Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Report: Bass, Crappie, Cats & Walleye Bites

Lake of the Ozarks anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your local Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Sunday, June 1, 2025.

We’re coming off a run of clear, warm days—you can expect highs in the mid-80s today, light southeast winds, and just a touch of morning fog burning off by 8 AM. Sunrise was right at 5:45 AM with sunset coming in at 8:25 PM, giving you a good long stretch to chase those bites. With the recent full moon last week and the lake sitting at full pool, fish activity is high and patterns are shifting fast. There’s no real tide to report for Lake of the Ozarks, but the moon phase and stable water levels are keeping the bite lively throughout the day.

Bass fishing is leading the way this week. Reports from Omnia Fishing are showing strong numbers of largemouth taken shallow—recent catches include fish in the 15- to 18-inch range, mostly in two feet or less around secondary points. Top producers right now: hard jerkbaits, medium diving crankbaits, shakey heads, umbrella rigs, and wacky rigs. Color preference leans toward shad imitations and brighter patterns, especially when there’s cloud cover. For the bigger females, they’re a bit more elusive right now, waiting to move off bank structure, but keep working boat docks and brush piles—there’s a pile of keeper bass waiting to bite.

Crappie are still holding strong, especially on the Glaize Arm and main lake brush piles. The Missouri Department of Conservation reports crappie are in excellent shape this year, thanks in part to abundant shad and even a cicada boom. Most keepers are coming from brush piles—visit the MDC’s brush pile locator for up-to-date spots. Best bets are small jigs, 1/32 to 1/8 ounce, or live minnows fished around structure. The key right now: find the brush, and you’ll find the crappie.

Catfish are picking up, too. Channel cats and blues are both active, with May into June considered prime time. Cut shad and nightcrawlers are top baits. Try drifting flats in the upper arms early, then move deeper as the day heats up.

If you’re chasing walleye, now’s the time to troll bright crankbaits along steep rocky points and humps—orange, white, and chartreuse are producing. Jigs tipped with minnows or grubs on the bottom are also pulling in some quality fish.

For hotspots, check out the Niangua and Glaize Arms for bass and crappie. Hurricane Deck and Shawnee Bend are local favorites for both numbers and size right now. For catfish and walleye, focus on Truman Dam tailwater and the deeper points near the dam.

That wraps up today’s fishing report from your local Lake of the Ozarks water. Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure—don’t forget to subscribe, and we’ll see you on the water next time.

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