Ramp Access

[adjust555]

Does anyone know if cedar Ridge is accessable?

Thanks in advance,

Vince

[Dutch]

I don't see how it wouldn't be the way the ground slopes. It should be the best launch on the lake. I know for a fact that Stockton and Crabtree are tough right now.

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

Cedar Ridge is one of the best remaining ramps on Stockton, according to the Corps...I have not seen it myself. I have been putting in at RB and Ruark Bluff, which are both very manageable. The ramp at Mutton Creek marina is ok, although the lake end of the ramp is pretty high, so watch your fingers (and arms). I watched three guys in an aluminum boat wrestle with the waves banging their boat up against the dock at Mutton Creek marina yesterday.

State Park is shocking...just a few hundred feet from the (old) restaurant is where the lake starts and there is no parking available to speak of. The ramp at Old State Park is out in the lake, and there is no parking to speak of there either...maybe enough for 10 boats. Hawker dock is still pulled.

Orleans Trail is dicey...some clients said there were service vehicles that were blocking the ramp today, plus they typically do not have much parking due to all of their sail boats. Crab Tree dock is pulled also.

I'd go for the sure thing with RB or Ruark Bluff.

As of today, for some unknown scientific reason, everyone seems to be catching drum, but I did notice one thing as I battled the great drum: between Twin Bridges and 215 male crappie are showing up in 8-10 feet of water. Because of the water clarity on the southern end of the lake (below 215), the crappie will spawn much more shallow than where they are staging at this time.

Marty Thompson

Thompson Fishing Guide Service

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS

[adjust555]

Thanks guys. Marty I really appreciate your post. you always go above and beyond. i've worked 5 months witout taking a day off, so tue through thurs. i'll be on the lake. Hope I hit it right. My freezer has been empty for a few months now and the wife is actually asking me to go. I guess I've got on her nerves enough. Will post how I do.See you on the lake.

[powerdive]

Both ramps at Cedar Ridge are open, have parking and have the courtesy docks placed. Best ramp by far right now is Masters, though. Two lanes, courtesy dock, lots of room to maneuver, plenty of parking and nobody in the way (Cedar Ridge South is a circus on the weekend).

[adjust555]

Thanks all,

no problem getting in yesterday at Cedar Ridge. Put in just as the rain ended. Was cold and windy for about 2 hours, with no fish in boat, but as the sun startred to appear the crappie did too in 29 foot of water. Kept 3 nice males, 1 was 16" and 3lbs.15 oz. Nicest crappie I caught on Stockton. They were the only keepers, with about 8 shorts. They were very soft bites. If you were not paying attention, you lost. Be up tue to thurs. good luck all.

Vince

[Whack'emGood]

A 3-15 crappie? Wow!!!!! Nice fish. I would like to see that one. Did you take any pics? Nice job finding them.