 Every angler has his or her particular preferences regarding rods, reels and bait. But one thing all fishermen can agree on is the fantastic year-round fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks. With more than 1,150 miles of shoreline and 54,000 surface acres, plus rock bluffs, mud flats, gravel bars, coves, creeks, docks and crappie beds, it's no wonder generations of anglers from across America are hooked on fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks.
The Lake is loaded with a variety of fish species: largemouth bass, spotted bass, black and white crappie, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, hybrid stripers, paddlefish, walleye and bluegill. Most species can be caught year-round; they just change their habits depending on the season. For example, most of the year walleye, paddlefish and white bass are scattered throughout the Lake. But in the springtime, because they are migratory, they tend to congregate in the upper ends of the Niangua, Gravois or Grand Glaize arms.
Like fish, fishermen also adjust to the seasons. In winter, many anglers fish for crappie at Lake-area resorts that have heated docks. Some even have cable TV and couches! A lot of people actually prefer the peace and quiet of winter fishing. In fact, that's when some of the Lake's record-breakers from the last decade have been caught, including a 20-lb., 8-oz. hybrid striper; a 40-lb., 8-oz. drum; a 36-lb., 12-oz. buffalo; a 42-lb., 2-oz. muskie; a 91-lb. blue catfish; and a whopping 134-lb., 12-oz. paddlefish.
The majority of the Lake's fish species are naturally abundant. However, its walleye and paddlefish come from the Missouri Department of Conservation's Lost Valley Hatchery near Warsaw. It’s worth the trip to see the 12,700 gallon aquarium and fascinating exhibits at its Visitors Center.
The Lake's state parks also attract anglers year-round. Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Osage Beach offers boat ramps, dock-fishing and crappie beds. Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton has two boat docks and allows fishing from marked access points. Numerous bait shops and full-service marinas also serve the Lake area.
If you want to just cut to the chase, call on one of the Lake's independent fishing guides. These pros will take you directly to the "hot spots" and provide tackle and bait. |
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| FEATURED FISHING |  |  Jack's Guide Service
I own and operate one of the best fishing guide services on the Lake of the Ozarks. I make fishing fun and ...read more | |  |  Big Ed's Guide Service
I live at Lake of the Ozarks, doing what I truly love for a living - teaching others and helping others catch ...read more | | |
