kcbear

It was tough, Eric-- the lake was down nearly 3 feet and the scum was awful. That said, I have already booked a week end in April of next year during the spawn (hopefully) with the same guide I had this trip. You know the old saying, "If at first, you don't succeed---"

Wally Eye and I did it!! Made the trek to Lake Fork on the 3rd- had a great guide on the 4th- and fished our hearts out on the 5th, 6th, 7th. Unfortunately, the lake was in a state of turnover--everything was scummy. My boat had a three inch wide band of scuzz that wouldn't wash off without some elbow grease. No giants to report, but did have a fairly successful week with at least a dozen bass over 3 pounds, and many dozen in the 1-2.5 lb range. It was finesse fishing all the way-- nearly everything was on wacky worms rigged on weedless wedge hooks. I had never fished wacky before, but after missing my first three or four bites, I found the range and had a blast!! By Thursday afternoon, I was an expert!! (just kidding) Weather was great, except the breeze was out of the east most of the week. Talked to quite a few fishermen, all had the same story-- you could catch fish, if you worked at it, but the bigger ones just weren't there. Bottom line-- I am going back during the spawn in the spring, but the trip made me love and appreciate Stockton even more. KCBEAR

I am happy to say that I and Wally Eye will be fulfilling a "bucket list" item for me this next week. We are heading to Lake Fork in Texas for 5 days of fishing for some big ole bucket mouths. The guide I have hired says the top water bite is good and getting better as they cool down like we are. Day in, day out, you can't beat Stockton in my book, but I am really looking forward to this. Here's to good weather, and good luck. KCBEAR

My wife and I stayed at Orleans Trail Saturday nite-- they were having a tournament out of there I guess because the place was packed, absolutely no parking around the ramp area, and a little music and celebration at the restaurant. That was a wedding reception I guess. Anyway, launched at the ramp north of Orleans area, near dam. Over Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, we picked up about 15 bass, only one keeper (nice smallie my wife caught on a crappie jig)-- but did have 3-4 others that were fat, but short. Wife also picked up 10-15 bluegill, with at least 1/2 being hand size. We fished dam area Saturday eve. looking for whites chasing shad-- lots of shad no whites. KC BEAR

That's what I,m talkin' bout!! I love this board. If you want to know something all you have to do is post it. This morning, I was wondering if the lake area got much rain. Straw Hat posted early about the amount and likely resulting conditions. My wife and I are at Orleans Landing this week end to fish-- helped a bunch. Thanks, Straw Hat. kwall posted about a place for his RV-- wtrdog responds with a site, price, and terms. Best of all, I learned that if wanted and/or needed, I can get my boat worked on, or buy tackle from local people trying to make a living, instead of overloading myself with tools, etc. when I want to be there and fishing. I have only been fishing Stockton for a little over a year- my experiences have been nothing but good. I have probably spent a dozen nights at Orleans, and made another 15-20 day trips from KC. It is my little piece of heaven on earth. I'm sure there are some less than friendly people and may also be some less than scrupulous businesses, but you know-- I ain't seen any of them yet!!! KCBEAR

Gilly, I could darn near see your tongue protruding thru your cheek after the second sentence. I think you forgot to add that the roads are nasty, it rains continuously, and the mesquitoes are the size of F16,s. Give me a good old pay lake with lots of carp, anyday. KC Bear

A friend and I intend to fish the Thursday evening tournament on 7-15-2010. I have been wanting to do this since they started back in April, I believe. The problem is that I live in Merriam, Kansas-- 135 miles from Stockton. I am still working which makes it a little difficult to get there in time for the tournament unless I take off pretty early in the day. Another problem is that finishing at 9pm means another hour to weigh in, get the boat out, and get ready to drive the 2 1/2 hours back home. This means that I might get to bed by 1am Friday-- and up for work on Friday by 5am. Since I don't get to fish Stockton nearly as much as I would like, I doubt that we would have much of a chance of even placing in the tournament, let alone win. The $40.00 fee, another $60 for truck gas-- another $20 for dinner-- another $20 for boat gas-- This is a $140.00 tournament!! With this sad story in mind, I would like for Mr. Bennett to agree to give me and my partner a total weight handicap of at least 3 pounds--kind of a head start if you will. Just kidding, Bob!!!-- The truth is we are looking forward to our 1st go at a bass tournament. In fact I plan to fish all day Thursday and most of Friday, with the tournament a priority on Thursday eve. So, if it ain't lightning, or pouring buckets---WE'LL SEE YOU THERE THURSDAY!!! KC BEAR

Thanks, Chris-- After I posted, I added "fishing lures" to my google of "Yellow Magic". Up they came. I hope they are really good cause the ones I saw were $14-16.00 each!! Thanks, again. KCBEAR

I have been looking at some Texas fishing reports (mostly Lake Fork)and they keep talking about using "Yellow Magic" top water baits. Anybody know what they are talking about? Anybody got a picture you can post? I love top water fishing (caught 14 Saturday morning on a black buzz bait at LeCynge, before the storms hit)and have all kinds of poppers, chugs, buzz,spooks,frogs, dogs, and hogs, but I never heard of a "Yellow Magic". KC BEAR

Good signs, guys-- I love the optimism!!! I agree Gobbler, there is nothing better than the crash of a nice bass slurping up your buzzbait, popper, chugger, frog, mouse, or whatever your favorite is. I love catching fish by any rod and reel method, but topwater is KING!!! Thanks for the responses. KCBEAR

Somebody tell me when the top water bite will get good. Was at Stockton the week end before Memorial day- tossed several different top water baits with nary a bump. I did catch half a dozen bass (all short), a short walleye, and two drum--all on a jig with a Gulp 7" Turtle Head worm, dragged along the bottom-- off a main lake point-- in 10-20 ft of water. I'm ready for the topwater action--SOMEONE-- please tell me it will be hot (the bite that is) this Saturday when I am once again on that heavenly lake. KC BEAR

Thanks to all four for your information and opinions. While the vote was split evenly, I get the feeling that either one would be a better choice than CC for the next few weeks. Thanks again, and good fishin' to all of you. KC Bear

I used to know a lot about Lake Monroe-- I graduated from Indiana University in 1977, in Bloomingtion. Lake is about 10 miles south-southeast of Bloomington. I believe it was built in the late 1960's by damming up Salt Creek. I left the area in late 70's and have not fished there since-- I did fish it a lot from 1968-1977 when I was in school/working there. It had one major marina- Four Winds, I believe. There are probably at least 7-8 launch ramps around the lake. It is a fairly narrow, long lake (at least 10 miles)with lots of creeks and coves. Depending on time of year, could have lots of structure--trees, brush, etc. Bass fishing was pretty good, particularly around the points, secondary points, and creek mouths. Lots of crappie. I don't recall much of a small mouth population. I remember using a lot of top water in the late summer and fall. In October the water temp is likely to be in the mid 60's range, under normal weather conditions for that area. If you have some specific questions, please remember that I have not fished the lake in nearly forty years-- a lot can change in that time. I must admit, though, your post brought back lots of good memories of times spent on that lake.

I should add that I normally use Orleans or CC-- but CC is so narrow and steep (not to mention extremely busy) that I don't think she would be comfortable in either the boat or the truck. I have never used Ruark or Hawker Point, but would like to fish the lower part of the Big Sac area. Thanks again, KC BEAR

I am considering bringing my wife to Stockton this coming Sunday and let her catch some crappie. She is very inexperienced when it comes to launching and loading a boat. Which launch area would be easiest for a novice? Which one is the least busy? Steepest ramp? Widest ramp? Anyone care to help me out? Thanks, KC BEAR

Met a friend at Orleans on Sunday afternoon. Fished Price, Hawker, and the cove entering Orleans. Managed only two short bass in 4 hours. Monday, we fished Mize?? Creek area, several main lake points, and a short run thru the Orleans cove-- 5 short bass, and a good sun burn. Water was 58-61 degrees both days. Tuesday, we put away the bass stuff, drove to CC, and concentrated on Crappie. It was a little before 10am when we finally cleared the traffic and launched. Long story (7 hours of fishing), short-- 8 really short bass, 4-5 punkin bellies, 4 small whites, and over 60 crappie. The day netted us 17 nice keepers-- largest just a shade over 14 in. When we cleaned them, only 3 had eggs, and the eggs were still pretty tight. GOD, I love your lake-- please let me keep enjoying it. PS.-- I must say that the organized chaos at CC was accompanied by a large dose of patience and friendy fishermen (and women). Helped to make the trip great. KC BEAR

Thanks for the report, Bob. Seems I can always count on you to provide the skinny. Will be on the lake Sunday afternoon, Monday, Tuesday, and if doing OK, Wednesday morn. I probably won't chase walleye, but my partner will be fishing for them. I intend to hit the creeks for bass and some of the channel breaks for crappie. Problem is I have only been fishing the lake for the last 8 or 9 months (last July), so spring fishing is still an unknown for me. Plan to start midlake, and work south from Hawker area. Sound reasonable?? Thanks again for your timely reports. KCBEAR

Got it finalized today!! A fishin' buddy from Springfield is going to meet me Sunday afternoon at Orleans Trail. Our plan is to fish til dark on Sunday, all day Monday, all day Tuesday, and Wednesday morning. Back to KC in time to work a little on Thursday and Friday. I would appreciate any information-- like lake temps in what area, what's bitin' and where (generally speaking)-- and what you are using for bait. Anything between now and Friday afternoon that I can use to plan a little. If anyone is out during the time frame we are there, look for a new Lowe 175 Stinger, kinda cream colored, with two big, fat old men in it. (We needed the width of the Stinger cause neither one of us are that stable anymore.) Flag us down and say hello-- love to put some faces with the forum names. Until then, good luck to any of you that get to go fishin'!!! KC BEAR

A fishin' buddy and I made the 135 mile trip to Stockton Sunday morning. Put in at Orleans, and headed toward Price. Ducked into a cove just west of Price-- found some 52 degree water and started fishin'. No luck fishin' a Rogue for about 1/2 and hour-- switched to a Chartreuse and white large spinner bait. 3rd cast-- slow rollin' on the bottom in about 8 ft. of water produced a lovely 5 lb. 2 ounce (according to my new Cabela's digital scale) largemouth. Caught 3 more from a pound up to 3 pounds in the next 45 minutes or so. I mean I was really slow rollin'!! Tried Hawker area- no luck.-- Fished the point and secondary points in the cove at Orleans. My buddy caught two more-- one was a nice 3 pounder on a "Banjo" swim bait!!! That thing actually caught a nice fish. Lake temp was 48-49 degrees everywhere we fished-- except that first cove. Wind was awful on the main lake. Great day for fishin'!!! KC Bear

Just set up with a buddy to hit Stockton this Sunday (along with about a gazillion other guys suffering fishing withdrawal this year). In Bob's last report, he indicated that the fish probably won't be moving much til the water starts to warm. Now I know I have a tendency to rush things, but-- Do you guys think the warmer temps this week will do anything toward turning the bass, walleye on. Any updates, suggestions on where to fish, etc. would be nice. We will be leaving KC about 5am-- should be in Stockton by shortly before 8am. All suggestions are greatly appreciated. KC BEAR

Welcome to one of the best overall fishing forums I have ever seen. These guys are knowledgeable, experienced, and willing to share with the rest of us. By the way-- I lived in Pentwater for about 8 years back in the late 70's-early 80's. I have one son that lives in Grand Rapids, and another still in Pentwater. I have had the pleasure of surf fishing Lake Michigan and catching many, many, many nice steelhead, browns, Coho, and Kings. Now I fish mostly Stockton, LOZ, and Truman. KC BEAR

What exactly is "bid for bargains"? Tell me more about the guide trip -- Arranged date or do you have a specific one your offering. What is the value of the trip (I wouldn't want to embarass myself by bidding way low or anything)? How do I go about bidding? Is it an internet thing? Is it a set bid time or available til no one else bids more? I am interested. KC BEAR

Nice!!-- Deep water, I'm sure-- Looking on one of my maps-- I find Ruark area ramp-- Where is Hartley? KCBEAR

Good luck to Bob and anyone else that makes it out today and/or tomorrow! I will be looking forward to reports on ramp and lake conditions. Oh, yeah-- Also hear about the fishing and catching!! KC BEAR

I second the motion-- Many thanks to rookiefisher and the others that have provided information on Stockton conditions over the last few days. It is 135 miles from my door to the ramps in Stockton. It is great to know what I will likely encounter when I back down those ramps. Thanks again, and keep it up. It will all come back to you in some good way!! KC Bear