Lake of the Ozarks in October

[JWall14]

I have a big college tourney here in mid October. My friend and I are going for the win on this one. Any information is GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

[PotatoLake]

They will most likely be in the creeks hammering on gigantic schools of shad. Take a look at Fish30 on YouTube, that guy puts footage of tournaments he fishes in that area. He might have some from previous Octobers that you might be able to glean something. 

[JWall14]

8 hours ago, PotatoLake said:

They will most likely be in the creeks hammering on gigantic schools of shad. Take a look at Fish30 on YouTube, that guy puts footage of tournaments he fishes in that area. He might have some from previous Octobers that you might be able to glean something. 

Thank you sir! That is much appreciated information!

[PotatoLake]

15 hours ago, JWall14 said:

Thank you sir! That is much appreciated information!

Yeah, I don't get to fish Lake of the Ozarks much, but I do fish Truman and Pomme de Terre which are the next two closest lakes.  So I don't have any specific places on the lake to direct you. Most of the lakes down here, football jigs are a player year round, and especially in the fall. Early in the mornings you'll see tons of blowups, so of course your walking the dog style of lures are good bets for picking up some fish. If you get overcast conditions, Ive done really well with spinnerbaits in the fall around stickups. I'd study the lake for flats midway to the back of the creeks. They'll push those baitballs into the flats and go into feeding cycles throughout the day. Had some 20 fish days in the fall on a DT4, which tells you how shallow they can get.

[JWall14]

16 minutes ago, PotatoLake said:

Yeah, I don't get to fish Lake of the Ozarks much, but I do fish Truman and Pomme de Terre which are the next two closest lakes.  So I don't have any specific places on the lake to direct you. Most of the lakes down here, football jigs are a player year round, and especially in the fall. Early in the mornings you'll see tons of blowups, so of course your walking the dog style of lures are good bets for picking up some fish. If you get overcast conditions, Ive done really well with spinnerbaits in the fall around stickups. I'd study the lake for flats midway to the back of the creeks. They'll push those baitballs into the flats and go into feeding cycles throughout the day. Had some 20 fish days in the fall on a DT4, which tells you how shallow they can get.

@PotatoLake Thanks again! We’ll have a few days of practice so should get on some fish. How does the current work in this system? I have fished TVA but never Missouri lakes. Also I don’t know if you know anyone who would be willing to talk about the lake that knows it more or someone who would be willing to share some of their information via email or phone call?

Thanks!

[Drew03cmc]

Honestly, you can find fish doing 50 different things in October. Some will still be deep, some will be on docks, some will be out on points and some will be way up the creeks. You really have to decide how you fish best and find water that suits that. There will be catchable fish available where and how you want to fish. October in the Ozarks is one of my favorite months. 

 

Personally, I'd find a skinny creek and go toss a jig and spinnerbait. I have my preferred spots on that lake, but there's 40 miles between them. Let me also say, I fish from a kayak and favor small water. I will avoid the main lake all day.

[JWall14]

On 8/14/2022 at 12:19 PM, Drew03cmc said:

Honestly, you can find fish doing 50 different things in October. Some will still be deep, some will be on docks, some will be out on points and some will be way up the creeks. You really have to decide how you fish best and find water that suits that. There will be catchable fish available where and how you want to fish. October in the Ozarks is one of my favorite months. 

 

Personally, I'd find a skinny creek and go toss a jig and spinnerbait. I have my preferred spots on that lake, but there's 40 miles between them. Let me also say, I fish from a kayak and favor small water. I will avoid the main lake all day.

Thanks! Seems to align with most stuff I have seen. It seems like it will be whoever finds the bigger fish that time of year.

[scaleface]

Practice skipping . That lake looks like St Louis has been flooded . Docks everywhere .   Dock fishing is not my forte  but I stink at skipping . 

[Bluebasser86]

One of you flip a jig and one of you run a 130 plopper, I'd probably go with a black one. I like to get in the back of the arms around the dam but I don't fish LOZ a ton so take that fwiw. 

[JWall14]

2 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

One of you flip a jig and one of you run a 130 plopper, I'd probably go with a black one. I like to get in the back of the arms around the dam but I don't fish LOZ a ton so take that fwiw. 

Thanks! I have no doubt whoever I’m with will have at least one jig tied on. Thinking about a big swimbait or glide as one option. We will have a fair amount to practice so should be able to try lots. Thanks!