Crappie

Lake Ozark is a popular destination for crappie anglers, offering abundant habitat and a healthy population. The best time to target crappie is during the spring spawning season, typically from late March through April, when they move into shallow coves and around brush piles. Fall can also be productive as crappie school up before winter. Minnows and jigs are the go-to baits, fished under a bobber or slow-trolled. Focus your efforts around submerged timber, docks, and brush piles in the backs of creeks and coves. Local anglers know that the Gravois Arm and the Niangua Arm are particularly productive crappie areas. Numerous boat ramps provide access to the lake, but consider launching early to avoid crowds, especially during peak season. The crappie population is robust, with both black crappie and white crappie present.