27 OCT 2024 · As of October 27, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking promising, especially with the fall weather setting in. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Time
The weather today is expected to be mostly clear with a high of around 70 degrees and a low of 50 degrees. Sunrise was at 7:34 AM, and sunset will be at 6:14 PM. There is no significant tidal activity to worry about on Lake of the Ozarks, as it is a freshwater lake.
### Fish Activity
Fall is an excellent time for fishing at Lake of the Ozarks, with several species active during this period. For bass, both largemouth and spotted bass are biting well, especially around points, brush piles, and docks. According to recent reports, the Niangua and Glaize arms are producing good numbers of bass, with 25% of largemouth bass on the Niangua Arm and 12% on the Glaize Arm being 15 inches or larger.
Crappie fishing is also excellent, with about 50% of white crappie and black crappie on the Niangua Arm being equal to or greater than the 9-inch minimum length limit. Focus on brush piles, especially those located on or near points.
Catfish, particularly blue catfish, remain active later into the fall and can be caught year-round. Channel catfish are best targeted from April through September, but blue catfish can still be caught now by drifting and using live or cut shad.
### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are highly effective. In the fall, slowly fishing jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks can also yield good results.
For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the best baits. Make sure to locate good structure, as this is key to successful crappie fishing.
For catfish, live or cut shad are excellent choices. For blue catfish, fishing in open water with your bait several feet off the bottom can increase your odds. For channel catfish, keep your bait on or near the bottom and fish relatively close to the shoreline.
### Hot Spots
- **Niangua Arm**: This area is known for its good bass and crappie fishing. Focus on points, brush piles, and docks.
- **Glaize Arm**: Similar to the Niangua Arm, this area has a large group of younger bass and good crappie populations.
- **Mouths of Coves and River Channel Breaks**: These areas are prime for catching blue catfish and other species.
### Yesterday’s Catch
While specific numbers from yesterday are not available, the general trend indicates that bass, crappie, and catfish are all being caught in good numbers. The Big Bass Bash tournament, which took place recently, saw many participants catching four and five-pound fish, indicating the lake's health and fish population.
In summary, today is a great day to hit the water at Lake of the Ozarks. With the right lures and bait, and by targeting the right hot spots, you should have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.