Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
The Chompers NPFL Stop #5 presented by Bait-Wrx kicks off today from Osage Beach, MO, on the unique Lake of the Ozarks. This is a first for the NPFL in Missouri, and the 54,000-acre body of water, loaded with fish-holding structure, promises a fun experience for anglers and their families.
Often referred to as the “Missouri Dragon” due to its distinctive shape, Lake of the Ozarks holds a healthy population of bass and over 1,150 miles of shoreline. Stretching 92 miles from end to end, the Osage River impoundment offers plenty of fishing opportunities, but this week, anglers face some unique challenges.
Local angler Kevin Rogers, who originally predicted the tournament would be won strictly on the lake’s many boat docks has adjusted his outlook after three days of practice. With warm, Indian summer-like weather keeping fish scattered, Rogers admits the bite has been tough. Other local events have reportedly taken only 13 to 14 pounds to win, suggesting this tournament could become a “grinder.”
“It’s hard to catch five keepers throughout the day right now—it’s some of the worst fishing I’ve seen on Lake of the Ozarks,” said Rogers. “The water just isn’t cold enough, like it should be, and that will play into the hands of the ‘scopers’ this week. I’m guessing someone will find something and average around 16 pounds a day.”
Brock Bila echoed Rogers’ stance on the tough conditions, noting the high water temps. “It’s a lot tougher than a normal fall out here. I think the winning weight will be around 44 pounds total, and most guys seem to be fishing brush piles and boat docks.”
Will Harkins, who won the first event of the 2024 season on Logan Martin Lake, is no stranger to fishing brush piles with the NPFL. For him, this week should be all about “junk fishing.”
“This is definitely going to be a tough one. I’ve only caught 11 keepers in three days of practice,” said Harkins. “I’m fishing brush piles, docks, rocks—whatever looks good. Someone could find an area with bigger fish and milk it for three days, but I still think 14 to 16 pounds per day will win.”
Harkins expects some big fish to be caught throughout the tournament but believes consistency will be the biggest challenge. Those who manage to stay consistent will have the upper hand.
Catch the Live Weigh-In from the Pa He Tsi Boat Launch this afternoon!
Weather Watch
While October in the Mid-West should feel more like fall, unseasonably warmer weather should remain throughout the event, with this morning at launch around 63-degrees, and afternoon highs in the upper 70’s. Winds for the wat are scheduled for NNE from 5 to 10 MPH.
How to Watch
Tune in daily from October 23 through 25 to watch the action from Lake of the Ozarks. Follow along and watch the daily LIVE Leaderboard, LIVE Blog and photo galleries throughout the event.
Under the Go Live Tab, choose LIVE Broadcast or check out the real-time, unofficial leaderboard on the Weigh Live Tracker with estimated weights entered by the anglers on the water, and join us for the LIVE Weigh-ins!
And be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
The Chompers/NPFL Stop 5 on Lake of the Ozarks presented by BaitWrx is hosted by the Tri-County Lodging Association.
