Wintertime Fishing Strategies at Lake of the Ozarks

As of January 5, 2025, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is quite challenging due to the cold winter conditions, but there are still opportunities for dedicated anglers.

**Weather and Conditions:**
Daytime temperatures are around 4°C (39°F), dropping to -7°C (19°F) at night. Expect about 5 hours of sunshine, with minimal rainfall this time of year[2].

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at 7:27 AM, and sunset is at 5:02 PM, giving you a decent window for fishing[2].

**Fish Activity:**
During this cold period, fish tend to seek deeper, more stable waters. Bass, in particular, are less active and prefer to stay in deeper areas around 18-25 feet, such as main lake points and ledges, and around 20-foot-deep brush piles. Crappie and other species also congregate in these deeper, more sheltered areas[1][3].

**Recent Catches:**
While specific catches from yesterday are not available, generally, this time of year sees fewer but larger fish being caught. Bass in the 2-5 pound range are common, and crappie up to 13 inches have been reported in recent weeks[1][3].

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For bass, use deep-diving crank baits, 3/4-oz to 1-oz Crock-o-Gator football jigs, and 10-inch power worms. For crappie, suspended jerk baits and small jigs with minnows are effective. In stained waters, try swamp bugs, jigs, and Alabama rigs[1][3].

**Hot Spots:**
- The spillway section of Bagnell Dam is a great spot for shore fishing, where you can catch white bass, black bass, catfish, and crappie.
- Main lake points that drop off into the main channel are excellent for bass, especially around brush piles and ledges.
- The Gravois and Grand Glaize areas are good for crappie and bass, particularly in the clearer waters around secondary points with pea gravel and chunk rock mix[1][3].

Remember, the key to success in these cold conditions is to fish slowly and methodically, targeting the deeper, more stable areas where fish are likely to congregate. Good luck on the water