Missouri Lakes Fishing Report by Steve Wilson

Lake - Lake of The Ozarks 01/10/07:

Warmer than normal water temps have contributed to the bite remaining strong this winter. For example the water temp in the mid lake section has been 46-47 degrees this week. Last year at this time the water temp was 39-41 degrees. And last years winter was mild. These warmer water temps mean everything to the cold blooded bass. Fishing is good when the water temps are in the mid to low 40's. Compared to water temps that are 37-39 degrees. When the water temps are that cold you might be better off searching for life on Mars!

Lake level: 658.18 Minimum generation is scheduled for the next few days. This should hold the lake steady at 658.2 Truman lake level: 706.22

Water temp: Look for the water temps to drop after the cold front sets in this weekend. Temps are around 48-50 degrees in the Bagnell Dam and mouth of the Gravois areas. The water temps drop to mid 40's just past Hurricane Deck Bridge. Water temps are in the low 40's further up the river. (For winter fishing you want to focus on the warmer clearer water of the middle to lower end of the lake. Reports for the next couple of months will focus on the Dam/Gravois area, Glaize area and main Osage from Toll Bridge to Hurricane Deck Bridge.)

Bagnell Dam and Gravois area: Clear with stained water in the upper Gravois. This portion of the lake gets the bulk of the winter fishing pressure. It is the warmest and the clearest. The bite has remained the same with the jig being the go to bait. The fish seem to be on the bottom more and near brush. Which helps the jig bite. With the type year we have had the water temps are much warmer on the bottom. The water temps are a lot warmer than last year at this time. Which opens up more pattern possibilities. (Spinnerbait) But for the most part jigs, jerkbaits and wiggle warts (traditional winter lures) are taking the majority of the bass. Fish are located on the steeper bluff channel banks on the main lake and in the creeks. Also secondary points are a big deal at this water level. Pick you jigs based on the depth you are fishing. If you are fishing main lake bluffs. A 5/8 Jewel football jig is hard to beat if your fishing 10'-30' down on the ledges. And add some bulk to it. Use a bulky trailer such as a Zoom Super Chunk or Paca Chunk. If you are fishing the steep banks in the creeks 3/16-5/16 jigs with downsized trailer work better.

Glaize area: Clear with stained water in the upper Glaize. The bite is much the same in this area as the lower end. The fishing is best in the lower Glaize. It gets too cold as you go up the Glaize. The steep bluffs where the channel touches are holding fish. Jigs have been the best way to get them. But some days jerkbaits in shad colors have been working good. These fish are holding on the same steep bluffs just 5'-10' off away from the bluff. They are holding in the 8'-12' range feeding on glass minnows. Which you can see as clutter on your depth finder at that depth. They also will follow your jerkbait up to the boat. When these minnows are present the jerkbait bite is good. But it is not an everyday thing. The water is warm enough in the lower Glaize to catch fish on wiggle warts. Fish them on the natural creek channel banks in the coves.

Osage from the Toll Bridge to Hurricane Deck Bridge: Clear with slightly stained water in the Hurricane Deck Bridge area. The fishing is better as you go down the lake towards the Toll Bridge. The water temps drop as you head up lake. The fishing is the best in the small feeder creeks that are known as coves. Fish the steeper sides where the winter fish hold up. If there is a lot of docks on the steep bank the jig is the best way to go. Search around the dock for brush piles with your lure. Once brush is located fish it very slowly. On natural channel banks fish wiggle warts. This allows you to cover more water since there is less docks and the brush is harder to locate on these banks. With the warmer water temps the bites are more aggressive. It seems like once you get it in front of their face they bite it.

Thanks and Good luck!

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