jovush

thanks for the input. Will share pics if I'm successful. I've hunted several places at lake and seen many deer...........and many coyotes following not far behind. Haven't seen the caliber of bucks that I know exist there yet.

Thanks!! I'm on my way

Thanks!! I've used a number of resources to trim my focus and have spent a lot of time stalking the woods. A few years ago I saw a huge buck in the back of a truck at a Greenfield C-store and asked the guy if he shot the deer locally, he just grunted "yep". I was hoping to run into one of that buck's offspring near the lake.

Can you guys save me a little time from tramping all over the hundreds of miles of shore line and share a few spots that I can focus on in pursuit of the monster buck? Are there any places that don't require a boat to access? I won't ask for your favorite fishing spot but I'm not too proud to ask for a hint or two when it comes to big deer. Thanks!!

Care to describe how you use them? I have found when it comes to crappie I'm challenged.....I need all the tricks I can stuff in my tackle box

I'm orginally from Louisanna and was told "The meat tastes best close to the bone".

I came across this site and wondered if anyone has used it.

Does anyone know why the state doesn't create any brush piles in the lower part of the lake?

My daughter works there and I asked her about the tax rate. She said it will be 7.6%. If I made it to Joplin, Academy was a definite stop, glad we have one opening in Springfield.

You're correct, sorry I meant MstStudent10, it musta been that picture of your monster Walleye..........it was foremost on my mind. Since you've never been to Son's Creek, if you go there remember not to boat between the coloumns of the bridge!! Ü

Report- Well we got rained out for Friday but did get to sneak out for a few hours Saturday. Huck mentioned the Son creek and since I've never been there I thought we'd give it a try. Launched my dinghy on the flooded ramp off 39 and explored the area. Took your advice and tried the Shaky Head method and it paid off. We hooked into a few and had a great time. Thanks a bunch guys....will have the chance to take her back!!! On a safety note!!!!! With the flooded condition be extra careful of submerged obstructions. Like I said, I had never been in this area before and while idling under the bridge I chose to go between two of the columns to check with the graph....how was I to know they are connected by a now submerged support? Lucky I was only idling and had my motor unlocked. Nothing damaged but only my ego. Safety tip = always suspect what you can't see underwater and DON'T DRIVE BETWEEN COLUMNS UNDER 39 BRIDGE!! I'm sure I would have seen this if water wasn't up six feet.

Thanks guys for a very detailed approach!! Gonna load up on a variety of worms and head out to try these techniques, will report back. Thanks again. Joe

I've taken the wife out a couple times now and haven't been able to get her into a bunch of fish. This is making me look real bad and jeopardizing my fishing future if i don't show her some good fishing. We plan on going out Friday afternoon till dark and would appreciate any pointers. Plan on putting in at either CC or Ruark area. Would love some crappie but anything on the line will make things much better. My question...where would you go and what would you fish with? Thanks in advance guys.

No one here, not listening, (fingers in ears saying, blah,blah, blah) go ahead divulge that secret honey-hole in complete privacy here. Ü any tips to get a leg up on those darn elusive crappie will be deeply appreciated!!!

I did see a number of crappie carcuses littered at the CC ramp Saturday. Sure will leave a pleasant aroma for the rest. BTW- the person that left them must have fished out my spots........I didn't catch a thing except for grabbing the minnows out the bucket.

I guess I could have said you guys did a fine job of explaining but wanted to use a big word, I only have a few. Thanks again and I did appreicate your responses. I hope to have a report soon, with pictures if the weekends will cooperate with me, seems all the best weather is during the work week. Joe

Thanks to Firefly and Straw Hat for so eloquently answering my question!! I knew I came to the right place for knowledge about what is quickly becoming my favorite lake. I'm also thankful to have access to this forum where a guy can go for answers. Thanks again gentlemen!! I plan on landing some "moderately" sized fish from this "moderately infertile" body of water.

I recently purchased a Stockton Lake map from "Fishing Hot Spots" and was reading in the "Lake Profile" portion that the water in the Big Sac Arm is "considered as being moderately infertile". I hope this refers to spawning oppurtunities and not as toxic as it sounds. Any ideas?

I went north out of CC a while back and saw a number of private docks, can someone explain these to me? I was under the impression that slips or docks were prohibited. Are these grandfathered in or something like that?

Thanks gentlemen, Not sure of my method yet but will try all suggestions. Now I just hope the bait shop/C-store in Greenfield will be open early Sunday morning for my supply of minnows. Any other places around the area?

Would you guys care to explain how to best rig a minnow for crappie? I have been reading the reports and hope to make it up this weekend to try my hand, will have a co-worker with me that is self discribed as fishing deficient. Hope to put him on some of the crappie you guys have been catching. Any suggestions as where to focus since my boat is a little 14 foot/ 20 hp alum and the closest ramp for me is at Greenfield. Thanks a bunch!! Joe

The other post was right about the good ole boys but way off on sharing. I was hoping for a peek into a tackle box and received much more. Demonstrates the epitome of true sportsmanship when you are willing to share your knowledge for the betterment of others. My hat is off to you gentlemen and hopefully will get to meet some of you on the water. Until then, you may see me in an old tin boat with a cargo full of gals.....and me hooking on worms and freeing up lines, give a shout!!

Thanks a lot guys for all the tips. Gonna pick me up a map soon, been studying the online maps. Will have the gals using live baits next trip out. I just may be giving you a call Bob if I can get away. I do believe I have my wife hooked.....overheard her talking with my daughter at Walmart last night in the fishing dept., she said,"I want a pretty lure". I was a couple rows over and laughed out loud. They really enjoyed themselves and I couldn't hope for more as they are planning our next outting. Thanks again!! Joe

Thanks a bunch guys! I'll be better prepared next trip, this visit was just to see how well they did in the boat. I need to upgrade our tackle and I may have the family hooked. I'm surely gonna have a lot more questions. Thanks again

Just recently got an old boat running and now ready to fish Stockton. New to lake fishing and know next to nothing. Took my wife and daughter out yesterday to the CC area and caught a few fish, no keepers. My daughter caught the most, her first. We had a great time in spite of the old tackle that I had around. Had good luck with old green Mister Twisters with black heads.........use to work in the farm ponds I fished. Had a few close calls ramping off all the debris from the recent rainfall. My question - Can you guys recommend lures and gear for specific fish to increase our success? I don't know the lingo so be easy on me, what's a secondary point? A flat? I may have many ongoing question about rigging lures and such. I appreciate any help....will make me look good with the ladies....well my wife and daughter. If I can keep them happy with fish on the line I may get to fish more often!!! Will keep you posted on our success. Thanks