Episodes

  • Fishing Forecast for Lake of the Ozarks: Fall Conditions Offer Promising Bass and Crappie Action

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    With these conditions and tips, you're set for a great day of fishing at Lake of the Ozarks. Enjoy your time on the water
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    3 mins
  • Promising Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks with Crappie, Bass, and Fall Conditions - November 8, 2024

    Promising Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks with Crappie, Bass, and Fall Conditions - November 8, 2024
    Nov 8 2024
    As of November 8, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking promising, especially with the crisp fall conditions.

    ### Weather and Time
    The sunrise today is at about 6:30 AM, and sunset will be around 4:45 PM. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no significant tidal activity to report since Lake of the Ozarks is a freshwater lake.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been moderate, with reports from yesterday indicating that crappie fishing is starting to pick up. Anglers were able to catch some decent-sized crappie, along with a few bass. The bass bite has been steady, particularly around brush piles and structure.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching crappie in the 10-12 inch range, with some larger ones up to 14 inches. Bass catches included both largemouth and smallmouth, with sizes ranging from 2-4 pounds. The crappie are starting to move into shallower waters as the water temperature cools down.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, topwater lures such as poppers and spoons are working well, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Jigs and soft plastics are also effective when targeting bass around brush piles and submerged structures. For crappie, jigs tipped with minnows or small curly tail grubs are producing good results. Live bait like minnows and crickets are also highly effective.

    ### Hot Spots
    Some of the best places to fish right now include the mid-lake area around the 50-mile marker, where several brush piles and sunken logs are attracting both bass and crappie. Another hot spot is the Grand Glaize Arm, where the crappie are congregating around submerged trees and rocky points.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water at Lake of the Ozarks, with plenty of fish to be caught and beautiful fall scenery to enjoy.
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    2 mins
  • Fall Fishing Forecast for Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri

    Fall Fishing Forecast for Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri
    Nov 7 2024
    As of November 7, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri is looking promising, especially with the transitional fall weather.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 62 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. The sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and the sunset will be at 4:53 PM.

    Since Lake of the Ozarks is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal reports to consider, but water levels have been stable, which is good news for anglers.

    Fish activity has been moderate, with crappie fishing starting to pick up significantly. Yesterday, anglers reported catching some decent-sized crappie, particularly in the deeper waters around submerged structures and near brush piles. Bass fishing is also active, with both largemouth and spotted bass being caught, although they are a bit more scattered.

    For crappie, the best lures to use right now include small jigs tipped with minnows or crappie jigs in white or chartreuse. For bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and crankbaits in shad-imitating colors are working well.

    In terms of bait, live minnows and shad are excellent choices for crappie, while bass are biting on soft plastics and occasionally on live bait like shad or crawdads.

    Some hot spots to consider include the mid-lake area around the 50-mile marker, where there are plenty of submerged humps and drop-offs that attract both crappie and bass. Another good spot is the Grand Glaize Arm, known for its abundant brush piles and structure that hold crappie and bass.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on the water at Lake of the Ozarks, with a variety of fish species active and the fall weather making for comfortable fishing conditions.
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    2 mins
  • "Promising Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks - Weather, Crappie, and Bass Updates for November 3, 2024"

    "Promising Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks - Weather, Crappie, and Bass Updates for November 3, 2024"
    Nov 3 2024
    As of November 3, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is showing some promising signs, despite the transitional weather.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. The wind is light, coming in from the northwest at about 5 mph, which should make for a relatively calm day on the water.

    Sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and sunset is scheduled for 5:04 PM, giving you a good window to get out there and catch some fish.

    For those familiar with Lake of the Ozarks, you know it's a large, man-made lake without tides, so you don't have to worry about tidal changes affecting your fishing.

    Fish activity has been moderate, with reports from yesterday indicating that crappie fishing is starting to pick up. Anglers were able to catch some decent-sized crappie, particularly in the deeper waters around submerged structures and near brush piles. Bass fishing has been a bit tougher, but there are still opportunities to catch some big ones if you're patient and in the right spots.

    Yesterday, several bass were caught during the Big Bass Bash event, with many of these fish coming from the points where the shad schools were active. However, the wind shift affected the shad movement, so you'll need to adjust your strategy accordingly.

    For lures, jigs and crankbaits have been working well for bass. For crappie, try using small jigs tipped with minnows or curly tail grubs. Live bait such as minnows and shad are also effective, especially for crappie.

    Some hot spots to consider include the Glaize Arm and the Osage Arm. The Glaize Arm has been producing some good crappie catches near the submerged humps and drop-offs. The Osage Arm, with its numerous points and rock structures, is a good place to look for bass.

    Overall, it's a good time to get out on the water at Lake of the Ozarks. Just be prepared for the cooler weather and adjust your fishing tactics based on the changing conditions.
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    2 mins
  • Prepare for a Fall Fishing Challenge at Lake of the Ozarks

    Prepare for a Fall Fishing Challenge at Lake of the Ozarks
    Nov 2 2024
    As of November 2, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is shaping up to be quite challenging due to the changing weather conditions. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect today:

    ### Weather and Water Conditions
    The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 62°F and a low of 45°F, indicating a significant cool-down from the recent warm spell. The water temperature has dropped to the mid-60s, which is typical for this time of year.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 5:04 PM, giving you a good window for both early morning and late afternoon fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been somewhat sluggish due to the cooler nights, which have made the bite tougher. However, bass are still active, particularly around points, brush piles, and docks. The best times to catch bass are during the early morning and late afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead.

    ### Fish Caught
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of largemouth and spotted bass. The largemouth bass were mostly in the 12- to 15-inch range, while the spotted bass were slightly smaller. Crappie fishing was also decent, with white crappie and black crappie being caught around brush piles.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are your best bets. In the cooler water, slowly fishing jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks can be very effective. For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the way to go.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Points and Docks**: The areas around the 54 bridge and the main lake points are good spots to try. Fishing boat docks and submerged structures can yield some good catches.
    - **Brush Piles**: Concentrate on brush piles located on or near points, especially in the Niangua and Glaize arms of the lake.

    ### Additional Tips
    Given the cooler water, it's important to fish slowly and methodically. The fish are not as active, so patience is key. Also, keep an eye out for any changes in the weather, as these can sometimes trigger a bite.

    Overall, while the conditions are challenging, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch some great fish at Lake of the Ozarks. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the cooler weather. Good luck out there
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    3 mins
  • Crisp Fall Fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks - Tackle Topwater Lures and Target Brush Piles for Bass and Crappie

    Crisp Fall Fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks - Tackle Topwater Lures and Target Brush Piles for Bass and Crappie
    Nov 1 2024
    As of November 1, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is shaping up to be quite interesting, despite the transitioning weather.

    ### Weather and Water Conditions
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 62°F and a low of 45°F, making it a crisp autumn day. The water temperature has dropped significantly since the summer, now hovering around 65°F, which is ideal for fall bass fishing.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:17 AM, and sunset will be at 5:34 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    With the cooler nights, bass activity has picked up, especially during the early morning and late afternoon hours. The changing conditions are making the bite a bit challenging, but persistent anglers are still catching a good number of fish.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of largemouth and spotted bass. The largemouth bass are more active around points, brush piles, and docks, while the spotted bass are often found near submerged structures and rocky points. Crappie fishing is also good, particularly around brush piles located on or near points.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For bass, topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are highly effective. In the cooler months, slowly fishing jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks can be very productive. For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the best bets.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the area around the 54 bridge, where you can find a mix of bass and crappie. Another good spot is the Truman Dam tailwater, which is known for its hybrid striped bass and other species during the fall months. Fishing the boat docks and points along the Niangua and Glaize arms can also yield good results.

    Overall, it's a great time to be out on Lake of the Ozarks, with plenty of fish to be caught and beautiful fall scenery to enjoy. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the cooler weather.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Lake of the Ozarks for the Big Bass Bash Tournament

    Fishing the Lake of the Ozarks for the Big Bass Bash Tournament
    Oct 31 2024
    As of October 31, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking promising, especially with the Big Bass Bash tournament looming this weekend. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

    ### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
    The weather is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s, perfect for fall fishing. Sunrise is at around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:30 PM. These times are ideal for catching those early morning and late afternoon bites.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fishing has been a bit challenging lately, but the lake is healthy and full of life. Expect early mornings to be the most productive, as the sun rises and the water cools down. Bass, particularly largemouth and spotted bass, are active around points, brush piles, and docks. The lake's large shad population is a key indicator of where the bass will be, so focus on areas with baitfish activity.

    ### Types and Amounts of Fish
    Electrofishing surveys from the spring of 2023 indicated a strong population of bass. On the Niangua Arm, 25% of the largemouth bass are 15 inches or larger, while on the Glaize Arm, it's around 12%. For spotted bass, 30% on the Niangua Arm and 24% on the Glaize Arm are over the 12-inch size limit. Crappie fishing is also excellent, with about 50% of white and black crappie meeting or exceeding the 9-inch minimum length limit.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For this time of year, topwater baits like walking baits and Buzz baits are effective early in the morning. Soft plastics such as brush Hogs and beaver-style baits work well around docks, visible cover, and brush piles. Jigs, especially those from Trophy Bass Company, are reliable for picking up big fish. In the backs of creeks and around points, a spook or a walking-style bait like a Pop Bar can be very effective. For deeper waters, deep crankbaits and spinnerbaits can produce big catches.

    ### Hot Spots
    - **Points and Ledges**: These areas are prime for bass fishing, especially with deep crankbaits and jigs.
    - **Backs of Creeks**: Focus on areas with shad activity and use soft plastics or topwater baits.
    - **Brush Piles**: Key locations for crappie, use small jigs and minnows to target these areas.
    - **Boat Docks**: Bass tend to congregate around docks, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

    ### Additional Tips
    Use heavy line, especially if you're targeting larger fish, and be prepared to fish from the main lake to the backs of the creeks. The Big Bass Bash this weekend promises to be exciting, with many participants and significant prizes for big catches.

    With the right lures and knowledge of the lake's structure, you're set for a productive day of fishing at Lake of the Ozarks. Good luck
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    3 mins