The story of this summer has been low current flow which has made it difficult for a lot of fishermen. The drought has helped some river areas around the lake. Below Bagnel dam has been good as the water is about 60 degrees. It's so much cooler because the water comes out of such deep water from Lake of the Ozarks.
The main lake isn't doing bad for catfish either as this is one of the best years for blue cats that we have seen in several years. We catch bluegills as bait and catch a lot of 2-8 pound catfish with some good ones up around 20-25 pounds. The big ones we turn back as they are protected by law. The 2-8 pound ones are great to eat. Blue cats eat fresh bluegills, not your typical bottom feeders. Right now we are catching them 20 feet down over 60 feet of water.
Bass are kind of similar Tackle Hd stealth football jigs are my confidence bait right now as I can do just about everything with a jig. Swim it, stroke it, fish suspended cables 20 feet down over much deeper water. Drop shot have been good also.
If you don't fish very often trolling crankbaits is a good way to fish also. It's easy, relaxing style of fishing. A lot of the trips I've been doing lately are short 4 hr trips 7-11am and then also a lot of evening trips 4-8pm. But everyday is custom and if you want something specific I might be able to accommodate your request. Things have been busy as july/august is probably the busiest time at the lake. I look forward to mid august when the kids go back to school. In the meantime take advantage of the big blue catfish or river trips. both are great ways to beat the heat and the drought conditions.
