Fishing Lake of The Ozarks

Most Popular Fish
Lake of The Ozarks Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Popular Fish Species Lake of The Ozarks, MO

Lake of The Ozarks Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake of The Ozarks is considered one of the better bass fishing lakes in the region, as it has been for several years now. June is the prime time for catching big bass here. Many bass tournaments are held here each year, typically with very good catches. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers, with largemouth bass in the 5-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 5 pounds being weighed in. On Lake of The Ozarks, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Lake of The Ozarks Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

Lake of The Ozarks has been a good destination for channel catfish fishing, for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 34 pounds, and Lake of The Ozarks holds some pretty big ones. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Lake of The Ozarks Popular Fish - Crappie

Crappie Fishing

Long known as a good crappie fishing lake, Lake of The Ozarks continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, white bass and paddlefish at Lake of The Ozarks in Missouri.

Lake of The Ozarks Fishing Video

An excellent bass and striper fishing destination, Lake of the Ozarks is conveniently located in central Missouri. It is one of Missouri's premier lake resort destinations. In addition to great fishing and boating there are plenty of areas for camping, picnicking and hiking.

Lake of the Ozarks, located in central Missouri, is a premier fishing destination that attracts anglers of all skill levels. The lake is renowned for its expansive size, covering over 54,000 acres, and its diverse fish populations.

Largemouth and spotted bass are among the most sought-after fish species in Lake of the Ozarks. Anglers can find an abundance of submerged structures, including brush piles, docks, and rocky points, which provide excellent hiding spots for bass. Techniques such as flipping and pitching jigs, casting soft plastics, or topwater lures can be highly effective in enticing these game fish. The lake's clear waters and abundant bass populations make it a favorite among bass fishing enthusiasts.

For catfish enthusiasts, Lake of the Ozarks offers excellent opportunities to catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. These large and powerful fish can be targeted using a variety of techniques, such as bottom fishing with cut bait, live bait, or prepared stink baits. Anglers often focus on submerged channels, deep holes, or around structure to find catfish. The lake's deep waters and ample catfish populations make it a popular destination for catfish anglers.

White crappie are another popular species in Lake of the Ozarks, particularly during the spring and fall seasons when they move into shallower waters to spawn and feed. Anglers can find crappie around submerged brush piles, docks, and other structures. Fishing with small jigs or live minnows can be effective in catching these delicious panfish. The lake's numerous crappie populations make it a prime spot for crappie fishing.

Lake of the Ozarks also offers opportunities to catch white bass and bluegill. White bass can be found in the lake's open water and are known for their aggressive nature and strong fights. Bluegill, on the other hand, can be caught around docks, submerged brush piles, and rocky areas. Anglers can use small jigs or live bait to entice these panfish.

Lake of the Ozarks is a premier fishing destination in Missouri, offering diverse fish species, breathtaking scenery, and a wide range of recreational activities. Whether you're an avid angler or a family looking for outdoor adventures, Lake of the Ozarks is sure to provide an unforgettable fishing experience.

Shopping, restaurants, motels and resorts are plentiful throughout the area. Visit Lake of the Ozarks for great fishing, camping and boating while experiencing the outdoors with friends or family. With over 1,100 miles of shoreline and 57,000 surface acres, anglers have plenty of water to explore in search of their favorite sport fish. Bass, catfish, walleye, crappie and sunfish are the primary targets - all of which reside here in both quantity and quality. Fishing from the bank is popular with easy access from various places around the lake. Popular boats for fishing include bass boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats.

Primary fish species residing in Lake of The Ozarks

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake of The Ozarks Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Lake of the Ozarks provides ample options for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the vast expanse of the lake, enjoy water sports, or simply relax in the peaceful coves. The lake's numerous marinas, boat ramps, and camping facilities cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Adventure Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 964-1999

Alhonna Resort & Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
573 365-2634

Big Thunder at Glencove Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
573 365-4001

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and bass boats
573 348-1233

Paradise Marina and Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 745-0700

Pointe Oasis Resort & Marina Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 374-1400

Village Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 365-1800

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Brown Bend Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Brown Bend Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Eagle Bay Dock and Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the far east side of the lake, north side, off Fire Road H-1A, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Gravois Mills Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Access Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Larry R Gale Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Lake Road Aa-101, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Linn Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Cape Woods Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lotell Hollow Cove Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Bluebird Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

LOTO State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Public Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

McCubbins Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off McCubbins Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Pa He Tsi Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Honey Bau Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Shawnee Bend Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off TT Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sunrise Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the west end, north side, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Marinas

Alhonna Resort & Marina
677 Outer Dr
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
573 365-2634

Bergers Marina
159 Hidden Acres Rd
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
573 365-2337

Big Thunder at Glencove Marina
147 Glencove Blvd
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
573 365-4001

Kelly's Port Marina
5250 Dude Ranch Rd
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573 348-4700

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Marina
711 Public Beach Rd
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573 348-1233

Mike Fink's Marina
5142 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573 365-6557

Millstone Marina & RV Resort
18096 Hwy O
Gravois Mills, MO 65037
573 372-6272

Paradise Marina and Watersports
1100 Bagnell Dam Blvd
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
573 745-0700

Pointe Oasis Resort & Marina Boat Rentals
90 Oasis Circle
Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
573 374-1400