A Fishing Guide to Lake of the Ozarks
Situated on a narrow peninsula of the sprawling Lake of the Ozarks, Sunrise Beach, Missouri, offers anglers a rich blend of peaceful coves, scenic boat ramps, and abundant fish species. Whether you’re casting from a dock or out on the water, Sunrise Beach provides a prime gateway to one of the Midwest’s most dynamic fishing destinations.
Sunrise Beach sits on the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks, a 54,000-acre body of water with a diverse structure and 1,150 miles of shoreline. This labyrinth of deep channels, tributary coves, and brush-filled pockets creates the perfect habitat for species ranging from bass and crappie to sizable catfish.
Regardless of the season, anglers love to go
fishing on the Lake of the Ozarks for the variety of fishing opportunities.
Types of Fish in Lake of the Ozarks
Below is a brief list of some of the more abundant fish found in and around Sunrise Beach.
Bass
Bass fishing is one of the lake's biggest draws. Largemouth and spotted bass are particularly plentiful and can often be found near points, timber, and boat docks. Smallmouth bass and their close cousins, the Ozark bass, prefer the rocky, clearer waters of creek arms like the Niangua. Anglers targeting bass will find success with jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics, especially during spring and fall when the fish are more active near shallow cover.
Walleye and white bass are also common in Lake of the Ozarks, though sometimes overlooked by anglers focused on bass or crappie. Walleye tend to roam mid-depth shelves and are attracted to bright jigs and live bait, particularly during cooler months. White bass are known for their spring runs into tributaries like the Niangua and Gravois creeks, offering fast-paced action on spinners and jerkbaits.
Crappie
Crappie fishing is another favorite, particularly in the spring when these fish move into shallow water to spawn. Brush piles, submerged timber, and docks offer ideal environments for black and white crappie. Anglers using small jigs or minnows under bobbers often report impressive hauls during the peak season. As summer heats up, crappie head deeper, and vertical jigging near underwater structures becomes more effective.
Catfish
Catfish are plentiful in the lake, with channel, blue, and flathead catfish all available. These bottom dwellers are often caught using nightcrawlers, chicken liver, or cut bait. Anglers usually target catfish along drop-offs and in deeper channels, particularly during the warmer months. Night fishing can be especially productive during the heat of summer.
Seasons
Each season brings its own rhythm and strategy to fishing at Sunrise Beach. Below is a guide to what you can expect during every season of the year.
Spring
Spring is dominated by spawning patterns, with fish moving into shallow waters and becoming more aggressive. Crappie, bass, and white bass can be especially abundant during the spring and are attracted to jigs, minnows under bobbers, and spinners in the tributaries.
Summer
Summers sees fish retreat to deeper, cooler waters, requiring anglers to adjust their tactics accordingly. Largemouth bass, catfish, and even sunfish can be found more plentifully during the summer months. Jigs and dropshots work well for mid-level waters, while bottom bait works best for catfish.
Fall
Fall reenergizes the bite as fish feed heavily before winter. Bass, walleye, and drum are all found during these months, with crankbaits and jerkbaits on points being the best bait options for bass and drum. Mid-depth jigs work best for walleye.
Winter
Winter and cold water see fish swimming deeper, with bluegill, carp, and catfish being the most abundant species. During these colder months, targeting deeper structures can still yield good catches with patience and the right bait.
Types of Fishing Gear
Gear choices depend on the targeted species, but versatility is key. Jigs and live bait, such as minnows and worms, are effective across species. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits come into play when pursuing more active predators like bass and white bass. For those looking to target carp or gar, which are abundant in shallower zones, bowfishing can be both a challenging and rewarding experience.
- Jigs and Live Bait: Versatile across depths. Live minnows for crappie work best, while nightcrawlers are the way to go for catfish.
- Spinners and Jerkbaits: Great for white bass and aggressive bass in tributary runs.
- Bright-colored jigging gear: In colors such as orange, chartreuse, and white works best for walleye in deeper channels.
- Bowfishing gear: For those targeting gar or carp, this works especially well in shallow or brushy zones.
Before heading out, it's important to check Missouri Department of Conservation regulations regarding size and bag limits, which vary by species. Practicing proper catch-and-release techniques, especially for sportfish like bass and walleye, helps maintain the lake's healthy fish populations. A permit is also required to fish.
Regulations and Conservation
Final Thoughts
Sunrise Beach, with its mix of natural beauty and abundant aquatic life, represents a true gem in Missouri's fishing landscape. The area's accessible ramps, quiet coves, and rich biodiversity make it an ideal destination for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're enjoying a peaceful morning by yourself or a full-day adventure with family or friends, fishing around Sunrise Beach offers something special for everyone.
Stay at Bear Bottom Resort
For quick access to the best fishing spots, stay at the Bear Bottom Resort. We offer our guests exciting amenities, including Missouri’s longest water slides, the Black Bear restaurant, a swimming pool with bar, and boat slips and ramps.
Choose one of our cozy cottages or enjoy your own home-away-from-home in one of our RV slips. Book with us today for a fishing trip that will make memories that last a lifetime!