, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits. Stick baits and crankbaits are also performing well, especially when worked slowly to mimic struggling baitfish. Secondary points and creek channels on the Niangua and Glaize Arms remain productive hotspots for bass. For targeting bigger fish, try glide baits or Carolina rigs near shallows.

**Crappie Fishing:**
While crappie numbers are not as strong as in prior years due to poor recruitment from past droughts, there are still good-sized black and white crappie being caught, especially near brush piles and rocky points. Approximately 75% of crappie are above the 9-inch minimum length limit, making for decent action. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 oz) and minnows are the go-to baits. Focus on the Glaize Arm for the best results.

**Catfish Fishing:**
Channel and blue catfish are starting to become more active as the waters warm. Drift-fishing with cut or live shad has been effective, particularly in the mouths of coves and along river channel breaks. For flathead catfish, live bait like bluegill remains the best option. Shoreline fishing close to large rocks or woody cover can yield good results for channel cats, while deeper flats are better for blue cats.

**Hotspots**
If you're looking for productive areas today, try:
1. The Niangua and Glaize Arms for bass and crappie.
2. The Truman Dam tailwater for hybrid striped bass and walleye.
3. Deep flats and river channels near coves for blue catfish.

**Best Bait and Lures**
- For bass: Alabama rigs, jerkbaits (e.g., Megabass 110), and crankbaits.
- For crappie: Small jigs and live minnows near brush piles.
- For catfish: Cut shad, live sunfish, or nightcrawlers.

Fishing should only improve as temperatures stabilize, so grab your gear and head to the lake for an action-packed day. Good luck, and tight lines!

Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks is transitioning into prime spring action as April warms the waters and fish activity picks up. Here’s what’s happening today, April 4, 2025:

The lake level is lower than summertime due to spring rain preparations, and water temperatures are in the upper 40s but gradually warming. The weather is mild with partly cloudy skies, and sunrise was at 6:46 AM, with sunset expected at 7:28 PM.

Crappie fishing is excellent right now, with active schools located in open waters and around secondary points inside creek channels. Crappie are suspended at depths of 8 to 15 feet, feeding heavily on shad. The best lures for crappie include small jigs like Tackle HD Baby Shads in light colors, and minnows under a bobber have also been effective. Anglers have reportedly caught 15 to 20 good-sized crappie in under an hour.

Bass fishing is improving as the fish prepare to spawn. Largemouth and spotted bass are still a bit hesitant to commit to shallow banks. However, Alabama rigs with swimbaits and jerkbaits like the Megabass 110 and Smithwick Rogue are the top choices to target these bass on rocky points and pea-gravel banks. For slower, bottom-oriented approaches, finesse jigs in dark green or Ozark craw colors are producing results around docks and brush piles.

Catfish action is beginning to pick up, with blue catfish particularly active in deeper, open waters. Drifting with cut or live shad around river channel breaks and mouths of coves is yielding consistent catches. For flatheads, live bait such as bluegill or green sunfish remains the best option.

This week, anglers have also had success targeting white bass near windy points and long, sloping structures. Small spinners and jerkbaits mimic baitfish and are effective during these pre-spawn conditions.

For hotspots, the Niangua and Grand Glaize Arms stand out for both bass and crappie fishing. Focus on brush piles and rocky points here. Additionally, the Bagnell Dam spillway is an excellent location for bank anglers to catch white bass, catfish, and crappie. The Osage River channel is another productive area, especially for targeting blue cats.

The recent natural fish kill of gizzard shad has added a silver lining to the fishing landscape, as the remaining shad population will soon spawn, providing ample forage for larger game fish like bass and crappie. It’s an exciting time to hit the water, as nature's cycle is bolstering fish activity.

Get your gear ready, try out these tips, and enjoy the bounty Lake of the Ozarks has to offer today!

Fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks today, April 4, 2025, promises an exciting spring experience as the fish begin to shake off the winter lull. Sunrise is at 6:55 AM and sunset at 7:39 PM, giving plenty of daylight hours to make your catches. The weather is warming steadily, with the water temperature hovering in the mid-50s, a sign that bass, crappie, and other species will soon enter their pre-spawn phase. Mild rain earlier in the week has added some cloudiness to the water, improving conditions for anglers.

Largemouth bass fishing has been steady and is expected to improve as we move deeper into spring. Bass are currently concentrated near rocky points, brush piles, and docks, particularly around the Niangua and Glaize Arms. Jerkbaits, especially suspending ones like the Megabass Ito Vision 110, are performing very well. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are also great options, especially on windy points and clear banks. Recent reports suggest good success with bass in the 2-to-4-pound range, especially during the low-light hours of early morning or evening.

Crappie fishing has picked up as schools move shallower to feed. Focus on brush piles near points and coves where the structure provides cover. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and live minnows beneath a bobber offer the best results. Anglers have reported quick limits of crappie 10 to 12 inches long on the Niangua and Grand Glaize Arms of the lake recently. Target depths between 8 and 15 feet for the most active fish.

For catfish, conditions are ideal for channel and blue cat action. Blue catfish are frequently caught on cut shad drifted along deep flats and river channel breaks. Channel cats, on the other hand, are coming closer to shore; fish live bait or stinkbait near the bottom. The mouth of coves and deeper areas remain hotspots. Flathead catfish can still be found near rocks and woody cover, taking live bluegill or sunfish.

White bass are beginning their spring run and can be found in tributaries like the Niangua and Little Niangua Rivers. Small spinners, jerkbaits, and shad-patterned lures will help you hook up to these fast-action fish.

Two standout fishing spots to explore today are the Grand Glaize Arm and the spillway section of Bagnell Dam. The Grand Glaize Arm boasts excellent bass and crappie fishing with plenty of docks and brush piles. Meanwhile, the Bagnell Dam area offers shore-based opportunities for bass, catfish, and walleye, making it perfect for anglers without a boat.

Today, focus on jerkbaits and small jigs for most species, and don’t overlook the potential of spinnerbaits around windy points and shallow cover. With warming water and increased fish activity, anglers should expect a productive day across Lake of the Ozarks. Tight lines!

Good morning, anglers! Here’s your detailed fishing report for Lake of the Ozarks for Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Today’s weather is warming up nicely, with clear skies and temperatures expected to push into the low 70s by midday. The water temperatures are rising, which has fish becoming more active, especially with spring patterns setting in. Sunrise was at 6:49 a.m., and sunset will be at 7:37 p.m., giving you plenty of daylight for an exciting day on the water.

**Fishing is heating up on multiple fronts!** Largemouth and spotted bass are biting well, especially during the morning and evening low-light periods. The Niangua and Glaize Arms are producing great action, with bass being particularly active around points, brush piles, and docks. Throw topwater baits during early hours, transitioning to plastic worms, jigs, and medium-diving crankbaits as the sun rises. Largemouth bass in the 15-inch range have been regularly caught, though many are smaller and below the keeper size.

Crappie fishing is slightly slower than past years due to recruitment challenges, but there’s still potential around brush piles near points. Minnows and small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) are your best bet here. Fish deeper brush piles for better crappie action. Most are exceeding the 9-inch minimum length, with black crappie and white crappie making up the bulk of the catch.

Catfish action is starting to pick up as we enter their prime season. Channel cats are favoring cut shad or stink baits fished along the bottom, especially near the mouths of coves and deep flats. If you’re targeting blue cats, drifting cut shad in deeper waters will yield results, while flatheads prefer live bait like sunfish or bluegill.

For the adventurous, walleye fishing is steadily improving. Troll brightly colored crankbaits or use jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows on steep rocky points and humps. Some fine specimens are being caught on the lower lake regions.

**Hotspots to consider today:**
1. **Niangua Arm:** Great for largemouth bass and crappie near brush piles and hardwoods.
2. **Grand Glaize Arm:** Known for spotted bass and steady action around docks and secondary points.

Recommended lures for today include jerkbaits like the Megabass Vision 110 and finesse jigs in Ozark craw or green pumpkin. Umbrella rigs and medium-diving crankbaits (7-12 feet) are also performing well for bass, especially on warming rocky banks.

As always, respect the slot limits and local fishing regulations, and practice good catch-and-release techniques when needed. Tight lines, and may your day be filled with stories of big catches from the waters of Lake of the Ozarks!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for March 31, 2025. Let me tell ya, the fishing's been heating up as we transition into spring!

Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with highs around 65°F and lows in the mid-40s. Winds are light out of the southwest at 5-10 mph. Sunrise is at 6:23 AM and sunset at 7:12 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to wet a line.

Now, onto the fishing. Bass activity has really picked up this past week as water temps climb into the low 50s. Lots of pre-spawn largemouth and spots are moving up to secondary points and creek channels. I've been hearing reports of some nice 3-5 pounders being caught, with a few pushing 6 pounds.

For baits, jerkbaits like the Smithwick Rogue or Megabass Vision 110 have been absolute killers. Work 'em slow with long pauses. Alabama rigs are also producing, especially for bigger fish. Don't forget about a jig - drag it slow along those rocky banks.

Crappie fishing has been on fire too. They're stacked up on brush piles in 15-20 feet of water. Minnows under a slip bobber or small jigs tipped with Crappie Nibbles are the ticket. I've seen stringers with 30-40 fish, mostly in the 10-12 inch range.

For catfish, cut shad or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom in 25-35 feet of water are your best bet. Blues and channels in the 5-10 pound class have been common.

As for hot spots, I'd focus on the Grand Glaize arm or up near the 50 mile marker. The mouths of major creeks like Gravois, Indian, and Linn Creek have also been producing.

One last tip - keep an eye out for dying shad. We've had a bit of a shad kill lately, which has really fired up the predator fish. Match the hatch with silver or white colored lures.

That's all for now, folks. Remember to practice catch and release on those big girls so we can keep this fishery thriving. Tight lines and see ya on the water!