Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri's premier fishing destinations, covering 54,000 acres with over 1,150 miles of shoreline. Created by the Bagnell Dam on the Osage River, this massive reservoir stretches over 92 miles long and has an average depth of 70 feet, reaching depths up to 130 feet in some areas. The lake features diverse underwater structures including submerged trees, rock piles, and points, providing excellent fish habitat. Water clarity varies throughout the lake, with clearer water typically in spring and fall, while summer can bring algae blooms that reduce visibility. The lake's water temperature ranges from the low 40s in winter to the mid-80s in summer, supporting a rich and diverse fishery that attracts anglers year-round.
Learn what type of fish are at Lake of the Ozarks and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Ictiobus cyprinellus
Ictiobus niger
Ictalurus furcatus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Pylodictis olivaris
Aplodinotus grunniens
Lepomis cyanellus
Carpiodes velifer
Lepomis megalotis
Lepisosteus osseus
Hypentelium nigricans
Polyodon spathula
Lepomis microlophus
Carpiodes carpio
Lepisosteus platostomus
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Ictiobus bubalus
Micropterus punctulatus
Morone saxatilis
Lepomis gulosus
Morone chrysops
Pomoxis annularis
Learn how to get on Lake of the Ozarks. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Residents of Missouri 65 years old and older are not required to purchase a fishing license. Non -Residents 16 years old and older must purchase a non-resident license. Anglers 15 years old and younger are not required to purchase a license regardless of residency.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
In Missouri, waterways navigable in fact, or with a long history of use, and the capability of commercial and recreational transport are open to the public. The state asserts a public trust doctrine, allowing recreation, streambed access, right to portage and other incidents of navigation, regardless of ownership.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Lake of the Ozarks to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake of the Ozarks to find where and when fish are biting for you.
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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See the best times to fish Lake of the Ozarks and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on Lake of the Ozarks.
Lake of the Ozarks · Below Harry S. Truman Dam · Southwestern Power Administration
Generating today 5:00 PM CST to 6:00 PM CST, up to 60 MW
Forecast updated Sat, Nov 14 at 12:29 AM CST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
Angler's Edge Guide Service
5.0 (3 reviews)
It's time to reel in some trophy fish in MO!
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All-Out Fishing Charters
5.0 (1 review)
Game on for some Bowfishing trip!
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Expert Angling Guide Service
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Secure Your Lake of Ozarks Fishing Trip Today!
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Stained Water Bowfishing
Stained Water Bowfishing
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Loz Bowfishing & Adventure Charters
Fun Night of Bow Fishing with Captain Jack
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Fins & Feathers Guide Service
Missouri Fishing & Kansas Pheasant Hunting Guides
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