I will be heading down to visit my Dad the third week in October. I left last year the end of September and caught some decent fish in the Ozarks, but was told to come a little later next year and try Truman. Dad moved now two years ago and hasn't had time to fish much so he's no help. Will my timing be right and what should I concentrate on?
Fish now, you'll be dead for a long time
The best thing I can tell you is "right church wrong pew", meaing that I would much rather fish ozark than truman that time of year. If the water is stained the fish could be in 5 to 10 feet of water that time of year. Try creek channel drop-offs in the coves. With that said I would think it is easier to learn truman than ozark, due to the fact that there are no reliable maps with beds for ozark. A good map is much more helpful at truman. Check this website out before you come down, they are always on the mark. Good luck.
http://www.sterettcreek.com/fishing.htm