Fishing Report for Lake of the Ozarks - 2025-04-10

1. Current Conditions Overview

• Water Temperature: 50°F, ideal for species like bass and crappie.
• Ice Coverage: Minimal, with 0-1 inches, allowing access to most areas.
• Weather: Mostly clear, high of 70°F, low of 48°F, with 14 mph winds.
• Moon Phase: Waxing gibbous, influencing feeding times around 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
• Fish Behavior: Expect active feeding periods during solunar times, with fish moving to shallower areas as the day warms.

2. Top Fishing Hotspots (Weighted Predictions)

1. Northern Bay near Creek Inlet

• Location: North shore, near the creek inlet.
• Clarity: Slightly stained due to creek inflow.
• Thermal Gradient: 48°F near inlet, warming to 52°F.
• Structure: Submerged logs and weed beds.
• Target Species: Largemouth bass, crappie.
• Score: 9/10. Active feeding in stained water with ample cover.

2. Mid-Lake Hump

• Location: Central hump near the old sunken island.
• Clarity: Clear, with visibility up to 8 feet.
• Thermal Gradient: 50°F, attracting walleye and crappie.
• Structure: Rocky drop-offs.
• Score: 8.5/10. Clear water and structure make it prime for walleye.

3. South Shore Cove

• Location: Southern cove with sunken brush.
• Clarity: Clear, 6-8 feet visibility.
• Thermal Gradient: 52°F in shallows.
• Structure: Sunken brush piles.
• Score: 8/10. Ideal for crappie seeking warmer waters.

4. West Shore Bluff

• Location: Rocky bluff on the west shore.
• Clarity: Clear, 10 feet visibility.
• Thermal Gradient: 48°F near surface, 50°F deeper.
• Structure: Rocky points and drop-offs.
• Score: 7.5/10. Good for spotted bass in clear water.

5. East Shore Flats

• Location: Shallow flats near the east shore.
• Clarity: Turbid, 2-4 feet visibility.
• Thermal Gradient: 52°F in shallows.
• Structure: Weeds and channels.
• Score: 7/10. Hold catfish and drum despite turbidity.

6. Main Lake Points

• Location: Points near the main channel.
• Clarity: Stained, 4-6 feet visibility.
• Thermal Gradient: 50°F, warming to 52°F.
• Structure: Rocky drop-offs.
• Score: 6.5/10. Largemouth bass moving into shallows.

3. Water Clarity Analysis

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• Northern Areas: Stained from creek inflow.
• Southern Areas: Clearer, 6-8 feet visibility.
• Western Bluffs: Clear, 10 feet visibility.
• Eastern Flats: Turbid, 2-4 feet from sediment.

4. Thermal Gradient Analysis

• Northern Bay: 48-52°F, attracting bass and crappie.
• Mid-Lake Hump: 50°F, walleye and crappie.
• South Shore: 52°F, crappie in shallows.
• West Shore: 48-50°F, spotted bass.
• East Shore: 52°F, catfish in warmer shallows.

5. Top Species to Target

1. Largemouth Bass: Active in warming shallows.
2. Crappie: Near structure in clearer waters.
3. Catfish: In deeper, turbid areas.
4. Walleye: Mid-lake hump and drop-offs.
5. Spotted Bass: Rocky structures in clear water.

6. Weather Impact Analysis

• Today: Favorable for fishing, with clear skies and moderate winds.
• Forecast: Warming trend may move fish shallower; partly cloudy days could spread fish out.

7. Time-of-Day Strategy

• Early Morning: Target northern bay and main lake points.
• Midday: Focus on mid-lake hump and west shore bluff.
• Late Afternoon: South shore cove and east shore flats.

8. MO Regulations

• Largemouth Bass: 15" min, 5/day.
• Crappie: 10" min, 15/day.
• Catfish: No min, 10/day.
• Walleye: 18" min, 4/day.

9. Reasoning Appendix

• Weighting: Thermal gradients and clarity high, structure medium-high.
• Thermal Gradients: Key for species location.
• Clarity: Affects visibility and feeding behavior.
• Structure: Provides cover and ambush points.

This report integrates all data to provide a comprehensive guide for today's fishing on Lake of the Ozarks.