With water temps in the mid-upper 50s across most of the lake, early stages of the spawn have begun. The upper river arms are dirtier and warmer, and fish in these areas are further along. I have been catching spawning males on the bank is pea gravel pockets. The females are hanging out a little deeper in these areas, relating to brush piles in 6-10ft. Down on the lower end of Lake of the Ozarks, the water is colder and much cleaner. Crappie fishing in this area are a little further behind. My best pattern here has been fishing docks just outside of spawning pockets. This is a great way to catch some big, pre-spawn females! Bait wise, I like the Keitech easy shiner in both two and three inch sizes fished on a 1/16oz head. Look for these patterns to continue over the next several weeks as more crappie fish move up to spawn!
