Chasing Elusive Lunkers at Lake of the Ozarks: An Early Fall Fishing Report

As of September 26, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri is quite dynamic, reflecting the early fall changes in the weather and water conditions.

First off, the weather has been a bit unpredictable, with a cool down a couple of weeks ago followed by a heat-up again. This fluctuation has affected the fish behavior, particularly the larger ones. The water level dropped about a foot last week, which has stirred up the fish and changed their feeding patterns.

For today, expect a sunny day with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s. Sunrise is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:45 PM. Since Lake of the Ozarks is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal reports to consider.

Fish activity has been decent, with plenty of keeper-sized fish being caught, although the bigger fish have been elusive this week. You can expect to catch a variety of species, including bass, crappie, and catfish. The bass, particularly the larger ones, have been affected by the recent water level changes and temperature fluctuations.

For lures, topwater baits have been effective, especially in the shallower areas. However, with the recent changes, you might also want to try crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics like plastic worms or lizards. For bait, live bait such as minnows, shad, and nightcrawlers are always a good choice.

Some hot spots to consider include the areas around PB #2 and Red Oak Resort, where several tournaments have been held recently. The Shawnee Bend Access is also a good spot, especially for evening fishing. If you're looking for crappie, the deeper brush piles and submerged structures are worth exploring.

Overall, while the bigger fish might be a challenge to catch, there are plenty of smaller fish to keep you busy, and with the right lures and bait, you can have a successful day on the lake.