Chilly Catch: Conquering Lake of the Ozarks' Winter Fishing Bounty

As of January 2, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is shaping up to be quite interesting, despite the chilly winter weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Conditions
The weather is cold, with temperatures ranging from around 3°F to 1°F (-16°C to -17°C)[2]. Sunrise was at about 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 4:50 PM. This time of year, the fish are generally more sluggish, but with the right approach, you can still have a great day.

### Fish Activity
Bass fishing is one of the highlights here, even in winter. Largemouth and spotted bass are active, particularly around points, brush piles, and docks. According to recent surveys, about 15% of largemouth bass on the Niangua Arm and 16% on the Glaize Arm are over the 15-inch minimum length limit, while 33% of spotted bass on the Niangua Arm and 25% on the Glaize Arm are over the 12-inch minimum length limit[1].

Crappie fishing, however, is expected to be slower this year due to poor recruitment in 2022 and 2023. Still, you can find them around brush piles, especially those near points. About 75% of both black and white crappie on the Glaize Arm were over the 9-inch minimum length limit during the fall of 2024[1].

### Best Lures and Baits
For bass, topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are your best bets. In winter, slowly fishing jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks can be very effective[1].

For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the way to go. Concentrate on those brush piles, as structure is key to successful crappie fishing[1].

### Hot Spots
- The Grand Glaize Arm is a hotspot for largemouth bass, with points, brush piles, and docks being prime locations[3].
- For crappie, the Niangua Arm and the Osage River, particularly around coves and points, are excellent spots[3].

### Additional Tips
Catfish action remains steady, with the best months typically being April through September, but you can still catch them in winter. White bass and hybrid striped bass can also be targeted, especially in windy points and submerged islands[1].

Given the cold weather, make sure to dress warmly and be patient, as the fish may be slower to bite. But with the right lures and knowledge of the best spots, you can still have a productive and enjoyable day on Lake of the Ozarks.