Missouri Lakes Fishing Report by Steve Wilson

Lake - Lake of The Ozarks 12/13/06:

The winter fishing is in full swing at Lake of the Ozarks. But use caution around large marinas such as Moorings, Tan Tara, and the other large condo docks. That is where there is still huge dock structures on top of huge boats. There is a lot of metal, sunken boats and most importantly scuba divers! So be very careful. Remember no one ever catches anything in the winter by getting into a hurry!

Lake level: 657.75 with minimum generation scheduled for the next few days. This should hold the lake at 657.8 Truman lake: 705.0

Water temps range from low 50's down to 42. The lower deeper part of the lake (Dam and Gravois) has the warmest and clearest water.

Dam and Gravois areas: Clear with some stain in the water up the Gravois. Football jigs against the deep bluff walls outside coves and just inside them is working really well. When the fish are holding on the ledges 12'-30' a 5/8 to 3/4 size on 15# Fluorocarbon works best. When the fish are right up against the rocks 3/16 to 5/16 size works best. Pick colors based on water color because as you go up the Gravois the water starts to dirty up. Go from natural greens and browns to black and blue as you enter the colored water. With the water temps in the area warmer than others the pattern options increase. They are still biting white spinnerbaits and fish are starting to go real good on the crawdad colored wiggle wart. That patten is working best along creek channels.

Glaize: Clear with some color in the upper reaches. The bite is good on the lower part of this area. But the water is very cold and dirty up the Glaize. So the best bite is in the first 6 miles of the Glaize. Jigs on channel bluffs and spinnerbaits and wiggle warts inside the small creeks. Look for the rocks on the 45 degree banks. There are also a few fish relating to the deeper private docks with brushpiles around them. One of the best ways to fish this cover is a 5/16 jig with light fluorocarbon. You will be able to feel the difference in rocks and brush. Stop in at Osage Beach Bait & Tackle. They have a ton of these football jigs and a good selection of spinnerbaits. And when you in the river section of the lake District 78 tackle shop at Red Oak has quality tackle.

Nianguas: Clear with stained water in the upper reaches. I haven’t had a chance to fish the Nianguas since the storm. I will have more on this part of the lake in the following weeks.

Osage River: Stained around the Hwy 5 bridge area and it really starts to dirty up past the 50 mile marker. The water is a lot colder in the river and is much better as you go down the lake towards Bagnell Dam. But there still is some good fishing on the lower Osage. The most consistent way to catch them is a 5/16 jig fished around the brushpiles on docks that sit on creek channel banks.

Thanks and Good Luck!

Check your calendars, reserve a date and Lets Go Fishing!!!!!!!! To inquire about or book a trip email me at BassFactory@Netzero.Net or call 314-406-3913

Click here to email Steve Wilson and
schedule your fully guided dream trip today.