This is Artificial Lure checking in with your Lake of the Ozarks local fishing report for Sunday, May 25, 2025.

It’s been a near perfect stretch of late May weather with warm temps, clear skies, and light winds. Today’s sunrise was at 5:47 a.m., and sunset will be around 8:23 p.m. No tidal changes to report, just the steady current you’d expect from LOZ. The water level is full pool and clear everywhere, holding steady around 659 feet, with water temps right around 80 degrees.

The bass bite is on fire right now in just about every corner of the lake. We’re in that sweet spot of the season where fish are both spawning and transitioning to early post-spawn patterns. You’ll find plenty of bass up shallow, especially near boat docks, brush, and along sunny banks. Good numbers of keepers are being caught daily, though the bigger females are hit-or-miss as they wait to push off the bank. If you’re looking for a lunker, focus on areas where bluegill are spawning—those big girls are hanging out near bluegill beds by docks, lights, and wood cover. Morning and evening shade periods are especially hot near overhead cover and in deeper boat docks.

Best baits right now include topwaters like walking baits and poppers, swimbaits, big worms, and jigs. Topwater action is reliable in spawning pockets and just inside main lake points. If you love running brush piles, don’t hesitate to throw a jig or Texas-rigged plastic. The shad and bluegill are thick and suspended, so matching the hatch will get you good results. If you find dirtier water, which is rare this week, fish it hard—you’ll likely strike gold with more aggressive bites.

Crappie are still being caught but action is starting to slow down a bit from the peak. The key is fishing brush piles on or near main lake points, especially on the Glaize Arm. Most crappie being caught are solid keepers, both black and white, most above the 9-inch minimum. Small jigs and minnows are best, and fishing structure is the real key.

For hot spots, check out the Grand Glaize Arm for both crappie and bass, especially the brush piles and docks in that area. Another great area right now is the stretch just inside main lake points throughout the mid-lake region—these spots are holding both spawning and post-spawn bass and lots of baitfish.

Overall, it’s a fantastic time to be out. The fish are biting, the water is just right, and there’s a pattern for every angler. Good luck and tight lines—see y’all on the water!

Artificial Lure

Good morning, anglers, this is Artificial Lure with the latest Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Saturday, May 24th, 2025. The lake is full pool and the water is clear just about everywhere. We’re coming out of a recent full moon, and that’s pushed another wave of fish up to spawn – so there’s a lot of activity both shallow and deep right now. The sun rose this morning at 5:47 AM and will set around 8:22 PM, giving you a long day to chase bites.

Temperature-wise, expect warm spring conditions, with water temps moving into the upper 70s and even creeping toward 80 degrees in some spots. Winds have been mild, which has kept water clarity high. Since the Lake of the Ozarks isn’t a tidal system, there’s no tidal report, but the stable water levels help keep those fish shallow.

Bass fishing is hot right now, with plenty of keepers being caught. The big females are still playing hard to get, but you’ll find them cruising around docks, especially where bluegill are beginning to nest. There are several patterns working, so take your pick: topwater baits like Spooks, walking baits, and buzzbaits over shallow points and spawning pockets have been producing fish, especially early in the morning and during cloudy stretches. Around docks and brush, try skipping stickbaits, Texas-rigged worms, or shaky heads for numbers. Main lake and secondary points with a little slope and some chunk rock have been good as well, especially just inside the main lake where bank transitions happen[1][3][4].

Crappie have slowed a bit post-spawn but are starting to regroup around deeper brush piles and shaded docks. Jigs tipped with minnows or small plastics under a slip cork should get you some action, but you’ll have to work a bit harder than a couple weeks ago. Catfish are entering their prime time, with channels and blues being caught around rocky banks, bridge pilings, and the mouths of coves. Fresh cut shad or live bait is the ticket.

As for hot spots, the Gravois Arm and areas near the Grand Glaize Bridge have been producing good numbers of bass, especially early. The Niangua Arm is always a solid bet for a mixed bag of bass and catfish. Look for a little stain in the water if you can find it – that can be a goldmine when the lake is otherwise clear[4].

To sum up, the fish are biting, the patterns are wide open, and with a little bit of hunting you’ll put together a nice bag. Bring your favorite topwater lures and soft plastics, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Good luck out there and tight lines[1][2][3][4][5]!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Friday, May 23rd, 2025.

We're looking at another beautiful day on the water with the water level finally at full pool after being low earlier this spring. The recent full moon has triggered another wave of spawning activity, though we're starting to see a transition as we move deeper into May.

Bass fishing has been heating up nicely across the lake! Many fish are still up on the banks, but we're seeing the beginning of their movement toward deeper water and boat docks. There are multiple patterns in play right now, which means you've got options. Keeper bass are plentiful, though the big females have been somewhat elusive. If you're trophy hunting, focus on areas with bluegill beds, as the biggest bass seem to be hanging around there rather than chasing shad.

For lures, try topwaters early in the morning along steep banks where shad are present. As the sun gets higher, switch to swimbaits, jigs, or big worms around docks and tree cover. One hot tip: if you can find any pockets of stained water in our currently clear lake, that's absolute gold right now!

Crappie fishing remains a bit slower than typical for May, likely due to those drought conditions we experienced back in 2022-2023 that hurt recruitment. Your best shot at slabs is targeting brush piles near points in the Glaize Arm, where they're holding in 8-15 feet of water. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) in chartreuse colors have been effective, and minnows remain reliable for consistent action.

Catfish action is prime time right now! They've been particularly active following the recent full moon.

Hot spots this week include the lower end of the lake for bass, which has produced solid tournament weigh-ins recently. For crappie, focus on the Glaize Arm brush piles. If you're after numbers of fish rather than size, the numerous docks with overhead shade have been holding good concentrations of keeper bass during the heat of the day.

Water clarity is good throughout the lake, and we've got perfect temperatures for late May fishing. Remember that in the coming weeks, we'll see more fish transitioning to their summer patterns and moving to slightly deeper water.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next time. Y'all get out there and catch 'em up!

Good morning from Lake of the Ozarks, folks. Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday, May 21, 2025, fishing report, and you could not ask for better timing to be out on the water. The lake is sitting at full pool after a recent full moon, and as of sunrise at 5:51 AM, the weather is seasonably warm with water temperatures hovering right around 80 degrees and rising. We’re headed for a mostly sunny day, highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, and sunset will be at 8:22 PM.

Fish are active and biting all over the lake right now. There has been a recent wave of both bass and crappie moving up to spawn, with a mix of pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn patterns happening all at once. Most bass are hanging around the banks and boat docks, especially in those sun-drenched northern pockets and any coves off the bigger creeks. You can find bass just inside main lake points on sloped and mixed rock banks as well. Docks and shaded cover are especially productive during the midday heat.

Anglers have been putting good numbers of keepers in the boat, though the bigger bass—those lunker females—are a bit elusive and scattered, likely waiting to push off the bank or hanging around bluegill beds and docks. If you want a chance at a big girl, target areas where bluegill are spawning, like shallow brush, docks, and anywhere with shade or bug activity. Wolf packs of bass are still chasing shad and bluegill, and there is a strong bite early and late on topwater lures. Baits like walking spooks, poppers, buzzbaits, and swimbaits are hot right now, especially fished around shallow pockets and just inside main lake points. Jigs and big soft plastics are still catching fish, too, both shallow and deep.

Crappie fishing has been a little tougher in recent days, as many are wrapping up their spawn, but you can still pluck some decent slabs off deeper brush and dock structure using minnows or small jigs. Catfish anglers are enjoying prime time, with flatheads and channels active on cut bait and live bait around channel swings and deeper holes.

Best bets for hot spots today include the Gravois Arm for consistent bass action, and the backs of Lick Branch and Shawnee Bend where you’ll find active fish on both docks and shallow brush. If you stumble onto a patch of dirty water in an otherwise clear lake, you just found a hidden gem—bass are often stacked up where the water’s got a little color.

For bait, keep your topwater plugs, green pumpkin jigs, pearl swimbaits, and spinnerbaits handy for bass, and live minnows or Bobby Garland-style jigs for crappie. Catfish are best on fresh cut shad or bluegill.

That’s the scoop today from Lake of the Ozarks. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water. The fish are biting—don’t miss out!

[1][2][3][4]

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Monday, May 19th, 2025.

We're looking at another beautiful day on the water with temperatures expected to be comfortable for both you and the fish. The lake is finally at full pool after being low earlier this spring, which is great news for all of us looking to get after some fish today.

Bass fishing continues to be hot right now! We've had a full moon just last week that triggered another wave of spawning activity. Currently, we're seeing a mix of spawning and post-spawn bass, with many fish still up on the banks and others starting to utilize boat docks. This transition period means multiple patterns are working, giving you plenty of options.

For those targeting bass, topwater baits have been extremely effective, especially when working spawning pockets and protected northern banks that get plenty of sun. Look for those pearl mix banks just inside main lake points - you don't always have to go all the way to the backs of coves to find bedding fish. The big females have been somewhat elusive, but keeper-size fish are abundant.

Crappie fishing remains a bit challenging compared to typical May patterns. This is likely due to the drought conditions we experienced back in 2022-2023 that affected recruitment. If you're determined to chase slabs, focus on brush piles near points in the Glaize Arm. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8-15 feet of water. Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) in chartreuse have been productive, and minnows remain reliable for consistent action.

Catfish are in prime time right now, so don't overlook these fighters if you're looking for some good action.

Hot spots this week include the spawning pockets off bigger creeks, particularly those with northern exposure. Also, try the banks from the main lake to the first spawning pocket - this stretch is great for both pre-spawn and post-spawn fish. For crappie, focus on the Glaize Arm brush piles.

In about two weeks, we'll see many more post-spawn fish moving to deeper water, but for now, we have the luxury of targeting fish both shallow and deep. The bite has been good overall with plenty of keepers, though trophy fish have been somewhat scarce.

Remember, folks, the early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. Get out there and enjoy our beautiful lake during this fantastic time of year!

This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, everyone!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for this beautiful Sunday, May 18th, 2025.

Folks, the fishing action is really heating up as we move deeper into May! The bass bite has been exceptional this past week with many fish in post-spawn patterns now. Two weeks ago they were actively spawning, but now they've moved to recovery mode[2]. This transition has made topwater baits extremely effective, especially when working spawning pockets, northern banks that get plenty of sun, and areas just inside main lake points[2].

The crappie fishing continues to be a bit slower than usual this season. This is likely due to those drought conditions we experienced back in 2022-2023 affecting recruitment[4]. If you're still wanting to target slabs, focus on brush piles near points with small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range or minnows.

Catfish action is absolutely prime time right now[3][4]! These whiskered fighters are really turning on as the water warms, making this an excellent opportunity to fill your cooler if you're looking for some good eating.

Water levels are up slightly, which means they're pulling some current. That's only going to improve the fishing conditions[2]. The lake clarity has been improving steadily throughout the month, with fish responding well to both reaction baits and bottom presentations.

For bass anglers, I'd recommend working topwater baits to cover a lot of water, especially in the early morning and late evening. Pearl-colored lures have been particularly effective in the spawning pockets[2].

Hot spots this weekend include the lower end of the lake, which has been producing solid bags during recent tournaments[4]. Also check out those main lake points transitioning into the first spawning pocket - these areas are great for targeting both pre-spawn and post-spawn fish[2].

Remember folks, we can catch fish every month of the year down here at the Lake of the Ozarks. As we move toward summer, expect the numbers to increase even if the average size decreases slightly[2]. That means plenty of action and a whole lot of fun!

Water temperature is climbing nicely, and with the sunny days ahead, expect those fish to settle into their early summer patterns soon. The bass are definitely biting, so get out there and wet a line!

This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, everyone!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for this beautiful Saturday, May 17th, 2025.

We're looking at another gorgeous spring day on the water. The sun rose this morning around 6:00 AM and will set tonight about 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight for casting. Winds are staying mild today, making for nice conditions across most of the lake.

Bass fishing has really heated up over the past couple weeks. The spawning activity we saw earlier this month is transitioning now, with many of the bass moving to their post-spawn locations. The lower end of the lake has been producing solid catches, with several nice largemouth being brought in during recent tournaments. Reaction baits have been working well in the mornings, but as the day heats up, you might want to switch to bottom presentations.

Unfortunately, the crappie fishing remains a bit challenging this season. Those drought conditions back in '22 and '23 continue to affect populations. If you're determined to chase slabs, focus on brush piles near points, particularly in the Glaize Arm. They're holding in 8-15 feet right now. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range are your best bet, especially in chartreuse color. Live minnows are still producing the most consistent results if you're after numbers.

Catfish action is really picking up and should be entering prime time. They're responding well to cut bait and stink baits in the deeper channels.

For hot spots this weekend, I'd recommend trying the area around the 20-25 mile marker if you're chasing bass. Ken and Michelle Miller had an excellent outing there just a couple days ago. For crappie, Jack's Guide Service has been finding success at brush piles near the Hurricane Deck Bridge.

Don't forget your sunscreen and plenty of water today, folks. The temperatures are climbing and it's easy to get dehydrated out there. Remember to practice catch and release with those big ones so our grandkids can enjoy the same quality fishing we have today.

This is Artificial Lure signing off. Tight lines, everyone, and I'll see you on the water!

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Friday, May 16th, 2025. We're looking at a beautiful day shaping up with temperatures expected to reach the upper 70s this afternoon. Sunrise was at about 6:00 AM and we'll have sunset tonight around 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of time on the water.

The fishing action has been heating up nicely across the lake as we settle into mid-May. Bass fishing continues to improve with each passing day. The largemouth are following their typical May patterns, and the lower end of the lake has been producing some solid catches over the past week. Several tournaments wrapped up recently with impressive weigh-ins. Water clarity is good right now, and the bass are responding well to both reaction baits and bottom presentations.

Unfortunately, I've got to tell you that crappie fishing remains a bit slower than what we're used to seeing this time of year. This is likely due to those drought conditions we experienced back in 2022 and 2023 that hurt the crappie recruitment. If you're determined to chase those slabs, your best bet is to target brush piles, especially those located on or near points in the Glaize Arm. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8-15 feet of water. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range are working well, particularly in chartreuse. And minnows remain a reliable option for consistent action.

Catfish action is entering prime time, folks! With water temperatures steadily climbing, these whiskered critters are becoming more active. Cut bait and stink baits are producing well in the deeper channels.

For those of you looking for hot spots today, I'd recommend trying the area around the 40-mile marker where some nice bass have been pulled in this week. Another productive zone has been along the bluffs near Bagnell Dam, where anglers have been having success with larger-sized bass.

For lures, topwater action is starting to pick up early and late in the day. During midday hours, try deeper presentations with jigs, Carolina rigs, or deep-diving crankbaits. Don't overlook docks with good shade cover, as bigger fish are seeking relief from the increasing sun.

Ken and Michelle Miller reported a nice haul of bass just yesterday using Texas-rigged worms around dock structures. And Jack's Guide Service has been putting clients on some quality fish throughout the week.

Remember, the wind is expected to remain light today at around 6-8 mph from the southwest, making for calm conditions across most of the lake. That's all for today, folks. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and good fishing!

Good morning, folks! Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday fishing report for May 14, 2025, coming to you from beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.

We're looking at another gorgeous spring day with temperatures heading into the upper 70s this afternoon. Sunrise was at 6:01 AM and we'll have sunset tonight around 8:14 PM, giving you plenty of time to cast those lines. Winds are staying mild today at 5-7 mph from the southwest, making for nice calm conditions across most of the lake.

Now for what y'all really want to know - what's biting out there? Bass fishing has really been heating up these past couple weeks. Largemouth are active in the shallows, especially during the early morning and evening hours. They've been hitting topwater baits like Zara Spooks and poppers near docks and rocky points. During midday, try working Texas-rigged worms or jigs along drop-offs in 10-15 feet of water.

Crappie fishing remains a bit challenging this year. Those drought conditions from a few years back really affected their numbers, but don't worry - there are still keepers to be found if you know where to look. Your best bet is targeting brush piles along points, particularly in the Glaize Arm. They're holding at 8-15 feet deep. Small jigs in chartreuse or white have been producing, and live minnows remain the most reliable bait for consistent action.

Catfish are in prime time right now! Channel cats are moving into the shallows to spawn, making them more accessible to bank anglers. Cut shad, stink baits, and chicken liver are all working well. If you're after blue cats, drift cut bait in the main channel.

As for hot spots, I'm hearing great reports from Gravois Creek arm where some chunky bass are hanging around docks and laydowns. The Grand Glaize area has been producing some nice catfish, especially around the 7-mile marker. For crappie, try the brush piles near the Hurricane Deck Bridge - several locals have pulled limits there over the past few days.

Remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen as we're getting into those warmer days. The fish are definitely biting, but you might need to work a bit harder for the crappie. Don't be afraid to switch up your presentations until you find what's working.

This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and good fishing to ya! Hope to see you out on the water soon.

Good morning, folks, Artificial Lure here with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Monday, May 12, 2025.

Right now, it looks like we’re heading into another fine spring day with temperatures expected to reach the mid-70s, and winds are light, around 6-8 mph out of the southwest, keeping the water pretty calm across most of the lake. We’re not really a tidal lake, so don’t worry about tides—just focus on the structure and the weather. Sunrise was at about 6:05 AM and tonight’s sunset is around 8:10 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get after those fish.

Let’s talk about what’s biting. Bass fishing has been steady, but the fish are a bit picky and spread out right now. With water temps climbing, the shad and bluegill are starting to suspend, and the bass are keying in on them, especially during the low-light hours. You’ll want to target docks and overhanging cover early and late. There are some wolf packs of bass chasing shad, so walking baits like spooks or smaller swimbaits are triggering some nice strikes, especially if you see bluegill activity nearby. For that real big bass, focus on solo fish hanging tight to bluegill beds. Docks, trees, and lights at dusk and dawn are all holding pockets of fish. If you find a stretch of stained water, stick around—it could be your honey hole.

Crappie fishing has been a little slower than usual, thanks to those droughts a couple years back that set recruitment back. Still, anglers targeting brush piles along points—especially in the Glaize Arm—are finding keepers. Both black and white crappie are holding in 8 to 15 feet of water. Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range, especially in chartreuse, are working well, and minnows under a float are still the best bet for steady action.

Now, if you’re after catfish, this is prime time. They’re active and feeding aggressively right now.

A couple hot spots to try today: First, hit the Glaize Arm for both crappie and bass. Look for brush piles on points in 8-15 feet of water. Second, work the docks and overhanging cover in the main lake, especially in stained water, for both numbers and quality bass.

Best lures and baits right now: for bass, try walking topwaters early and late, and switch to small swimbaits through the day. For crappie, stick with small chartreuse jigs or plain old minnows.

That’s it for today, folks. Get out there and bend a rod! Artificial Lure, signing off.