"Springtime Fishing Heats Up at Lake of the Ozarks: Bass, Crappie, and More Biting Across the System"

Good morning, anglers! Here’s your detailed fishing report for Lake of the Ozarks for Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Today’s weather is warming up nicely, with clear skies and temperatures expected to push into the low 70s by midday. The water temperatures are rising, which has fish becoming more active, especially with spring patterns setting in. Sunrise was at 6:49 a.m., and sunset will be at 7:37 p.m., giving you plenty of daylight for an exciting day on the water.

**Fishing is heating up on multiple fronts!** Largemouth and spotted bass are biting well, especially during the morning and evening low-light periods. The Niangua and Glaize Arms are producing great action, with bass being particularly active around points, brush piles, and docks. Throw topwater baits during early hours, transitioning to plastic worms, jigs, and medium-diving crankbaits as the sun rises. Largemouth bass in the 15-inch range have been regularly caught, though many are smaller and below the keeper size.

Crappie fishing is slightly slower than past years due to recruitment challenges, but there’s still potential around brush piles near points. Minnows and small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) are your best bet here. Fish deeper brush piles for better crappie action. Most are exceeding the 9-inch minimum length, with black crappie and white crappie making up the bulk of the catch.

Catfish action is starting to pick up as we enter their prime season. Channel cats are favoring cut shad or stink baits fished along the bottom, especially near the mouths of coves and deep flats. If you’re targeting blue cats, drifting cut shad in deeper waters will yield results, while flatheads prefer live bait like sunfish or bluegill.

For the adventurous, walleye fishing is steadily improving. Troll brightly colored crankbaits or use jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows on steep rocky points and humps. Some fine specimens are being caught on the lower lake regions.

**Hotspots to consider today:**
1. **Niangua Arm:** Great for largemouth bass and crappie near brush piles and hardwoods.
2. **Grand Glaize Arm:** Known for spotted bass and steady action around docks and secondary points.

Recommended lures for today include jerkbaits like the Megabass Vision 110 and finesse jigs in Ozark craw or green pumpkin. Umbrella rigs and medium-diving crankbaits (7-12 feet) are also performing well for bass, especially on warming rocky banks.

As always, respect the slot limits and local fishing regulations, and practice good catch-and-release techniques when needed. Tight lines, and may your day be filled with stories of big catches from the waters of Lake of the Ozarks!