Tackle the Fall Bass Bite at the Lake of the Ozarks Big Bass Bash

As of October 17, 2024, the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri is buzzing with activity, especially with the Big Bass Bash tournament looming. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Weather and Time
The weather is expected to be warm, with a hint of fall in the cool mornings. Sunrise today is at about 7:30 AM, and sunset will be around 6:30 PM. This transition in temperatures is helping to move the bass back into their fall patterns.

### Fish Activity
Despite the challenging fishing conditions lately, there have been reports of big fish showing up. The bass are starting to move back into the creeks, but many are still in their summer patterns around deeper docks, brush piles, and structure on the main lake. Early mornings are expected to be the most productive time, with the fish activity slowing down as the sun rises.

### Types and Amounts of Fish
The lake is healthy, with a strong population of bass. Yesterday saw several four and five-pound fish being caught, which is typical for this time of year. The Big Bass Bash, which is one of the biggest tournaments on the lake, promises to yield some impressive catches.

### Best Lures and Bait
For optimal results, consider using jigs, particularly those from Trophy Bass Company, as they can be fished from the fronts of the creeks to the back. Soft plastics and jigs are likely to rule the weekend, especially around the abundant shad population. Topwater baits, such as walking baits or buzzbaits, are excellent for early morning bites. Deep crankbaits on points and ledges can also produce big fish.

### Hot Spots
Focus on areas with heavy cover like laydowns and brush piles, especially behind cables. The Hurricane Deck Area and the Lower Niangua are known hot spots, offering a mix of summer and fall patterns. Fishing around the deeper docks and structure on the main lake can also yield good results.

### Tidal Report
Since the Lake of the Ozarks is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal changes to consider. However, the water levels can fluctuate based on power generation and other factors, but this does not significantly impact fishing patterns.

In summary, the Lake of the Ozarks is primed for some great fishing. Get out early with your topwater baits, transition to jigs and soft plastics as the day progresses, and keep an eye out for those big bass roaming the banks and structure. Good luck on the water