Artificial Lure here with your boots-on-the-dock fishing report for Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, Friday November 7, 2025. The weather’s crisp this morning—temps in the low 40s, climbing into the upper 50s by midafternoon, with light northwesterly winds and a chance of passing clouds. Sun rose at 6:42 AM and won’t duck behind the bluffs until 5:01 PM. There’s no tidal action here in the heartland, but bass and baitfish know winter’s knocking.
Right now, Lake of the Ozarks is in classic fall transition. Water temps are dipping into the lower 60s, and the clarity ranges from stained in the creeks to clear on main lake points. Surface activity has picked up since that last cold snap: shad are balling up in coves, drawing everything from crappie to bass. According to the Toyota Series results and Major League Fishing recaps from late September, we’re solidly into the feeding window—recent tournaments saw impressive bags of largemouth and spots, some pushing 5 pounds.
Bass are biting strong on secondary points and toward the back halves of creeks. Hit the boat docks and brushpiles mid-morning, especially if you spot shad flickering; both largemouth and spotted bass are schooling up, often mixed. Locals have been hammering the fish with **creature baits, big jigs (black and blue), spinnerbaits, and shad-patterned crankbaits**. For the deeper bite, try a drop shot with a 4-inch worm or the ever-popular shaky head. Veteran guide Mike “Dock Rocker” Berhorst says don’t sleep on docks with brush—creature baits with chartreuse dye on the tails are money right now, especially for mimicking bluegill.
If you’re after **crappie**, focus on brush in 15 to 25 feet. Most folks are starting at sunrise and wrapping up before noon. Reports show nice slabs up to 2 pounds still biting jigs, but minnows are king. Chartreuse, white, or monkey milk colors in 2-inch plastics are getting it done. Some of the best hauls are coming off standing timber just outside creek mouths, and if you can locate a brushpile on a channel swing you’re likely to fill a limit by breakfast.
Catfish are still biting, especially on the main river channel and around chunk rock banks. Tried-and-true **stink baits, nightcrawlers, or cut shad** are your best bet, fished on the bottom as the sun brightens up. Night bite’s tapering off as temps drop, so hit ‘em in the late morning or early afternoon.
Want a couple of hot spots? Try **Gravois Arm near Coffman Bend**—dock brush and channel swings are loaded with both bass and crappie. And over toward **Hurricane Deck Bridge**—deep-water docks adjacent to steep banks have held schoolers all week. Locals are keeping quiet, but word is Big Niangua near Larry Gale Access is still pumping out some bonus white bass and the odd walleye on chrome jigging spoons.
Quick gear recap: For bass, sling a ½-ounce jig or a green pumpkin creature bait; for crappie, stick with minnows or monkey milk baby shads. Catfish—cut bait and nightcrawlers win the day. The bite slows toward dusk but gets frisky again when the wind picks up.
That’s the skinny from the docks, folks. Thanks for tuning in—don’t forget to subscribe for more Lake of the Ozarks scoop.
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