Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Report – Warming Water & Rising Lake Level

Fishing on Lake of the Ozarks is hitting a strong spring stride, with water temperatures now in the 60s and the lake sitting near full pool. These conditions are pushing both bass and crappie further into spawning patterns, while still leaving plenty of fish staging just outside.

Bass Fishing Report

The key pattern right now is targeting spawning pockets with pea gravel, especially in protected coves. With the lake up, there’s more cover in the water—and bass are taking full advantage of it.

Don’t overlook:

Behind docks – prime spawning and bedding areas
Dock cables and walkways – key ambush and transition spots
Shallow cover that’s newly flooded with the higher water

Best baits:

Wacky rig worms – perfect for skipping under docks and targeting beds
Carolina rigs – great for catching staging fish just outside spawning pockets
Glide baits & swimbaits – ideal for covering water and targeting bigger females
Topwater – starting to pick up, especially in low light and calm conditions

Bass are in all phases right now, so adjusting depth slightly can make all the difference.

Crappie Fishing Report

Crappie are moving shallow with the warming water, but a lot are still staging just off the bank. The higher lake level is opening up more shallow cover, and fish are starting to use it.

Key areas:

Behind docks and along dock cables
Brush piles near spawning pockets
Transition zones just outside shallow coves

Best baits:

Grubs – reliable for staging fish
Keitech Easy Shiners – great for swimming through suspended crappie

As more fish commit to the bank, that shallow bite will only get better—but for now, keeping an eye on both shallow and slightly deeper fish is the key.

Overall Outlook

With water temps in the 60s and the lake near full pool, conditions are about as good as it gets for spring fishing. Fish are active, moving shallow, and grouped up around key cover like docks and spawning pockets.

If you’re on the water now, you’re in the middle of one of the best bites of the year.