Winter can bring some frigid temperatures to the area, causing the cover and channel areas to freeze. It is very uncommon for the open water areas of Lake of the Ozarks to freeze.
The Missouri Department of Conservation has claimed a 134-pound Paddlefish as the biggest fish caught in the Lake of the Ozarks.
Catch and release fishing is an integral part of conservation, but when done right, harvesting fish can be just as impactful when. Anglers can keep a daily limit of 15 White Bass, and only 4 of those 15 can be over 18 inches in length. The possession limit is 30. Rules and regulations can change, so it's essential to keep track of what length must be returned and your specific fishing area requirements.
The biggest bass caught in the state of Missouri is a Striped Bass weighing 39 pounds and 8 ounces. The fish was caught by using a jugline. However, for pole and line, a 21 pound and 11-ounce Striper were brought to the shore from the Missouri waters in March of 2019. Largemouth Bass has a 13 pound and 14-ounce record, so it’s safe to say this state is filled with big fish.
The best time of day to catch Crappie is during the early morning and dusk hours. Fishing can also be excellent during midnight hours. The time of year best for Crappie fishing is during spring and fall for shallow water fishing and during winter and summer for deep water vertical jigging.
Two types of shad are in Lake of the Ozarks, and both are excellent for bass and crappie fishing. Threadfin Shad is silver in color with a yellowish tail fin. Gizzard Shad, also known as Hickory Shard, Herring, or Skipjack, is slightly taller in the profile and has a clear tailfin.
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