Winter Bite Heats Up at the Lake of the Ozarks

Howdy, folks, this is Artificial Lure with your Lake of the Ozarks fishing report for Monday, January 12th, 2026. Winter's grip is on, but the bite's still kickin' if you know where to look.

No tides up here in Missouri, just steady lake levels holdin' firm per the latest from local reports. Weather's crisp—expect highs in the upper 40s, partly cloudy skies, light north winds around 5-10 mph. Sunrise hits around 7:25 AM, sunset 'bout 5:25 PM. First Quarter Moon means solunar peaks today: major bites 6:20-8:20 AM (you're in it now!), 6:36-8:36 PM; minors 1:35-3:35 PM and 11:37 PM-1:37 AM, straight from Fishing Reminder.

Fish activity's solid for winter patterns—bass are keyin' on ledges and creek channels as shad school deeper, like Mark Rose notes from Major League Fishing pros. Recent catches? Largemouth bass dominatin', with guides like Breaking Bass reportin' limits January 11th near Branson, and Ozark Trail topwater poppers movin' 'em shallow early. Stripers active too, echoin' hot reports from similar reservoirs. Crappie and walleye stackin' in coves.

Best lures: Strike King 6XD for deep ledges, big football jigs, swimbaits, or that Lake Fork craw (gray back, orange belly) for bass. Ozark Trail 1/4oz bone popper for surface action. Live bait? Minnows or nightcrawlers on jigs for crappie.

Hot spots: Hit Bagnell Dam for stripers and ledges, or Jennings Branch Cove—both loaded with structure and user-submitted bites.

Bundle up, fish safe, and tight lines!

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI