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Reeling in the Winter Wonders: Fishing the Lake of the Ozarks in December
- 2024/12/12
- 再生時間： 3 分
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あらすじ・解説
As of December 12, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake of the Ozarks is quite active, despite the colder weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
### Weather and Water Conditions
The water temperature has dropped significantly, now ranging in the mid to low 50s, which is typical for this time of year. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a light breeze, making it ideal for fishing.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially for species that are more active during these periods.
### Fish Activity
Bass fishing has been steady, with both largemouth and spotted bass active in the cooler waters. According to recent electrofishing surveys, about 15% of largemouth bass on the Niangua Arm and 16% on the Glaize Arm are over the 15-inch minimum length limit. For spotted bass, 33% on the Niangua Arm and 25% on the Glaize Arm are over the 12-inch minimum length limit[1].
Crappie fishing, although slower than previous years due to drought conditions, is still viable. Focus on brush piles, especially those near points, where approximately 75% of both black and white crappie are over the 9-inch minimum length limit[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are highly effective. In the winter, slowly fishing jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks can yield good results[1].
For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the best choices. Concentrate on brush piles and use your electronics to locate good structure[1].
### Hot Spots
- **Niangua and Glaize Arms**: These areas are excellent for bass fishing, with plenty of points, brush piles, and docks to target.
- **Main Lake Points and Backs of Creeks**: These spots are great for white bass and hybrids, especially where you find schools of shad. Use small spinners, jerkbaits, and rattle traps to catch these active fish[2][3].
### Additional Tips
Catfish action remains consistent, with channel catfish best caught near the shoreline using live or cut shad. Blue catfish can be found in open water and are active year-round. Flathead catfish can be caught near large boulders or woody cover using live bait like small bluegill or green sunfish[1].
The spillway section of Bagnell Dam is another excellent spot for shore fishing, offering opportunities to catch white bass, black bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie throughout the year[3].
Enjoy your day on the Lake of the Ozarks, and remember to handle the fish carefully to ensure their survival.
### Weather and Water Conditions
The water temperature has dropped significantly, now ranging in the mid to low 50s, which is typical for this time of year. The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a light breeze, making it ideal for fishing.
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at around 7:15 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. These times are crucial for planning your fishing trips, especially for species that are more active during these periods.
### Fish Activity
Bass fishing has been steady, with both largemouth and spotted bass active in the cooler waters. According to recent electrofishing surveys, about 15% of largemouth bass on the Niangua Arm and 16% on the Glaize Arm are over the 15-inch minimum length limit. For spotted bass, 33% on the Niangua Arm and 25% on the Glaize Arm are over the 12-inch minimum length limit[1].
Crappie fishing, although slower than previous years due to drought conditions, is still viable. Focus on brush piles, especially those near points, where approximately 75% of both black and white crappie are over the 9-inch minimum length limit[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For bass, topwater baits during low light periods, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are highly effective. In the winter, slowly fishing jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks can yield good results[1].
For crappie, small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 ounce) and minnows are the best choices. Concentrate on brush piles and use your electronics to locate good structure[1].
### Hot Spots
- **Niangua and Glaize Arms**: These areas are excellent for bass fishing, with plenty of points, brush piles, and docks to target.
- **Main Lake Points and Backs of Creeks**: These spots are great for white bass and hybrids, especially where you find schools of shad. Use small spinners, jerkbaits, and rattle traps to catch these active fish[2][3].
### Additional Tips
Catfish action remains consistent, with channel catfish best caught near the shoreline using live or cut shad. Blue catfish can be found in open water and are active year-round. Flathead catfish can be caught near large boulders or woody cover using live bait like small bluegill or green sunfish[1].
The spillway section of Bagnell Dam is another excellent spot for shore fishing, offering opportunities to catch white bass, black bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie throughout the year[3].
Enjoy your day on the Lake of the Ozarks, and remember to handle the fish carefully to ensure their survival.