Xraydude

No one has posted in over a month, what gives? -Did Phil say “Thou shalt not post about Stockton? - Is it too hot to fish? - The catching is so good everyone’s got lockjaw? - Your waiting on my report? ??????????? I need a fix, even if it’s fake news —

We made a quick trip to the park July 22 and 23rd. My nieces and nephews (one set from Las Vegas) from 2 sisters wanted to do a bit of trout fishing! How lucky am I?? The water was just slightly cloudy from recent rains, and the weather was spectacular. Unfortunately, there really are no fish in the hatchery, with all fish coming from SOH's and Neosho. I saw the stocking numbers 1600/1400 were about half of a normal busy summer weekend and new things would be slow. Nonetheless, my team did a great job getting up early for the whistle and staying late into the evening. We tried spinners early, jigs throughout the day and fur balls. There must be a lot to eat in the stream as only about 12 fish caught altogether for both days. Slowest fishing I have encountered there in 40 years. Nonetheless the Bennett Spring Special at the Lodge was tasty as ever. I sure hope the new plans for the hatchery (again) meets the needs for the fishery, as its quite disappointing. Many areas which once had a rock beach where family could hang out and watch is overgrown with vegetation. Hoping for better days for this park.

I had a great time with my uncle to Mark Twain, both first timers to the lake. Friday evening we trolled and caught about 12 crappie, half were keeper size and a white bass. Optimism was in the air for Saturday. Well, let’s just say the 3 nice drum we’re released safely back into the water. Sunday we fished for a bit, my uncle caught a nice 20” catfish on ultralight gear and I had one crappie. Not quite what we were expecting but again more exploring than anything. Had a nice stay at Southfork, and by good fortune had the opportunity to visit with Ron, the previous owner as we grilled some huge strip steaks my uncle brought. Great time, great memories.

Thank you Mike for your reply, it’s very appreciated. Sounds like there are some open areas. Many of the images online show a lot of timber left. I need to review a map before we go. I’ll send a report, hopefully some pics. Scott

Today is my uncles birthday and hoping to take him fishing at Mark Twain maybe later this week. I have never been there, could someone recommend a ramp that has a courtesy dock on the South side of the lake? Can I troll for walleye on this lake or is there too much timber and snags for that? Was hoping to troll for post spawn crappie and walleye and explore, please let me know if I'm on the right track. Thanks in advance ! Also, any good restaurants in the area, any on the lake?

I’d heard someone had a problem showing their license to workers who weren’t conservation agents, and it stopped. Matches the anti-authority world we live in now.

I think it’s as simple as the trout chow. Years ago it had an oily, strong smell. Now when you feed the fish it feels like a vegan mix. I simply don’t think those fish get enough calories to add the extra inch or two that makes a difference. They should be able to keep maybe 15% of the fish longer to a better size, for goodness sake we’ve got more hatchery space now. The mgmt just doesn’t care, the swimming pool is a good example.

Those were the good years at Bennett, when you could camp up by the spring, Springview had not been run off, Vogels was still in the park. When there used to be deeper pools in certain spots.

Last week my wife and I took a week of vacation (much needed) and booked a trip with Ed to fish for walleyes. They had been mostly elusive for me, as we only get to Stockton about twice a year. Fishing with Ed was like fishing with an old friend, rare when jumping in a boat with someone you’ve never met for just a few hours. He taught us about habitat and lures doing his best to share his talents with us. I’ve had the good fortune to hire guides in the Gulf several times, Wyoming, White river, and others. He’s the first guide I will return to. Thanks Ed for a great day.

Who needs a pool when you have a new bird sanctuary attraction. We stopped by about a week ago. What used to be the jewel of the Mo park system is not anymore.

I’m surprised no one’s mentioned those flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz - the worst of all. Hated those things.

We’ve been down for a couple days, finally got a week of vacation this year, with poor fishing as well. Today was the worst, one 14 3/4” walleye. We’ve caught a few shorts, but little else trolling which is odd, usually catch crappie, cats, whites, bass, something. Mostly fishing from mile long bridge to OTM. Got a couple more days to turn this around.

Just got back from a trip. Everything but restaurants are open. Some of the restaurants are doing carry out. I went to Woods, and didn’t have their card. Be prepared for 30 questions for why you’re there. Unbelievable. The store and staff are not prepared- no social distancing by staff and no disinfectant wipes for carts. I finally told the lady the truth that we were healthcare workers and haven’t had time off In awhile. She finally shut up. If you get that, just say you’re visiting family. 🙄. Fishing was terrible for me, hope you find them.

I am as walleye novice as it gets. Only second time I "focused" on walleye and really didn't think they would be that shallow. The waves and south wind had me out a bit farther too, on a couple points it didn't leave much room for a mistake or correction time.

My wife and I ran down Thursday- Saturday. I manned the trolling motor and fought waves, she caught fish. 😡 Total fishing time was cut short with the wind We trolled with a couple crank baits and a couple bottom bouncers focusing on 22 foot mark. Caught 6 walleye but only one legal and several more catfish. Should we have moved deeper for bigger walleyes? Does it need to cool off a bit more? Maybe Lmt Out had already been there?? We had a nice stay at the Cabins in Stockton, it was new to us. Our sons came up and fished a bit Saturday. Lake time with the family is the best. Wish we could visit more than couple times per year.

Good job falling on the wicked witch of the west and catching some nice fish. Hopefully things will pick up a bit with the falling water.

I replaced my Stratos from page 3. Sure liked the deeper sides with the "breeze" the last theee days. The Ulterra is awesome too, it makes fishing from the stern a blast compared with the old fish and ski.

FYI, stopped by Cabelas and their Berkeley crankbaits are 25% off. STL store had a nice selection because there was no one in there tonight!!

Thank you RPS and Dirtrider. That spawn is earlier than I thought. I do like to catch big fish, but I'm not into trophies, and a big female walleye is too valuable to take. I may get three days off and thought it would be fun to try once. I've thrown jerkbaits on the White, and my shoulder still remembers that!!!

The thought has crossed my mind as well, have never fished Stockton this early. I only get one or two trips per year. It seems there is a whole lot of winter left this year but if a guy could swing a trip around March first, what could I expect? Walleye staging around the dam and possibly getting ready to move upriver???? I'd be appreciative to any thoughts.

Now that's a report!!! Thanks Oberst. Great content and boat set up.

First picture post. Hope this is sized right.

My son is on spring break from MSU this week and wants to hang out with dad Thurs-Sat this week. Well the first place I thought of was Stockton. But I have never fished there this early. Would you: 1. Fish the upper ends, CC and Highpoint for white bass and walleye, maybe catch some warmer water. 2. Fish the dam area, I am not sure how long the walleye there stay active. 3. Switch gears and head to Bennett Springs trout fishing. So mother nature is looking to have her fun this week, I guess there is a fourth option, watch it rain/have a beer. Thoughts please??

Thanks for the info Dan, I'll check out the you tubes. I might get to hit Stockton more often if my wife gets a fish fry once in awhile!!!

Man that hurts. I fished a couple days in the wind last week with one short being the only walleye. I don't get down there often and my walleye skills stink.