Truman Lake - Washtenaw, MI Fishing Report on 12th Jun, 2026

Water temperatures are climbing across Missouri, and we are officially locked into our summer fishing patterns. With the warmer weather, we are shifting our strategies to target deeper structures during the day and taking full advantage of the active shallows at night. Here is the latest breakdown from Captain Joshua Oetterer on what is biting right now.

Truman Lake Crappie Fishing Update The crappie have completed their spawn and moved off the shallow banks, transitioning out to deeper brush piles and timber ledges. We are finding the most consistent bites in 12 to 18 feet of water. Using the forward-facing sonar on our 2025 SeaArk has been the key to tracking these moving schools. Trolling and vertical jigging with minnows or light-colored jigs are producing reliable daily limits. Getting out early—right around our 6 AM launch time—is the best way to beat the heat and capitalize on the morning bite.

Missouri Catfishing on the River and Lakes Summer is a highly productive time for heavy-hitting catfish. We are seeing great activity across Truman Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, and our Missouri River spots near Hermann and New Haven. The blue catfish are staging near channel swings and drop-offs, responding well to fresh cut bait. Flatheads are also starting to become more active around heavy timber and cover. We are deploying heavy tackle to pull these sizable fish from the depths, and the spacious 24-foot center console provides plenty of room to fight them to the boat.

Summer Night Bowfishing With the summer heat settling in, our nighttime Missouri bowfishing trips are proving to be highly successful. We are navigating the shallows of the Osage River and Lake of the Ozarks, utilizing the wireless trolling motor for a silent approach. The rough fish are up feeding in the shallows under the cover of darkness. The water clarity has been favorable, providing excellent visibility for our groups to line up their shots.

Looking Ahead June, July, and August are consistently busy months on the water. If you are looking to secure a custom hourly charter to cruise the lake or want to spend a morning tracking down limits of panfish, our summer calendar is filling up quickly. We provide all the rods, tackle, live bait, and catch cleaning—you just need to bring your valid Missouri fishing license, sun protection, and a cooler for your fillets.