Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Report Feb 2025: Bass, Crappie, and Catfish Hotspots

Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks as of February 12, 2025.

First off, let's talk about the weather. It's been quite chilly lately, with temperatures hovering around the mid-30s to low 40s, which is pretty typical for this time of year. Today, the sunrise is at about 6:55 AM, and sunset will be around 5:20 PM, giving us a good window for some early morning and late afternoon fishing.

Now, let's dive into the fish activity. For bass enthusiasts, you'll be happy to know that both largemouth and spotted bass have been active, especially around the Grand Glaize Arm and the Niangua Arm. Recent electrofishing surveys indicate that about 15% of largemouth bass and 25-33% of spotted bass are over the minimum length limits, which is a good sign. The best times to catch bass are during the spring and fall, but winter can also be excellent, especially when using jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks. Topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are your best bets.

Crappie fishing, however, is expected to be slower this year due to poor recruitment in 2022 and 2023 because of drought conditions. If you're after crappie, focus on brush piles, especially those on or near points. Small jigs and minnows are the way to go here.

Catfish action remains steady, with channel catfish being most active from April through September, though blue catfish can be caught year-round and tend to inhabit open water. Drifting with live or cut shad on days with a light breeze is a reliable method. Remember, there's a protected slot length limit for blue catfish, so any between 26 and 34 inches must be released immediately. For those targeting catfish, the mouths of coves, deep flats, and river channel breaks are prime areas. Flathead catfish can be caught using live bait like small bluegill or green sunfish near large boulders or woody cover.

If you're looking for some hot spots, I highly recommend the Grand Glaize Arm for bass and crappie. The points, brush piles, and docks here are like magnets for these fish. For catfish, the Gravois Arm with its rocky and ledged terrain is a dream spot, offering potential for some real heavyweights.

In terms of specific lures and baits, for bass, stick with topwater baits, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. For crappie, small jigs and minnows are your best friends. For catfish, live or cut shad and live bait like small bluegill or green sunfish are the way to go.

Keep an eye on the weather and water conditions. The cold temperatures might affect fish activity, but the right lures and baits can still yield some great catches.

So, grab your gear, bundle up, and get out there – the fish are waiting, and Lake of the Ozarks is ready to deliver some memorable fishing experiences. Tight lines, everyone