Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Report: Mid-Winter Guide
Winter has settled over the "Magic Dragon," but the bite remains steady for those who adapt to the cold. With water temperatures currently in the mid-30s to low-40s and the annual drawdown underway, success depends on slow presentations and finding deep-water structure.
Current Lake Conditions
- Water Temperature: 33°F to 45°F (warmer water is typically found deeper near the dam).
- Water Level: 655.0 feet (approximately two feet low). Target elevation is 654 feet by mid-February.
- Clarity: Clear to very clear, especially on the lower end of the lake.
Species Strategy
Black Bass (Largemouth & Spotted)
Bass are holding on 45-degree channel banks, bluff ends, and secondary points. They are keyed in on schooled shad in deep water.
- Tactics: Use suspending jerkbaits with extremely long pauses (up to 20 seconds). Finesse jigs and Alabama rigs worked slowly near the bottom are also effective.
Crappie
Fishing is excellent as crappie congregate in large numbers. Look for them around isolated brush piles and deep docks in 8 to 20 feet of water.
- Tactics: Use small lead-head jigs or minnows. Vertical jigging directly over structure seen on electronics is the most productive method.
Catfish
Large Blue Catfish are wintering in deep holes (30–50 feet) along the main Osage River channel.
- Tactics: Drifting or anchoring over deep structure using fresh cut bait is the standard approach.
Navigation & Access
Public Boat Ramps (Bagnell Dam Area)
- PB2 Launch (Grand Glaize): Located in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, this is a reliable four-lane ramp open 24/7.
- Coffman Beach Access: Located at the 2.6-mile marker of the Gravois Arm; open daily 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Bagnell Dam Access: Provides direct access to the Osage River just below the dam.
- Note: The Bluebird Drive ramp is currently closed for reconstruction until mid-February.
MDC Brush Pile GPS Coordinates
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) maintains several attractors to help anglers find fish. Use the MO Fishing App for real-time GPS tracking to these spots:
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Lake Attractor | 38.106164 | -92.607912 |
| Secondary Point Pile | 38.105847 | -92.606769 |
| Deep Water Access | 38.089491 | -92.614417 |
| Gravois Arm Structure | 38.089814 | -92.618598 |
Safety Note
With water levels dropping and temperatures low, watch for submerged hazards and always wear a life jacket. For real-time water level updates, monitor the Ameren Missouri Lake Level page.
Do you need weather forecasts for a specific date, or would you like a list of local marinas that are still pumping gas this time of year?
write again including the Months daily weather report
Lake of the Ozarks Fishing & Weather Report: February 2026
Winter has its grip on the "Magic Dragon," but the bite remains steady for those who adapt to the cold. With water temperatures currently in the mid-30s to low-40s and the annual drawdown underway, success depends on slow presentations and finding deep-water structure.
Current Lake Conditions
- Water Temperature: Averaging 33°F to 45°F; the lower end near Bagnell Dam is generally clearer and slightly warmer.
- Water Level: Currently 655.0 feet, approximately two feet low as Ameren conducts its annual winter drawdown.
- Clarity: Clear to very clear on the lower end; more stained in the upper arms.
February 2026 Daily Weather Report
The month has started with a mix of frigid mornings and mild afternoons. A significant warming trend is expected through mid-February.
| Date | High/Low | Condition | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 | 36° / 0° | Sunny, very cold morning | NW 7 mph |
| Feb 2 | 43° / 16° | Mostly sunny | S 1 mph |
| Feb 3 | 39° / 30° | Partly cloudy | NW 9 mph |
| Feb 4 | 37° / 23° | Partly cloudy | N 8 mph |
| Feb 5 | 54° / 19° | Sunny & warmer | SW 12 mph |
| Feb 6 (Today) | 53° / 27° | Clear skies | N 7 mph |
| Feb 7 | 49° / 26° | Mostly sunny | SE 6 mph |
| Feb 8 | 60° / 34° | Sunny & mild | W 9 mph |
| Feb 9 | 65° / 34° | Sunny | S 6 mph |
| Feb 10 | 68° / 39° | Mostly cloudy | W 9 mph |
| Feb 11 | 53° / 36° | Light rain possible | NE 6 mph |
| Feb 12 | 53° / 35° | Cloudier, rain/snow mix | NE 6 mph |
| Feb 13-16 | 52°–64° | Warming back up | S 11 mph |
Species Strategy
Black Bass (Largemouth & Spotted)
Bass are healthy and fat, primarily feeding on schooled-up shad. Look for them on 45-degree channel banks, secondary points, and bluff ends with deep-water access.
- Tactics: Use suspending jerkbaits with extremely long pauses (up to 20 seconds). Finesse jigs and Alabama rigs worked slowly near the bottom are also highly effective.
Crappie
Fishing is excellent as schools concentrate around isolated brush piles and deep docks in 8 to 20 feet of water.
- Tactics: Use small 1/16 oz lead-head jigs or minnows. Vertical jigging directly over structure seen on electronics is the most productive method.
Catfish
Large Blue Catfish are wintering in deep holes (30–50 feet) along the main Osage River channel.
- Tactics: Drifting or anchoring over deep structure using fresh cut shad is the standard approach.
Public Access & Navigation
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) maintains hundreds of submerged brush piles. Use the MO Fishing App for real-time GPS tracking to these spots:
- PB2 Boat Launch: Premier four-lane ramp at the State Park, open 24/7.
- : Located at Gravois Arm mile marker 2.6; open daily 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- GPS Attractor 41: 38.089491, -92.614417 (Deep water access point).
- GPS Attractor 42: 38.089814, -92.618598 (Lower lake structure).
