As of September 29, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is looking promising, despite the lake not having tides due to it being a freshwater lake.

The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 55 degrees. Sunrise was at about 7:04 AM, and sunset will be around 6:54 PM, providing a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

Yesterday's fishing reports indicated a tough bite, but those who persisted were rewarded. Fish activity has been scattered, with anglers reporting catches of both bass and crappie. The bass fishing has been particularly challenging, but using the right lures can make all the difference. Swim baits, crank baits, jigs, and worms have been effective, especially around spawning pockets, ledges, and bluffs.

For bass, targeting areas with structure such as long points and bluffs has been fruitful. Topwater baits early in the morning and late in the evening have also shown promise, especially on cloudy days or after a light rain. For crappie, deep fishing in the summer months has been successful, with electronics helping to locate the right depths.

Some hot spots to consider include the mid-lake area around the 20-30 mile markers, where the ledges and bluffs provide ample cover for bass. Another good spot is the upper end of the lake, particularly around the Osage and Niangua arms, where crappie tend to congregate in deeper waters.

In terms of specific baits, live bait such as minnows and shad have been effective for crappie, while for bass, soft plastics like curly tail grubs and plastic worms have been catching some nice sized fish.

Overall, it's a good day to get out on the water at Lake of the Ozarks, with the right combination of weather and fish activity making for a potentially rewarding fishing trip.