Stockton Lake Fishing
category : Fishing
Stockton Lake is a fishing paradise. Small coves along the lakeshore provide hundreds of protected fishing spots. The lake, fed by clear streams, is populated with many different species of fish. With depths sometimes exceeding 100 feet along the old river channels, the lake is a natural hatchery for a variety of game fish. Largemouth, smallmouth, and Kentucky bass are found in abundance. During a bass tournament held in April 2000 at the State Park Marina, one angler weighed in a five fish limit exceeding 30 pounds. A number of 10 pounders were caught during the year, and four to six pound bass were fairly common. Bluffs, rocky points and standing timber are great bass holding areas. Soft plastics during midday are excellent baits. For early morning and late evening action, switch to buzz and spinner baits. During these two periods, bass will be tearing into schools of shad right on top. The Tiny Torpedo in chrome or shad colors can be deadly when fish are exploding on the surface.
Walleye are plentiful in Stockton Lake. Early in the year, suspending Rogues worked over points and along the face of the dam provide some hefty fish. As the season progresses, most walleye fisherman switch to a 1/4 oz. jig or Roadrunner tipped with a nightcrawler or minnow. These rigs are fished along points or bluffs in 15 to 25 feet of water depending on water temperature. Overcast days are frequently productive. Wi6h the new 15 inch minimum length, the lake provides the walleye angler an excellent opportunity for catching his limits.
Crappie and bluegill are abundant in the clear waters of the lake and provide fishing excitement for new and old anglers alike. Submerged brush piles in selected coves are marked by signs along the shoreline. These brush piles are holding areas for schools of crappie, bluegill and the occasional bass or walleye as well. Worms, minnows and small jigs are the best baits for fishing these structures.
White bass are another favorite for anglers during the spring and summer months. Trolling Roadrunners or Roostertails is an effective method for catching the scrapers. In the early morning and evening hours, cove waters will frequently explode with surfacing white bass tearing into schools of shad. Then it's time to switch to small surface plugs such as the Tiny Torpedo. Such lures can provide some memorable top water action.
Various bass, walleye and crappie tournaments are held throughout the year. For tournament schedules and accurate fishing reports, contact any of the lake marinas.
Hours: Year Round
Address: 4 miles S of Stockton on Hwy 39
Phone: 417-276-3113
Our Email: Stockton@Nwk02.usace.army.mil
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