This is Artificial Lure with your Lake of the Ozarks local fishing report for Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Chilly fall air rolled in overnight, and as of this morning, we’re looking at temps in the low 40s, heading up toward the mid-50s by afternoon. Winds are outta the north-northwest at about 8-12 mph, with gusts topping 15. It's partly cloudy now, but expect some sun by midday — good news for those wanting a little warmth as they wait on a bite. Sunrise was at 6:49 AM, and sundown will sneak in at 5:03 PM.

Tidal swings don’t apply to the Ozarks, but don’t count out water level changes; the lake is low and clear, with minimal flow from dam generation, so bass and crappie are pulling tighter to structure, especially riprap, docks, brush piles, and the steeper bluff banks. As most longtime locals know, November marks the start of reliable cool-water action — especially for largemouth, spotted bass, and slab crappie.

Folks fishing in the AFTCO Bass Blitz last week brought in solid mixed sacks, dominated by largemouth and spotted bass, with the big fish in the 4- to 5-pound range, according to coverage from Major League Fishing and recent tournament weigh-ins. Most successful anglers reported working finesse jigs and shaky heads slow and tight to deep docks, as well as chunk rock points. Top baits included Crock-O-Gator football jigs, small swimbaits like the Keitech 3.8-inch, Ned rigs with Z-Man Finesse TRDs, and, when the sun hit high, suspending jerkbaits in shad or translucent patterns.

Crappie have pulled out from the shallows and can be found on main-lake brush piles in 15 to 25 feet of water. Electronics are your best friend right now — use side imaging around mid-lake and up the Niangua arm for the biggest piles and schools. Folks vertical jigging with Bobby Garland Baby Shads or live minnows just above the brush are reporting limits in two hours or less. Early and late bites are best, but overcast skies can keep ‘em fired up a bit longer. A local YouTube tip from Midwest Outdoor shows how scanning deep brush for active marks can make for a banner crappie day right now.

Some walleye have come shallow chasing shad at first and last light — targeting main lake points and secondary gravel flats with jigging spoons or 1/4-ounce Fuzzy Grubs tipped with a minnow will get you a chance at a bonus fish.

Looking for hotspots? Target:
- The Gravois Arm: Docks and brush in 20-28 feet are loaded with crappie and the occasional brute bass.
- Niangua Arm around the 15-20 mile marker: Key on inside turns and bluff ends — bass and walleye are feeding.
- The area behind Bagnell Dam in the mornings: Active shad, some stripers, and lots of bass roaming.

With deer season kicking off around the region, don’t forget to stay visible around the more wooded coves. Keep your lifejacket snug and your coffee hot!

Thanks for tuning in to this Lake of the Ozarks fishing report. Be sure to subscribe for your weekly bite update and local tips straight from the water.

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