How to Fish Lake Of The Ozarks: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Of The Ozarks

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Of The Ozarks

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	47-60	Bass are transitioning from winter to pre-spawn patterns, actively moving to warming shallower waters (45-60°F) and staging near spawning areas Fish are primarily feeding during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak, especially on wind-blown points and secondary structures Bass are showing aggressive feeding behavior on both shad and crawfish, with increased activity around rocky points and dock structures	45-degree chunk rock points near channel swings, especially those with wind exposure Secondary points with dock structures, particularly the first docks leading into cuts Brush piles behind docks in protected areas Bluff transitions and rocky banks in pockets off main channel	Hard Jerkbaits worked with a slow twitch-pause cadence, especially effective on points and around bait schools Spinnerbaits slow-rolled around points with docks, particularly effective in wind-blown areas Structure Jigs worked through brush piles and rocky areas Umbrella Rigs for suspended fish relating to deep water adjacent to secondary points	Shad schooling in pockets and around points Crawfish emerging and active around rocky structures Crappie in similar staging areas as bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	47-63	Crappie are staging in pre-spawn locations, suspended near brush piles and docks in 10-25 feet of water Fish are schooling but can be finicky, with females holding eggs and waiting for consistent warmer temperatures	Brush piles in 10-20 feet on secondary points Docks with brush in 15-25 feet of water Secondary points off main channel with suspended fish	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with slow retrieves Crappie Spider Rigging for suspended fish Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to structure	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Small baitfish suspending near structure	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	47-62	White bass are actively schooling and following shad, suspending around brush piles in pre-spawn pattern Fish are staging between feeding areas and spawning tributaries, becoming more active as water temperatures rise	Brush piles in 9-25 foot depth range near tributary mouths Main lake points and channel swings leading to spawning tributaries Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where shad are present	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths around brush piles Blade Baits vertically jigged through suspended schools Underspins retrieved at moderate speeds when fish are actively chasing shad	Shad schools suspending around brush piles Small baitfish gathered in pre-spawn staging areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	47-58	Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns, actively feeding on large bait balls in 20-30 ft depths but showing selective behavior Fish are starting to stage near pre-spawn areas but remaining mobile, following baitfish schools in main lake cuts	Main lake cuts with concentrated baitfish schools in 20-30 foot range Channel swings near pre-spawn staging areas Points and brush piles adjacent to spawning pockets	Underspins with small profile worked through bait balls Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) fished slowly Drop Shot with finesse presentation for pressured fish	Schooling Baitfish/Minnows in large concentrated balls Crawfish beginning to emerge in warming areas	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	55-68	Catfish becoming more active as water warms, moving from deep winter holes to transitional areas near spawning flats Increased feeding activity during dawn and dusk, particularly around current areas and channel swings	Channel swing banks with access to both deep water and shallow flats Brush piles in 15-25 foot ranges near spawning flats Rocky areas with current that concentrate crawfish	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush piles and rocky areas	Shad schools beginning to move shallower Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas Small sunfish in brush pile areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Fish actively staging and spawning in shallow protected areas, particularly around docks and brush piles Males guarding nests while females move between shallow spawning areas and slightly deeper staging areas Feeding activity highest during early morning and evening, with fish being more nest-focused during midday	Docks with walkways providing overhead cover for spawning Shallow brush piles in protected areas Deeper dock edges for staging fish	Neko Rigs worked slowly around docks and spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to shoreline structure Shakey Heads worked methodically through spawning areas	Shad moving into spawning areas Crawfish active in shallow rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	55-65	Crappie are suspended in large schools over deeper water, staging near spawning areas in creek arms Actively feeding on shad balls in the 8-10 foot range over 25 foot depths	Midway back in large creek arms with suspended schools Secondary points near spawning pockets Brush piles in 15-25 foot range near spawning areas	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigheads around suspended schools Crappie Spider Rigging to thoroughly cover water columns Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) through suspended schools	Shad schools suspended in the water column Small baitfish in creek arms	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Actively migrating into major creek arms and tributaries for spawning, moving in large schools along transitional areas Males arrive first in spawning areas, followed by larger females staging in slightly deeper water Aggressive feeding behavior pre and post-spawn, particularly during dawn and dusk periods	Major tributary mouths and incoming creek channels Shallow gravel flats and rocky areas in 2-6 foot depth near spawning areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Inline Spinners cast parallel to shorelines and creek channels Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through staging areas Lipless Crankbaits burned through schools when located	Young-of-year Shad Small Minnows Creek Baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass actively establishing spawning areas in protected pockets and transitional areas, typically in 3-8 foot depths near firm bottom structure Males guarding nests while females stage nearby, making periodic movements between spawning areas and slightly deeper water Aggressive territorial behavior around spawning sites, with increased reaction to intrusive baits	Protected pockets with gravel or hard bottom near deeper water access Secondary points leading into spawning pockets Dock areas with firm bottom in 3-8 foot range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible spawning areas and dock structure Soft Jerkbaits for pre-spawn females staging near deeper water Shakey Heads worked slowly around spawning areas	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas Small shad schools in pockets and around points	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Catfish moving into shallower pre-spawn staging areas, particularly around brush piles in 10-15 foot depths Increased feeding activity during warming trends, especially in areas with current More aggressive territorial behavior as fish prepare for spawning	Channel swing banks with adjacent brush piles in 10-15 foot depths Rocky areas near deeper water access Current-swept areas with structure, especially during generation periods	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole shad Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush piles	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas Small sunfish around brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-78	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, relating heavily to shallow brush piles and points near deeper water Fish are reloading on key areas multiple times throughout the day, especially on current-based points and dock areas	Secondary points in 2-6 feet of water near deep water access Shallow brush piles with active bluegill present Docks with wind-positioning bait	Bladed Jigs worked around brush piles from a distance Wacky Rigs worked slowly on points Shakey Heads on current-swept points	Bluegill in shallow brush and around docks Shad relating to current-swept areas	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Post-spawn females are transitioning from spawning areas but many haven't completed spawning yet, staying relatively shallow near brush cover Fish are actively feeding but staying close to cover, particularly brush piles in the 4-16 foot range	Brush piles in 4-16 foot depth range, particularly in upper river section Secondary points with brush or wood cover Dock areas adjacent to spawning flats	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with 1/8 oz jigs on light line (4-6 lb test) Crappie Spider Rigging for suspended fish around brush Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover	Shad (primary forage based on lake profile) Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	White bass are actively moving through post-spawn patterns, schooling and feeding aggressively on shad in creek mouths and river channels Fish are transitioning from spawning areas back to main lake, following bait schools and utilizing current breaks	Major creek mouths and river channel intersections Main lake points near spawning tributaries Brush piles in 9-25 foot depth range along migration routes	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying speeds to match bait movement Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through schooling fish Lipless Crankbaits worked along channel edges	Shad schools concentrating near creek mouths Small baitfish in tributary areas	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed more aggressively, transitioning between spawning flats and summer haunts Fish are showing increased activity during morning and evening hours, utilizing current and wind-driven opportunities on points and channel swings	Main lake points adjacent to spawning pockets, especially those with brush piles in 10-15 foot range Channel swing banks with docks and available cover in 8-20 foot depths Secondary points with access to deeper water and baitfish schools	Shakey Heads worked slowly along depth transitions near points and docks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved through suspended baitfish schools Spinnerbaits worked along wind-blown points and channel banks	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn patterns Crawfish active in warmer shallow waters around rocky areas Small bluegill moving into spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Warm Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-72	Post-spawn catfish becoming increasingly active, moving to feeding locations near channel edges and brush piles in 10-20 foot depths Fish actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods, responding to current and showing increased interest in shad and crawfish	Channel swing banks with adjacent brush piles in 10-30 foot range Rocky bottom areas near river channels where crawfish are active Current-swept areas near bluff walls where shad congregate	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole crawfish near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting brush piles and rocky areas	Shad schools becoming more active in warming waters Crawfish emerging and active on rocky structures Small sunfish in shallow brush areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	74-85	Bass are primarily relating to docks and brush piles, suspending under dock structures during periods of low current and schooling on points when current is present Early morning and late evening activity peaks with fish moving shallow to feed, especially around docks and riprap Fish are showing both shallow and deep patterns, with some bass holding in 10-20 foot brush piles and others utilizing shallow dock areas under 8 feet	Docks in 8-10 feet of water, especially those with walkways and swim platforms Brush piles in 10-20 foot depth range Main lake points with current flow Riprap and rocky banks behind docks	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock structure Structure Jigs worked around brush piles and dock posts Buzzbaits early morning around shallow docks and riprap Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during shad activity periods	Shad schooling around docks and points Bluegill relating to dock structure and shallow cover	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Crappie	82-85	Crappie are heavily schooled in summer patterns, holding tight to structure in the 16-22 foot range during daytime hours Fish are showing classic summer feeding behavior, suspending near brush piles and transitioning to deeper rocky points for larger specimens	Brush piles in 16-22 foot depth range, particularly near channel swings Rocky points with good boulders near river channel Shaded dock areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Crappie Dock Shooting with light jigheads (1/16 oz) for dock fish Live Bait Rigs with minnows and light split shot tightlined over brush Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for brush pile fish	Shad schools in the mid-depth range Small baitfish relating to brush piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-82	Actively schooling and feeding on shad in open water and around structure, most aggressive during early morning and evening hours Moving between brush piles and channel edges following bait schools throughout the day Suspending near deep structure during midday heat	Main lake points adjacent to river channels in 15-25 foot range Brush piles positioned on channel swings in 9-20 foot depth Back of major coves where shad schools congregate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with swift, erratic retrieves to trigger reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended fish Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through surfacing schools Lipless Crankbaits burned through active schools	Shad schools in open water and around structure Small baitfish relating to brush piles Young-of-year panfish in back of coves	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	75-85	Spotted bass are establishing deep water summer patterns, relating heavily to channel swings and brush piles in 20-30 foot range, with early/late shallow feeding movements Fish actively chase shad schools during feeding windows, particularly during wind-driven conditions, and seek thermal refuge near structure during peak heat	Deep brush piles positioned on channel swings in 20-30 foot range Wind-blown main lake points with access to deep water Shaded boat docks adjacent to deep water	Drop Shot worked methodically through deep brush piles and along channel edges Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) targeting active fish on points and channel swings Texas Rigs (Worming) for probing brush piles and dock posts	Shad schools suspending near deep structure Crawfish in and around brush piles and rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Catfish	72-82	Actively feeding during night and early morning hours, seeking cooler, oxygenated water near structure during day Responding strongly to current and water movement, especially during generation periods Holding in deeper water during bright midday periods, moving shallow to feed	Channel swing banks with adjacent deep water in 15-30 foot range Brush piles positioned near river channels in 10-20 foot depths Rock and chunk rock areas near bluff walls, especially where current is present	Live Bait Rigs with heavy weights near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges Trolling Deep (20'+) during daylight hours	Shad schools in deeper water Crawfish in rocky areas Various sunfish species near brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Of The Ozarks

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	60-76	Bass actively chasing shad schools, with frequent surface feeding activity visible, especially during optimal conditions Fish transitioning between summer and fall patterns, moving between shallow and deeper water based on temperature and bait movement More aggressive feeding during wind events and overcast conditions, particularly on points and near baitfish schools	Main lake points and dock areas near channel swings, especially those with wind exposure First two to three cuts in major creek arms near the main lake Brush piles and rocky areas in 10-15 foot depth range	Bladed Jigs burned around docks and through baitfish schools Structure Jigs worked methodically around dock posts and rocky points Lipless Crankbaits for actively feeding fish around visible bait schools	Shad (both gizzard and threadfin) schooling in creek arms and around main lake structure Crawfish active around rocky areas and points	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are transitioning to deeper water, following shad schools and actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. They tend to school tightly around structure in the 15-25 foot range. Fish become more aggressive during feeding windows, especially during overcast days or early/late in the day when light penetration is reduced in the moderately stained water.	Brush piles positioned on or near secondary points in 15-25 foot depths Deep dock edges adjacent to creek channel swings Main lake points where shad schools are present	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - precise presentation to suspended fish Crappie Spider Rigging - effective for covering water and finding active schools Hover/Mid-Strolling - excellent for working large areas where shad are present	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Small bluegill near brush piles Young of year baitfish gathering in schools	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	White bass are actively schooling and chasing shad schools in the water column, particularly during low-light periods Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following baitfish from deeper structure to shallower flats and points	Main lake points near river channel intersections Brush piles in 9-15 foot depth range Back of major creek arms where shad are congregating	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily along channel edges Lipless Crankbaits burned through surfacing schools	Shad schools moving into creek arms Small baitfish relating to brush piles Young-of-year crappie around brush structure	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	65-78	Fish are transitioning into fall feeding patterns, actively pursuing crawfish along channel edges and points, with increased activity during low-light periods Fish are utilizing channel swings and adjacent structure as primary feeding zones, showing aggressive feeding behavior when conditions align	River channel swings with adjacent structure Main lake points with access to deep water Brush piles in 15-25 foot range near channel edges	Football Jigs worked slowly along channel edges and points Shakey Heads on brush piles and channel structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and channel swings	Crawfish around rock and wood cover Shad schools moving along channel edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively feeding to build reserves for winter, with increased activity during low-light periods and after rain events when current increases Moving between deep channel edges and nearby shallow flats, following shad movements and responding to cooling water temperatures	Channel swing banks with adjacent brush piles in 15-25 foot range Rocky bluff walls near deep water access Shallow flats near river channels where shad are congregating	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or large minnows Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near channel edges Texas Rigs (Worming) with large soft plastics near brush piles	Shad schools congregating in large balls Crawfish in rocky areas Dying or injured baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	47-64	Bass are relating to deep water access points but will move shallower on sunny days and during warming trends, particularly around channel swing banks and points Fish are showing a mix of reaction and slow-presentation strikes, with better reaction bite activity during windy conditions	Channel swing banks with chunk rock in 10-15 feet of water Deep docks with nearby access to channel edges Wind-blown points with rock transitions	Umbrella Rigs worked along channel edges and wind-blown points Finesse Jigs and tubes dragged slowly along rocky bottom transitions Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near brush piles and dock edges	Shad schooling near channel edges and points Crawfish active on rocky substrate during warming trends	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-52	Crappie are suspending near deep vertical structure in loose winter schools, primarily around brush piles and bluff walls in 15-30 feet of water Larger fish are breaking into smaller groups in open water while smaller fish are schooling tightly near brush	Brush piles in 25-30 feet of water near channel swing banks Docks in 15-18 feet of water, particularly on the mid-lake area Rock bluffs with vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Crappie Dock Shooting Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad (primary winter forage) Minnows	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	White Bass	47-55	White bass are schooling in protected areas, particularly around brush piles in the 9-foot range at the backs of coves Fish are actively relating to structure and suspending under docks, likely following baitfish movements in these areas	Brush piles in 9-foot depth range at the back of northern coves Dock areas with nearby structure Protected areas with defined channel swings	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around brush piles Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure	Shad schools concentrated in protected areas Small baitfish relating to brush pile areas	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	47-61	Spotted bass are concentrating in creek arms, primarily around dock structure in 6-15 ft depths, with some fish moving to points later in the day for feeding activity Fish are actively feeding on shad, showing both deeper structure-oriented behavior and occasional surface feeding patterns	Docks in creek arms 6-15 feet deep Main lake and secondary points Brush piles near channel swings in 20-30 foot range	Spinnerbaits worked around dock posts and edges Hard Topwater (Walking) on points during afternoon feeding periods Drop Shot for deeper, less active fish	Shad schools around docks and points Crawfish in brush pile areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	43-52	Catfish concentrate in the deepest available water, particularly in river channels and near bluff walls, moving minimally to conserve energy Feeding windows are shorter and less frequent, with most activity occurring during the warmest parts of the day Fish tend to group up in winter, creating opportunities for multiple catches from the same location	Deep river channels and channel bends in 25-40 foot range Steep bluff walls adjacent to deep water Deep brush piles near channel swings	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Winter-stressed shad Bottom-dwelling crawfish Small sunfish in brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Of The Ozarks

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	45-degree chunk rock points near channel swings, especially those with wind exposure	Secondary points with dock structures, particularly the first docks leading into cuts
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-20 feet on secondary points	Docks with brush in 15-25 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Brush piles in 9-25 foot depth range near tributary mouths	Main lake points and channel swings leading to spawning tributaries
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake cuts with concentrated baitfish schools in 20-30 foot range	Channel swings near pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel swing banks with access to both deep water and shallow flats	Brush piles in 15-25 foot ranges near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with walkways providing overhead cover for spawning	Shallow brush piles in protected areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Midway back in large creek arms with suspended schools	Secondary points near spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Major tributary mouths and incoming creek channels	Shallow gravel flats and rocky areas in 2-6 foot depth near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets with gravel or hard bottom near deeper water access	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Channel swing banks with adjacent brush piles in 10-15 foot depths	Rocky areas near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points in 2-6 feet of water near deep water access	Shallow brush piles with active bluegill present
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 4-16 foot depth range, particularly in upper river section	Secondary points with brush or wood cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Major creek mouths and river channel intersections	Main lake points near spawning tributaries
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning pockets, especially those with brush piles in 10-15 foot range	Channel swing banks with docks and available cover in 8-20 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel swing banks with adjacent brush piles in 10-30 foot range	Rocky bottom areas near river channels where crawfish are active
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks in 8-10 feet of water, especially those with walkways and swim platforms	Brush piles in 10-20 foot depth range
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 16-22 foot depth range, particularly near channel swings	Rocky points with good boulders near river channel
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels in 15-25 foot range	Brush piles positioned on channel swings in 9-20 foot depth
Summer	Spotted Bass	Deep brush piles positioned on channel swings in 20-30 foot range	Wind-blown main lake points with access to deep water
Summer	Catfish	Channel swing banks with adjacent deep water in 15-30 foot range	Brush piles positioned near river channels in 10-20 foot depths
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and dock areas near channel swings, especially those with wind exposure	First two to three cuts in major creek arms near the main lake
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles positioned on or near secondary points in 15-25 foot depths	Deep dock edges adjacent to creek channel swings
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points near river channel intersections	Brush piles in 9-15 foot depth range
Fall	Spotted Bass	River channel swings with adjacent structure	Main lake points with access to deep water
Fall	Catfish	Channel swing banks with adjacent brush piles in 15-25 foot range	Rocky bluff walls near deep water access
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Channel swing banks with chunk rock in 10-15 feet of water	Deep docks with nearby access to channel edges
Winter	Crappie	Brush piles in 25-30 feet of water near channel swing banks	Docks in 15-18 feet of water, particularly on the mid-lake area
Winter	White Bass	Brush piles in 9-foot depth range at the back of northern coves	Dock areas with nearby structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Docks in creek arms 6-15 feet deep	Main lake and secondary points
Winter	Catfish	Deep river channels and channel bends in 25-40 foot range	Steep bluff walls adjacent to deep water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in pockets and around points	Crawfish emerging and active around rocky structures
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Small baitfish suspending near structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools suspending around brush piles	Small baitfish gathered in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Schooling Baitfish/Minnows in large concentrated balls	Crawfish beginning to emerge in warming areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallower	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad moving into spawning areas	Crawfish active in shallow rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Small baitfish in creek arms
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Young-of-year Shad	Small Minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas	Small shad schools in pockets and around points
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow brush and around docks	Shad relating to current-swept areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage based on lake profile)	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools concentrating near creek mouths	Small baitfish in tributary areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn patterns	Crawfish active in warmer shallow waters around rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools becoming more active in warming waters	Crawfish emerging and active on rocky structures
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling around docks and points	Bluegill relating to dock structure and shallow cover
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in the mid-depth range	Small baitfish relating to brush piles
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Small baitfish relating to brush piles
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near deep structure	Crawfish in and around brush piles and rocky areas
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools in deeper water	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad (both gizzard and threadfin) schooling in creek arms and around main lake structure	Crawfish active around rocky areas and points
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Small bluegill near brush piles
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools moving into creek arms	Small baitfish relating to brush piles
Fall	Spotted Bass	Crawfish around rock and wood cover	Shad schools moving along channel edges
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in large balls	Crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling near channel edges and points	Crawfish active on rocky substrate during warming trends
Winter	Crappie	Shad (primary winter forage)	Minnows
Winter	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in protected areas	Small baitfish relating to brush pile areas
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools around docks and points	Crawfish in brush pile areas
Winter	Catfish	Winter-stressed shad	Bottom-dwelling crawfish

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Of The Ozarks

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Warm Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	White Bass	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals