Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Update: Crappie, Bass, Catfish, and Walleye Bites Revealed for May 11, 2025

Good morning from beautiful Lake of the Ozarks, this is Artificial Lure bringing you your fishing update for Sunday, May 11, 2025. We’re rolling into another classic spring morning here at the lake. Sunrise was just after 6 AM and you’ll have daylight all the way out to around 8:10 PM, so plenty of time to get your lines wet. Expect warm temps climbing into the mid-70s and light winds out of the southwest at 6 to 8 miles per hour, making for ideal calm fishing conditions. The water’s mostly clear right now, and we’re sitting right at full pool with no significant water movement[1][3].

Crappie have been a little slower this year. Those droughts in 2022 and 2023 set recruitment back, but anglers who are targeting brush piles along the points—especially in the Glaize Arm—are still finding keepers. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8 to 15 feet of water. The ticket lately is small jigs, from 1/32 to 1/8 ounce, especially in chartreuse, or just a plain minnow under a float if you want steady action. Focus on brush located near structure for your best shot at a limit[1][4].

Bass fishing is steady, though the fish have been a little picky. With the water warming up, shad and bluegill are suspended, and the bass are keying in on them. During the low-light hours, hit the docks and overhanging cover for action. Wolf packs of bass are chasing topwaters, so walking baits like spooks or smaller swimbaits can trigger a strike, especially if you find bluegill activity nearby. Big bass are cruising solo and hanging tight to bluegill beds—these are your best bet for a kicker fish. Docks, trees, and lights at dusk and dawn are all holding pockets of fish. If you stumble across a stretch of stained water, settle in, you’ve struck gold for this time of year[3].

Catfish are on the prowl with the warming water. Hit the mouths of coves or drift along channel edges with cut shad or nightcrawlers. April through September is prime time, and locals are reporting steady catches across the lake[4].

If you’re chasing walleye, try trolling crankbaits along steep rocky points or humps, or bounce a jig tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler near the bottom. Chartreuse, orange, or white seem to be the best colors for walleye right now[4].

For hot spots, check out the Glaize Arm for crappie, and the stretch around the Niangua Arm for both bass and catfish. Don’t be afraid to fish around docks anywhere between the 10 and 25 mile markers, especially if you spot bluegill beds.

That’s the scoop for today folks. Tight lines and good luck out there[1][3][4]!