Crappie

If you're after Crappie near Osage Beach, Lake of the Ozarks is your playground. This lake is renowned for its healthy crappie population, but knowing where to look is crucial. Target brush piles, submerged timber, and docks, especially during the spring spawning season when crappie move into the shallows. Minnows and jigs are your best friends. A local tactic is to spider-rig multiple rods around submerged structure. As the water warms in the summer, crappie tend to move deeper, suspending near thermoclines. Fall is another excellent time as they feed heavily before winter. The backs of creeks and coves are often productive areas. One often-overlooked tip: pay attention to water clarity. In clearer water, use lighter line and more natural-colored baits. In stained water, brighter colors can be more effective. Public access is available at numerous boat ramps around the lake, but be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.