Hey there, fellow anglers! It's that time of the year again at Lake of the Ozarks when the chill in the air starts to lift, and the fish begin to stir from their winter slumber. As your guide to all things fishy, I'm here to walk you through what you can expect as we transition from spring into summer, particularly focusing on March and April. We're talking weather, fish behavior, and of course, the secret sauce to what they're biting on. So, grab your favorite rod, and let's dive into it.

Weather Patterns & Water Temps: March kicks off with a bit of unpredictability in the air. You might find yourself starting the day in a jacket only to shed layers by noon. The water's still shaking off the cold, which means our fishy friends are slowly getting more active. By April, though, we're seeing more consistency with warmer days and the water temperatures creeping up - that's when the magic starts to happen. These fluctuations are key; as the water warms, the fish move shallow, making them easier targets for our pursuits.

Fish On The Move: As the season progresses, both smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with crappie, start to get a little restless. They're moving from their deep winter haunts to shallower waters. For bass, this pre-spawn period is like their morning coffee, getting them all hyped up and aggressive - great for us anglers. Crappie, on the other hand, are gearing up for their spawning season, which means they're more concentrated and, frankly, a bit easier to predict.

Largemouth Bass: These guys are all about the warming trends. They start to hit the shallow coves and docks, looking for that perfect spawning spot. The key here is to watch the weather. A string of warm days will have them moving shallow, while a sudden cold snap might push them back a bit. Look for them in areas with plenty of sun exposure - they're solar-powered creatures after all.

Smallmouth Bass: The smallies prefer a bit cooler temps than their largemouth cousins. They'll be hanging around rocky points and gravel areas, especially those that warm up quickly with the spring sun. They're a bit more weather-sensitive, so a sharp cold front can send them back to deeper water. Patience and a keen eye on the weather pattern will pay off.

Crappie: As for crappie, these slab-siders love structure - think brush piles, dock pilings, and submerged trees. As the water warms, they'll start moving from their deep winter spots to shallower water, getting ready for spawn. They can be a bit easier to predict and can make for some exciting fishing as they school up in large numbers.

What They're Biting On:

• Bass: For largemouth and smallmouth, it's hard to beat a good jig. A soft plastic or a craw imitation worked slowly around their potential hangout spots can be irresistible. As the water warms, don't be afraid to speed up your retrieve a bit, especially on warmer afternoons.

• Crappie: Minnows are always a safe bet, but jigs can be just as effective. Light colors tend to work well in clearer water, while brighter, more vibrant colors can be the ticket in stained conditions. Look for them to be especially active in the late afternoon as the water reaches its peak temperature for the day.

Remember, folks, fishing this time of year is as much about watching the weather as it is about knowing your quarry. Warm trends are your friend, signaling more active fish and better chances of landing that lunker. Keep an eye on those overnight lows too, as they can give you a heads-up on how the day might unfold.

So there you have it, my rundown for March and April at Lake of the Ozarks. Whether you're after bass or crappie, there's no better place to be this spring into summer. Keep these tips in mind, stay flexible, and most importantly, enjoy your time on the water. Tight lines, everyone!