Winter Fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks: Strategies for Bass, Crappie, and Catfish

As of January 25, 2025, here’s what you can expect if you're heading out to fish at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

First, let's talk about the daylight. Sunrise today is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 5:18 PM, giving you about 9 hours and 54 minutes of daylight[2].

The lake does not have tides, so you don't need to worry about that. Instead, focus on the seasonal fish behavior. This time of year, bass are typically in their winter patterns. For largemouth and spotted bass, try slowly fishing jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks. Topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are also effective[5].

Crappie fishing might be slower this year due to drought conditions affecting recruitment in 2022 and 2023, but you can still find them around brush piles, especially those on or near points. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are your best bets for crappie[5].

For catfish, the mouths of coves and along deep flats where river channel breaks provide good ambush spots. The Gravois Arm is particularly good for catfish, with its rocky and ledged terrain[3].

Given the cold winter weather, fish are likely to be in deeper, more comfortable areas. Water temperatures are in the 40s to 50s, which means fish are less active but can still be caught with the right techniques.

Hot spots to consider include the Grand Glaize Arm for bass, where points, brush piles, and docks are prime locations. For crappie, the Niangua Arm and the Osage River are good areas to explore, focusing on coves and points. Catfish enthusiasts should head to the Gravois Arm[3].

Yesterday's catches likely included a mix of bass, crappie, and catfish, with bass being more active in the early morning and late afternoon. The best lures and baits remain consistent with the seasonal patterns: jerkbaits, plastic worms, jigs, and minnows for bass and crappie, and nightcrawlers or stink baits for catfish.

Remember to dress warmly and be patient, as winter fishing can be rewarding but also challenging. Good luck out there