Reel Dill: Bass moving, sticking to deep brush near points

Saturday, June 9th, 2012 at 1:26 am

J.B. Simpson/LakeExpo.com

LAKE OF THE OZARK, Mo. – Did bass fishing slow down for you over the last week? It’s time to go deeper, according to local pro and fishing guide Jim Dill.

The water has warmed beyond to 74F-78F and the Dam is running at minimum generation. As a result, bass are spreading out and going to brush near deep water in close proximity to points. Key on the old Osage River channel where it swings into these areas.

Two weeks ago fish were hitting at eight feet on the first shelf along cliff lines near points. Now, they are sticking closer to brush on the second shelf at 15-20 feet. Keep working near points, where shad are still active.

Large plastics are working, but it is advantageous to throw bigger jigs with large trailers, like the Crock-O-Gator ¾ Ounce Reaction Jig rigged with a Ring Craw or Tube. Switch it up between big worms, like the Gene Larew Salt Flicker, and jigs to find the right mix.

Crankbaits will still illicit some exciting strikes off of points early in the morning and near sunset, when bass are feeding heavily on shad.

Lake water is slightly stained from the 1-50MM (visibility maybe two feet) and it is stained beyond the 50MM. So, keep your jigs and trailers dark in color.

(Jim Dill is professional bass fisherman, firefighter, and fishing guide at Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. Dill has fished the Lake for 20 years and is sponsored by Sportworld Boat Center, Ranger Boats, Evinrude, Falcon Rods and Crock-O-Gator Bait Company)

CRAPPIE REPORT

Ed Bryant at Bryant’s Osage Outdoors says nobody is bragging right now. The dam is not pulling water, the water temperature is rising, and crappie are hanging deep, close to brush, hiding from the sun.

The fishing is spotty jigging vertical 15 feet deep over dock brush. Minnows are doing OK and nibbles are a must on jigs.

Bryant says customers are buying, “Chartreuse, chartreuse and chartreuse.” Slab Buster jigs have been flying out the door.

ELKS KIDS FISHING DERBY

Don’t miss the fun on Saturday, June 9, at the Gravois Mills Access. The Elks’ Kids Fishing Derby registration begins at 8 a.m. Registration and entry will be accepted 8 a.m.-9 a.m. the day of the tournament. Fishing begins at 9 a.m. and the tourney will run through 1 p.m. All boys and girls ages 6 to 16 may enter (must be accompanied by an adult). Fish presented at the weigh-in station must be caught by a registered boy or girl, at or adjacent to the Gravois Mills Public Access or from a boat provided by the Elks. Fishing from other boats is not allowed. Trophies and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the derby. The Kids Fishing Derby is made possible by Elks Lodge #2705 in Laurie and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

TOURNEY RESULTS

Plumbers Pipefitters Local 562

32 Annual Fish ‘N’ Fitters Bass Tournament (May 19, 2012)

1st Place: Pat Sturma and Greg Risinger – 29.05 lbs.

2nd Place: Joe and Dan Tucker 23.92 lbs.

3rd Place: Kevin and Greg Berhorst 23.02 lbs.

Big Bass: Dan Tucker – 6.50 lbs.

ON THE WEB

Crock-O-Gator Bait Company

http://www.crockogatorbaitcompany.com

James Dill Guide Service

http://www.jamesdillguideservice.com/