Guide To Fishing At Lake of The Ozarks

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, white bass and paddlefish at Lake of The Ozarks in Missouri.

An excellent bass and striper fishing destination, Lake of the Ozarks is conveniently located in central Missouri. It is one of Missouri's premier lake resort destinations. In addition to great fishing and boating there are plenty of areas for camping, picnicking and hiking.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Lake of the Ozarks, located in central Missouri, is a premier fishing destination that attracts anglers of all skill levels. The lake is renowned for its expansive size, covering over 54,000 acres, and its diverse fish populations.

Largemouth and spotted bass are among the most sought-after fish species in Lake of the Ozarks. Anglers can find an abundance of submerged structures, including brush piles, docks, and rocky points, which provide excellent hiding spots for bass. Techniques such as flipping and pitching jigs, casting soft plastics, or topwater lures can be highly effective in enticing these game fish. The lake's clear waters and abundant bass populations make it a favorite among bass fishing enthusiasts.

For catfish enthusiasts, Lake of the Ozarks offers excellent opportunities to catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. These large and powerful fish can be targeted using a variety of techniques, such as bottom fishing with cut bait, live bait, or prepared stink baits. Anglers often focus on submerged channels, deep holes, or around structure to find catfish. The lake's deep waters and ample catfish populations make it a popular destination for catfish anglers.

White crappie are another popular species in Lake of the Ozarks, particularly during the spring and fall seasons when they move into shallower waters to spawn and feed. Anglers can find crappie around submerged brush piles, docks, and other structures. Fishing with small jigs or live minnows can be effective in catching these delicious panfish. The lake's numerous crappie populations make it a prime spot for crappie fishing.

Lake of the Ozarks also offers opportunities to catch white bass and bluegill. White bass can be found in the lake's open water and are known for their aggressive nature and strong fights. Bluegill, on the other hand, can be caught around docks, submerged brush piles, and rocky areas. Anglers can use small jigs or live bait to entice these panfish.

In addition to its outstanding fishing opportunities, Lake of the Ozarks provides ample options for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the vast expanse of the lake, enjoy water sports, or simply relax in the peaceful coves. The lake's numerous marinas, boat ramps, and camping facilities cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake of the Ozarks is a premier fishing destination in Missouri, offering diverse fish species, breathtaking scenery, and a wide range of recreational activities. Whether you're an avid angler or a family looking for outdoor adventures, Lake of the Ozarks is sure to provide an unforgettable fishing experience.

Shopping, restaurants, motels and resorts are plentiful throughout the area. Visit Lake of the Ozarks for great fishing, camping and boating while experiencing the outdoors with friends or family. With over 1,100 miles of shoreline and 57,000 surface acres, anglers have plenty of water to explore in search of their favorite sport fish. Bass, catfish, walleye, crappie and sunfish are the primary targets - all of which reside here in both quantity and quality. Fishing from the bank is popular with easy access from various places around the lake. Popular boats for fishing include bass boats, pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats.

Primary fish species residing in Lake of The Ozarks

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake of The Ozarks Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Adventure Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 964-1999

Alhonna Resort & Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
573 365-2634

Big Thunder at Glencove Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
573 365-4001

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and bass boats
573 348-1233

Paradise Marina and Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 745-0700

Pointe Oasis Resort & Marina Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 374-1400

Village Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
573 365-1800

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Brown Bend Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Brown Bend Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Eagle Bay Dock and Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the far east side of the lake, north side, off Fire Road H-1A, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Gravois Mills Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Access Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Larry R Gale Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Lake Road Aa-101, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Linn Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Cape Woods Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lotell Hollow Cove Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Bluebird Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

LOTO State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Public Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

McCubbins Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off McCubbins Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Pa He Tsi Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Honey Bau Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Shawnee Bend Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off TT Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sunrise Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located on the west end, north side, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.