Lake of the Ozarks

• Lake Information
• Fishing Guide Services
• Bait, Tackle & Marine Repair
• Lodgng & Marinas
• Restaurants & Convenience

About Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is a large reservoir created by impounding the Osage River in the northern part of the Ozarks in central Missouri. Extents of three smaller tributaries to the Osage, the Niangua River, Grand Glaize Creek, and Gravois Creek, are included in the impoundment. At the time of construction it was one of the largest man-made lakes in the world and the largest in the United States. Though built to provide hydroelectric power for customers of Union Electric, the lake quickly became a significant tourist destination for the Midwest. More than 3 million people visit the lake annually.

The Dam

The lake was created by the construction of the 2,543-foot long Bagnell Dam by Union Electric Company of St. Louis, Missouri. The principal engineering firm was Stone and Webster. Construction began August 6, 1929, and was completed in April 1931. The dam is operated and maintained by AmerenUE, the successor of Union Electric, under the authority of a permit issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The Lake

The massive body of water backed up behind Bagnell Dam is the largest manmade lake in the Midwestern United States. The lake has a surface area of 55,000 acres, over 1,150 miles of shoreline, and the main channel of the Osage Arm stretches 92 miles from end to end. The total drainage area is over 14,000 square miles. The lake rarely varies in surface elevation by more than 5 feet, with normal pool elevation of 660.0 feet above mean sea level. Unlike many flood-control lakes constructed by the Corps of Engineers, most of the shoreline on the Lake of the Ozarks is privately owned, and the relatively stable surface elevation has created ideal conditions for private development within a few feet of the shoreline.

Recreation

Lake of the Ozarks State Park's natural beauty remains untouched. On shore, hikers, backpackers, equestrians and bicyclists can use one of 12 trails that wind through oak-hickory forests and sunny glades and offer bluff-top views of the lake. Visitors can take a guided tours of Ozark Caves. Year-round accommodations for overnight guests include more than 230 shaded campsites, ranging from primitive to those with electric hookups. Campground amenities include modern restrooms and laundry facilities. Eight camper cabins offer a rustic lodging experience. Water enthusiasts can make use of the park's two swimming beaches or rent a boat at one of the park's marinas. Necessary supplies for a day of fishing or fun on the water can be found in the park stores.

Lake Level, Moon Phase and Weather
Last updated: Unknown		Data Provided by WeatherBug.
Lake Level 658.96	CURRENT MOON moon phase	Today High: 85 Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.	Thursday High: 86 Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 80s.

Fishing Report

Normal Pool Elevation 660

Lake of the Ozarks Fishing Report 09/01/2010

Courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation

Lake of the Ozarks (Glaize): 86 degrees, dingy; black bass good using worms on secondary points, best at night; crappie slow on minnows; catfish fair using cut bait.

Lake of the Ozarks (Gravois): 86 degrees, dingy; catfish fair; black bass fair; all other species slow.

Lake of the Ozarks (Niangua): 86 degrees, dingy; black bass good using worms on secondary points, best at night; crappie slow on minnows; catfish fair using cut bait.

Lake of the Ozarks (Osage): 86 degrees, dingy; black bass good using worms on secondary points, best at night; crappie slow on minnows; catfish fair using cut bait.

Lake of the Ozarks (Bagnell Tailwater): 86 degrees, high, dingy; black bass slow on worms and dark colored soft plastic worms; white bass slow using light colored soft plastics and crappie jigs; crappie slow, try minnows and crappie jigs; catfish fair on worms, cut baits, stinkbaits and chicken livers.