As of October 1, 2024, the Lake of the Ozarks is gearing up for another great day of fishing. Given that the Lake of the Ozarks is a freshwater lake, there are no tidal reports to consider, but the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a gentle breeze, making it ideal for a day on the water.

Sunrise is at about 7:00 AM, and sunset will be around 6:45 PM, providing ample daylight for fishing.

Fish activity has been robust, especially for bass. From recent reports, largemouth and spotted bass have been active, particularly around points, brush piles, and docks. On the Niangua Arm, about 25% of the largemouth bass population is over the 15-inch size limit, while on the Glaize Arm, it's around 12%, with a significant number of younger fish in the 10-12 inch range. For spotted bass, 30% on the Niangua Arm and 24% on the Glaize Arm are over the 12-inch size limit.

Crappie fishing is also excellent, with approximately 50% of both white and black crappie on the Niangua Arm meeting or exceeding the 9-inch minimum length limit. Focus on brush piles, especially those near points, and use small jigs or minnows for the best results.

For catfish, channel catfish are most active from April to September, but blue catfish can be caught year-round. Drifting with live or cut shad in areas like the mouths of coves, deep flats, and river channel breaks is highly effective. Remember to release blue catfish between 26 and 34 inches back into the water.

White bass and hybrid striped bass are also active, with good catches reported at windy points, submerged islands, and in the Truman Dam tailwater.

As for the best lures and bait, topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are top choices for bass. For crappie, small jigs and minnows are recommended. For catfish, live or cut shad work well, and for flathead catfish, live bait like small bluegill or green sunfish near large boulders or woody cover is ideal.

Hot spots include the Niangua and Glaize arms for bass and crappie, and the Truman Dam tailwater for hybrid striped bass. The mouths of coves and deep flats are prime areas for catfish.

Overall, the Lake of the Ozarks is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities this fall, so grab your gear and head out to enjoy the beautiful weather and plentiful fish.