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