Springfield, Mo. – As autumn settles over the Ozarks, local angler Mike Webb, who runs Webb’s Guide Service and is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, released his weekly fishing report for October 20. He outlines the most effective techniques and lure choices for four popular lakes, helping families and hobbyists make the most of the season’s bite.
Bull Shoals Lake
Fall has officially arrived at Bull Shoals, and the sharp drop in water temperature combined with low lake levels is prompting fish to concentrate around structure. Webb advises anglers to work spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and buzzbaits near large rock formations and shelf‑rock banks where predatory fish lie in ambush. Bass, crappie and walleye are all reported to be feeding well, making this a prime spot for early‑season outings.
Table Rock Lake
At Table Rock, cooling water creates distinct fall patterns. Webb suggests starting with topwater action on the main lake flats and at creek mouths, then shifting to jerkbaits and small swimbaits as the sun climbs higher. For deeper‑water targets, drop‑shot rigs and finesse jigs worked over gravel points and around shad schools at 20‑25 feet have produced consistent results for smallmouth bass, spotted bass and walleye.
Stockton Lake
Cooler evenings are driving fish toward classic fall locations at Stockton. Webb notes that walleye are “good to excellent” when fished along the dam, in coves and in shallow water using jerkbaits. Live bait remains effective on long points in 20‑25 feet. Crappie anglers should focus on brush piles and MDC fish attractors, while white bass can be coaxed with shallow crankbaits, swimbaits and white jigs where shad are moving on windy points.
Lake of the Ozarks
The crappie bite continues to be strong on Lake of the Ozarks, with plenty of keeper‑size fish near brush and submerged trees in 5‑15 feet of water. Webb recommends using jigs and minnows for crappie, then switching to topwater and buzzbaits on flat, chunk‑rock banks early in the morning for bass. As the day progresses, a jig tipped with a green‑pumpkin trailer works well along the shallow sides of docks.
Gear suggestions
Webb also highlights a few Bass Pro Shops products that pair well with his recommendations: the Johnny Morris Bio Bait Brawny Craw in green pumpkin for jigging, the Bass Pro Shops XPS All‑Round Jig with a green‑pumpkin trailer for bass, and the Carbonlite rod and reel combo for versatile casting. Links to each item are provided in the original report.
Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a family looking for a weekend outing, Webb’s tips emphasize safety, proper gear and respect for the environment. He encourages anglers to check local regulations, wear appropriate safety gear and practice catch‑and‑release when possible to preserve the Ozarks’ thriving fisheries for future generations.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
