Artificial Lure here with today’s Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Monday, October 20, 2025.
We kicked off the morning with a crisp fall chill under a waning crescent moon. Sunrise hit just after 7 a.m., setting up clear skies and moderate winds. Forecast calls for highs in the mid-60s, sunny all day, with glassy water through mid-morning. Tonight, sunset comes at about 6:30 p.m.—ideal for that last cast.
No tidal action on this big Missouri lake, so early bite windows matter. Best fishing times today run 5:09 to 7:09 a.m. and again 5:29 to 7:29 p.m., with a minor period midday from about 1 to 3 p.m, as per FishingReminder. Water clarity’s running 3–5 feet with some stain up in coves after weekend boat traffic.
The fall bite remains strong—bass and crappie are the stars right now. According to yesterday’s Spreaker Lake of the Ozarks Missouri Daily Fishing Report, anglers landed solid numbers: crappie averaging 10–12 inches and largemouths pushing 3–5 pounds. A few “hawgs” over 5 pounds came from deeper points and brush piles. White bass are schooled and hot, hammering shad at dawn.
Best baits for today: for bass, natural-colored squarebill crankbaits, red craw-pattern jigs, and white spinnerbaits have been top producers around main lake points and secondary backs. Locals are seeing excellent results at sunrise with topwater poppers and walking baits—especially around chunk rock and dock edges. For crappie, go with 1/16 oz chartreuse/blue jigs or minnows tight to brush in 10–18 feet.
Hot spots: try Jennings Branch Cove for aggressive largemouth and crappie; McCoy Branch Cove’s shallow brush is loaded. Moonlight Bay’s been reported active for white bass blitzes and bonus channel cats on shrimp or cut bait in the evenings. If you want variety, hit Pogue Hollow or Birdsong Hollow Coves—these produce steady crappie bite through midday.
Beaches and bays like Moonlight Bay remain reliable for bank anglers, especially early and late. Pay attention to irregular wave action—signs of sandbanks or deeper pockets where baitfish hold.
The fish are biting, but the recent cold snaps mean you’ll want to cover water until you find active schools. Dock talk says keep moving and don’t be afraid to switch lures if the bite cools.
That’s your local Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Monday, October 20th. Thanks for tuning in with Artificial Lure—your source for live angling updates and expert advice. Subscribe so you never miss a bite, and keep those lines tight!
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