Lake Of The Ozarks

[Nkybassfisherman]

Hey Missouri guys I could use a little help with this lake. I'm heading here in the middle of March to fish the FLW Central division Collegiate Event. I have never been on this lake and due to budget our team will not get to pre fish. So I will have to rely on my online sources of information and my knowledge about where fish are located during the prespawn stages to put myself on fish. Any tips or information that you all would think help me find the fish that time of year? PM me if needed. Thanks!

[mcipinkie]

Get on the north side of the lake and throw jerk baits on points.  Never fail pattern if you don't know anything else to do. Assuming out of PB2.  I'd stay mid lake to dam, or possibly in Gravois arm, but normally north banks are key.  Wiggle Warts work also.  Millions of docks to flip jigs in front of, but most March tournaments are won on jerk baits.

 

I don't like A-rigs personally, but you better be prepared especially if the water warms up.  If it gets really warm and fish move up early, throw tubes or Sweet Beavers behind docks.  Don't be afraid to get shallow.

 

Jerk baits.  Jerk baits.  Jerk baits.

[Bluebasser86]

Jerkbaits, wiggle warts, jigs, or shakyheads will probably be your main bait of choice for LOZ that time of year. Either get on the points and throw jerkbaits or get parallel to steep rock/bluff walls and fish a jerkbait. If it's a team deal whoever is closest to the wall fish a shallower running jerkbait and whoever is further away fish a deeper running jerkbait or a jig. Docks over deeper water can hold lots of fish that will suspend just out of sight under the dock and fishing a jerkbait in the stalls or along the sides can account for lots of fish. I haven't had much luck on an A-rig at LOZ but I certainly wouldn't rule that out of the equation unless they're prohibited. I like the area around PB2 and I'm assuming that is where you're gong to fish. My best tournament out there I caught all my fish about half a mile from ramp. 

[FishinChris]

I agree with everything said above.  

 

One note though, if you use the A-rig in Missouri it can only have 3 hooks on it....not 5.  

 

Good luck!!

[micahthorlawson]

Couple buddies of mine won the FLW Central division Collegiate Event in 2010.  Caught all their keepers on wiggle warts.  If that bite is on you want rock banks that go from boulders to pea-gravel.  You will catch alot of fish.  I have done well on jerkbaits and slow-rolling spinnerbaits.  I have literally seen someone take second in a tournamnet in march by fishing a mega bass off the second point to the right coming out of PB2 ALL DAY.  That was the BFL in 2011. 

 

I would reach for the jerk-bait first.

[mc6524]

micahthorlawson is absolutely correct.  That is the typical early spring pattern.  The only thing I would add is try and find the stained water.  Stained water warms sooner than clear and the warmer water is key.  Just a couple of degrees can sometime really make a difference

[Harva]

I'll be heading to LOZ this weekend. Weather looks to be sunny, 8 to 12 mph winds, and water temps in the low 40's. Will be mainly in the Linn Creek area, limited boating distance. I plan on throwing jerkbaits and jigs. Anyone have any other ideas or thoughts? Any reports lately?

[kylek]

Here's the lastest fishing report for LOZ

 

 LAKE OF THE OZARKS: Low 40s, clear, 4 feet low. Outlook: Gier’s Bass Pro reports: crappies good on jigs 5 feet down in 10 to 15 feet of water in the brush along docks; bass good on jerkbaits, Alabama rigs off secondary points and in the brush.

 

But, I wouldn't rule out some boat docks too. 

 

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/02/27/4090898/fishing-report-table-rock-lake.html#storylink=cpy

[Bluebasser86]

shakyheads and jigging spoons should probably be in your arsenal as well. Look for steeper rock banks, preferably with channel swings nearby. 

[Harva]

I think I might try the shakyheads a little bit also.  Will definately be exploring the windy side of the docks.

I haven't fished a jigging spoon though. Any special techniques for the sppons? I do have a great chunk rock steep bank in mind that will get a lot of casts. Twenty five feet deep just 5 to 10 feet from the bank. Have caught a few along that in the past. The only problem it will not be in the sun most of the day, so it might not warm as fast as other areas.

[Bluebasser86]

I think I might try the shakyheads a little bit also.  Will definately be exploring the windy side of the docks.

I haven't fished a jigging spoon though. Any special techniques for the sppons? I do have a great chunk rock steep bank in mind that will get a lot of casts. Twenty five feet deep just 5 to 10 feet from the bank. Have caught a few along that in the past. The only problem it will not be in the sun most of the day, so it might not warm as fast as other areas.

Main thing is to find the baitfish. Most of the shad should still be pretty deep this time of year. You can fish it under deep docks in the boat stalls, off the end of points, or my personal favorite, bluff banks were the channel swings in close to the bank. On the bluff bank if the bluff has a channel that swings in and runs across a point then it's even better. Again, main thing is bait, no bait makes it a lot less effective. 

[Nkybassfisherman]

Well the tournament is coming up this weekend. Is anyone catching any fish? Water Conditions?

[rubba bubba]

Also, what is everyone's favorite jerkbait color/size for LOZ?

[DelfiBoyz_One_and_Only]

I have fished bull shoals before and it was amazing. Believe it or not swim jigs(jig with swimbait trailer), tubes (jig and tubes in natural colors) and if you find some discolored water bright chatterbaits were amazing. I am not sure where you normally fish but for me the fish where a lot deeper than I am use to here in Va. Focus on points start far back and work your way up close. keepers can be caught on skakyheads and drop shots under boat docks. The more boats the better.

Let me know how you do...

Jay-

[Oldplug]

It is going to be tuff that is about all I can add unless you find a hot bank. Most of those my be a 20 - 40 mile run up the lake If your fishing out of public beach #2. your going to have to fish it very slow whatever you use.

Forecast is calling for rain and snow on Thursday. Lots of luck. It's not my cup of tea.