Lake of the Ozarks

Me and a buddy are headed down to Lake of the Ozarks in April. I was just wondering if anybody has ever fished there and what to expect. I mean I’ve never fished a lake before in my life and just would like to know where to look for the lunkers. Any info would be awesome. Thanks guys.

When are you going exactly? I run a midwest team tournament in April of every year. Stockton in the initial year, Table Rock the last 4, and Lake Oz this year. Here’s the link:

http://www.heartlandtackleservice.com/ibbt/

If you’re coming that weekend, I’d strongly urge you to enter. The tournament is a “rally”. These are basically “more for fun” type tournaments that gives people from sites like this the opportunity to put a face with a name. The guys are also very helpful if you’ve never been on the lake. We’re non profit, but we use some of the money to buy IBBT hats for everyone, plaques and a dinner on Sat night. The rest goes back to payback. It’s not much so the run-your-momma-over competition usually isn’t too bad.

If you’re going after that weekend, I’d be MORE than happy to share every piece of information I have with you. (Happy to share it that weekend too). If you’re going mid to late April, I have a NICE little secret that should probably bring you a nice pig or 2.

By the way, fishnut is my partner for the T. I’d like to personally invite any and ALL of you down that can make it. It’s a GREAT time!

E-mail me at thefluker at hotmail dot com.

Fluker

I fished Ozark Lake last July. Big water. April sould not have that much boat traffic. The fish are mean and fight hard. Look for docks with brush. I know, there are a million docks on the lake. Send me a pm for some info. I have a lake map and will point out some spots.

If the weathers stable you’ll have some great pre-spawn fishing in April. Wiggle warts and jigs will be the bait of choice. The backs of most of the coves and secondary points will hold fish that time of year. Pea gravel should be the bank type there on. If you’re fishing the weekend hope for cold/cloudy weather the keep the big boat traffic down. If the weather turns very warm watch out for the big boats on Sat & Sun. You won’t believe the wake some of these guys throw. It’s always fishable and boatable but please be careful. What area of the lake are you staying at? There can be some pretty diverse patterns depending on location.

If the weather is nice you will want to stay off the main lake in the afternoon.That or find a good chiroprator down there. They dont make a big enough bass boat to handle all the wakes, you will get pounded .Aril is still early but the boat traffic is brutal. I would stay in the Grand Glaze arm and get to know it.It runs back 10-12 miles and has some big bass in it. Fish points with cranks and jerkbaits and keep your drop baits small.Eakins jigs and bitsy jigs are a good choice. Lots of spotted bass also, they are usually on docks with foam and points. Look for docks with rod holders chairs lights ect and you will find brushpiles.In April you will catch alot of crappies on cranks as well,probably more than bass so take your fillet knife. . Look behind the docks for wood and concrete that may hold fish. It ought to be great fishing,dont overlook the spinnerbait if the water is off color.