January 14, 2009 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

January 14, 2009 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Walleye/crappie/white bass: In a few short words, I’ll give you the basic pattern of fishing on Stockton Lake in January, winter pattern, no doubt. This is a condensed form of my last several reports (which I hope you read) to get you zeroed in on fish. Primary areas are the mouths of main lake coves, at depths around 50 feet, slow presentation with a jig and minnow, spoon and minnow/night crawler bounced off the bottom. As I have stated in previous reports, water temperature is more critical in the winter than any other time of the year. The fish seek water temperatures that are as close to their liking as possible; the warmer the better. Warm water also gathers shad by the millions. In many cases, the warm water in these areas is the result of warm water springs, which spew water 54-59 degrees. This would also account for the reason that the fish get so deep this time of the year.

Shoebox Photo Memories: I am blessed to be a fishing guide. I live 4 miles from the lake, have a 21 foot bass boat with a 225 Mercury motor, and more bass plugs than I’ll use in a lifetime. I fish constantly and I meet a lot of real good fish (and people).

One of the greatest experiences that I can still vividly remember was when my dad, grandpa and I fished out of our first boat with a motor. We hauled it to the lake in the back of a pickup and dumped it off on a sandbar. My dad finally figured out how to start the motor (5 hp at best). I remember smelling the exhaust as it kind of stuck to the water early on a summer morning. I don’t remember if we caught fish that day or not, but every time I smell boat exhaust, it brings back the memory of how I felt on that day as a kid. Stay tuned next week for more Shoebox Photo Memories. Dig through those old fishing and hunting pictures some night and see what you remember.

Book your spring trips now. My calendar is getting filled up!

Marty Thompson

Thompson Fishing Guide Service

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS

Often imitated, never duplicated. Fish the Finest!