Frosty Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks: Braving the Cold for Quality Bass and Crappie

On this chilly January 3rd, 2025, at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, the fishing scene is quite different from the warmer months, but still promising for those willing to brave the cold.

First off, the weather is crisp, with daytime temperatures barely reaching 4°C (39°F) and nighttime lows dipping to around -7°C (19°F)[2].

Sunrise today is at 7:27 AM, and sunset will be at 5:02 PM, giving you a decent window to get out on the water[2].

The lake itself rarely freezes completely, so you can still enjoy fishing year-round. However, the cold weather means fish activity is slower and more sluggish. Yesterday's reports indicated that anglers were having a tough time getting limits, but those who did were mostly targeting rocks rather than docks[1].

For bass, which are the main attraction here, anglers were using spinnerbaits, moving baits, and dragging worms to catch a few quality fish. Michael Stout was leading with a 6-pound bass and a total of over 12 pounds with just four fish, highlighting the challenge of filling a limit[1].

Given the cold, the best lures to use would be those that can attract fish in deeper, warmer waters. Jigs, soft plastic finesse worms, and creature baits are good choices. For crappie, small jigs or minnows set one to two feet below a bobber can be effective in the shallows[3].

Hot spots include the spillway section of Bagnell Dam, where you can catch white bass, black bass, catfish, and walleye from the shore. The upper arms of the lake, with their off-colored waters, and the middle lake area are also good places to try your luck[3].

Remember, the fish are likely to be deeper and more lethargic, so patience and the right bait will be key to a successful day on the Lake of the Ozarks.