| Time spent in the Lake of the Ozarks is not | | | | incredibly popular for anglers who fish in |
| complete without spending a little time out | | | | Lake of the Ozark waters. There is a length |
| on the water. Some of the best fishing in the | | | | limit for Crappie fish of 9 inches. The best |
| Midwest occurs at the Lake of the Ozarks | | | | time to fish for Crappie is after spawning |
| every year. Anglers from throughout the | | | | which tends to occur from mid to late April. |
| United States and beyond come to the area for | | | | However, this fluctuates depending on the |
| the various species located in the waters of | | | | weather. The best indicator of the best time |
| Lake of the Ozarks. | | | | for crappie is when the dogwoods bloom. |
| | | | |
| From the Catfish to the Largemouth Bass, | | | | The Hybrid Stripers and the Striper Bass, |
| there truly is something for fishermen of all | | | | which were originally stocked in the Lake |
| tastes. Besides Catfish and Largemouth Bass, | | | | back in 1980, are some of the most sought |
| anglers have the opportunity to catch | | | | after fish in this area. At this time, the |
| Crappie, Walleye, White Bass, and Hybrid | | | | state record for Hybrid Stripers stands at |
| Striped Bass. The wide variety of fish makes | | | | 20.5 lbs. and came from the lake back in |
| it possible for each fishing trip to be | | | | 1986. Other state records for fishing in the |
| successful and the serene environment adds to | | | | dragon lake include a 36 lb. 12 oz. Small |
| the overall experience. | | | | Mouth Buffalo, a 111 lbs. Paddlefish, a 41 |
| | | | lbs. 2 oz. Muskie, a 40 lbs. Freshwater Drum, |
| Fishing is an all year sport in the large | | | | and a 91 lbs. Blue Catfish. |
| Missouri lake. The typical fishing season | | | | |
| begins (for the most devoted of anglers) on | | | | Of course, the true catch of the lake is the |
| January 1. It extends to December 31, only to | | | | Paddlefish. Paddlefish, which are also known |
| start again once a new year has begun. The | | | | as Spoonbills, have been around for |
| typical lures used in the spring are either | | | | centuries. In fact, it is believed they date |
| jig-n-frog bait or crankbaits. These lures | | | | back as far as the dinosaurs. Anglers |
| allow anglers to fish in some of the deeper | | | | typically catch Paddlefish by blind snagging. |
| waters, when the water is cold. | | | | How this is done is the angler will scout the |
| | | | area for Paddlefish using large hooks and |
| In the warmer months, lures such as plastic | | | | heavy lead sinkers. They can also find these |
| worms are used for surface fishing. This type | | | | rare fish by casting and retrieving hooks |
| of fishing is some of the most exciting in | | | | through jerking. The only Paddlefish that can |
| the Ozarks and many anglers travel here to | | | | be caught, if they will be caught, are 34 |
| experience a catch in this breathtaking | | | | inches and longer during the Paddlish season, |
| region. Topwater fishing usually occurs after | | | | which is March 15-April 30. |
| the bass spawn. This happens in between late | | | | |
| April and early May. | | | | Lake of the Ozarks fits the needs of so many |
| | | | freshwater fishermen. It does not matter |
| In Lake Ozarks, bass are most often found | | | | whether you are new to fishing or a seasoned |
| near the deeper waters. They also tend to | | | | professional. If you want to relax and kick |
| stay around the boat docks and near drop off | | | | back or catch the Bass you have been dreaming |
| points until the fall and early winter | | | | about, then you have come to the right place. |
| months, when they tend to head to shallower | | | | |
| waters again. | | | | If you want to experience fishing with the |
| | | | assistance of a qualified guide, you should |
| The limit for the amount of fish you can | | | | consider one of the many fishing charters in |
| catch is fifteen. This can be filled in 15-20 | | | | Lake of the Ozarks. Some of the most popular |
| casts for the more experienced angler on the | | | | charters include Firstmate Fishing Charters, |
| lake. White Bass tend to school and swim in | | | | Show Me Guide Service, and Hook-Em Guide |
| the shallower waters while the Black Bass are | | | | Service. To find out more, search online for |
| in the deeper waters. Crappie fishing is also | | | | Fishing Charters in Lake of the Ozarks. |