Thinking of going there on vacation around the end of June. Haven't ever been and was wanting some opinions. I'm a bass fisherman from west texas, any info will be greatly appreciated. Where to stay? What tackle to take? Good Steakhouse?

docks, docks and rocks

lake is pretty clear and has tons of rec boating, a 20 lb bag will win 90% of tourneys. kentckys and largemouth present

Any recemendations on where to stay?

recomendations

I would not go to fish unless I was going to either fish the week days or go way up one of the rivers. The main lake is a bad place to be on a weekend.

There is white, blue and yellow flotation that they use for the docks. They are all floating docks. The white is the newest, blue next and the yellow is pure gold or so I've been told.

Check their schedule for race weekends too. The Coast Guard shuts down parts of the lake and its an idle zone. For as much as 3 miles at a time. I happened to have that happen to me one time. It was like a 3 mile party cove.




The lake is beautiful. Topwaters and big baits catch some nice fish although the clear water makes you want to throw tiny baits.



There is a ton of places to stay from hotels to places on the lake. I would contact the Osage Beach chamber of Commerce. The only place I remember staying at was the American Hotel. It was close to PB2 and small.

the williamsburg inn or the inn at grand glaze are good.

osage beach is a great little town with some attractions for the family including an outlet mall.

i stay at williamsburg inn and the ramp is about to miles away, its called pb 2

thanks guys

Tan-Tar-a is a nice place to stay with cabins and in a good part of the lake. They have a ramp and fairly secure boat slips with electricity. Docks and cliffs are good in the summer months. As was mentioned, stay away on weekends and absolutely do not go on a holiday weekend. The cigar boats and jet fleas will drive you nuts. Fun lake to fish and the scenery can be really nice.

SE Kansas grass grower

Serious stuff here!! There are regular reports of 30'+ boats being swamped on this lake! Many people drown out there every year. It's a freaking circus of idiots with cabin cruisers & cigarette boats.

Great lake, gets pretty busy with pleasure boaters during the summer months.
Lot of party cove areas, not kid friendly!!!

Lot's to do around the lake, shopping, restaurants, nature trails etc.

If you want a little less conjested area stay back on the little Niangua. It is away from the more crowded areas, still has some great resorts, recreation, and food nearby.

The little town of Warsaw is a neat place. You will be by the public ramps for the Ozarks and Truman. If you put in there then take a right turn and go up toward the damn(Lake Truman) and fish all the chunk rock around the spillway and 200-300 yard back toward the ramp...take plenty of jigs. Another good spot is Deer Creek which is toward the main lake on the right side. go toward the back and fish the docks and you will be able to find the ones with the brush piles...on the way to Deer Creek you will see some small islands that are grassy...fish around those with a jig as well. If your wanting to fish some clear water you will need to go out to the main lake but you need to put in on that side or you will go through a ton of gas. PB2 is a great area and is the area were a lot of money is won.

Lake Truman- Shawnee Bend is a good area to put in. Get a map and look north, you will see an island. Go past the island and to the right will be some pole timber. Great spot for the fish to hold after weigh in on the weekly working man tournaments that are out of Little Tebo (sterrett creek marina) Also, Check out the Pomme arm of the lake for some good fish.

Hope this helps.

Do you want to stay on the water? Fishing should be decent, but the weekend boat traffic from the dam to the 31mm can be vicious.

"The Lake". Lake of the Ozarks is my home lake. Growing up in St. Louis, this is where we used to go to relax, have fun and party when we got older. Great fishing, but you must be careful. People don't understand just how rough that lake can be. Just a little information -

The last time I checked, Lake of the Ozarks was the 2nd largest port in the country. (There were more boats registered to this lake than any other PORT in the country with the exception of the city of Miami)

The lake was built (I believe) in the late 30's and there is still one area in the Niangua that you can actually look down in the water and see some old flooded homes and barns.

The lake is only 55,000 acres, but has miles of shoreline than the coast of California.

There are more docks on this lake than any other lake in the country. *According to a MO Conservation agent I know.

The lake has FANTASTIC night fishing, and with so many docks and lights, it is easy to navigate in the dark.

You honestly do NOT want to be on this body of water in a bass boat during the day in the summer! Fish during the early morning hours of at night. The fish there LOVE Chompers, I always used Root Beer or Watermelon Red. Rig them on a Chompers jig head and have at it. During the day, they will eat the heck out of wacky worms because nobody throws them up there. But, my favorite bait by far would be a jig. Any color is fine as long as it is black and blue, and any size is good as long as it is 3/8 or 1/2. The best fishing is still in the Osage, and you should ALWAYS target the oldest nastiest looking docks on that lake. The docks that look brand new will be worthless. They will also eat a black and red single CO blade spinnerbait at night or a black and blue 10" power worm at any time. Fishing will be tougher in the Niangua and I would target the Osage, Glaize, or even run to the Gravois arm. The Gravois will be loaded with Kentuckies but you can also go up there and catch over 50 a day.

Food - there will literally be hundreds of places to eat. If you enjoy a good steak, go to The Brass Door, or Delmonico's on Friday or Saturday night. They used to have all you can eat prime rib at both places. I liked Delmonico's best.

Lots of fun for the family with go-carts, mini golf, and several amusement park rides in Osage Beach area. Fun for the wife too, with an amazing outlet mall that can keep her occupied for a couple of days.

The lake itself is gorgeous with some truly breath taking views, but also explore the area. Lots to see. Take the time to see Bridal Cave - worth the trip. You can even go see the remanants of the civil war building and forts on the south end. The golf courses are EXCEPTIONAL but you would be well advised to make tee times far in advance.

Lastly, party cove cannot be explained. It must be experienced to get the full feel of what happens there. Hippy Hollow, or "party cove" on ANY lake that I have been to will pale in comparison. This really is THE place to party on the water, but be prepared! You will see EVERYTHING there. I mean E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!! It is not a place for children, your pastor, or your parents.

I miss my lake! Have fun!!!!