March 2, 2009 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

March 2, 2009 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Lake level: 867.30

Normal pool: 867

Walleye: For the most part, walleye are still deep (35-40+ feet) off main lake points. However, fish in certain areas of the lake have started to move a little shallower in anticipation of the upcoming spawn. I believe that the moon phases in March coupled with warm weather (which we’re supposed to get for the next week) will trigger spawning activity. These fish will move up into the mouths of tributaries (Sac River, Son’s Creek) and will wait there for the opportune time. The best approach right now, however, is to stick with the winter pattern and find the large shad schools off the main lake points or in the mouths of coves that connect to these main lake points. Fish jigs, with a variety of plastic bodies (whatever you want as long as it has a minnow attached to it); the bigger the minnow the better. 4 or 5 inches is good. Note: nobody that I know of as of right now, sells minnows in Stockton. The closest place is the Trading Post in Greenfield (Hwy 160/Hwy H) or the Country Depot 9 miles east of Arcola. Just so you know.

As the water temperatures warm (at present north of Hwy 215 the temperatures are 40-47 degrees), the fishing will become more consistent. As the water temperature reaches and stabilizes around 45 degrees, walleye will begin to actively spawn. Spawning areas include any and all tributaries flowing into the lake, and also rip rap around the dam and bridge areas. Walleye don’t build a nest like bass and crappie; they deposit their eggs on rocky shorelines. About 20% of the walleye reproduce on their own, which is a high rate for southern highland reservoirs. Added to that is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s walleye stocking program that contributes 750,000 fingerlings every other year. Stockton Lake Association is supposed to match that in the odd years, but I don’t know if they do. My personal prediction for the upcoming fishing season on Stockton Lake is that fishing should be very good for all species.

Crappie: like walleye, the majority of your good bites will occur in deeper water (25-45 feet). Winter pattern techniques still apply for the most part, but some crappie are starting to show up in shallower water (15-25 feet) as the water warms. The warm weather this week should motivate the fish to move shallower and become more active as they get further into the pre-spawn stage. This is a bit off yet, but when the water temperatures start reaching into the high 50s, crappie will be shallower.

Largemouth bass: Because the bass are still cold and sluggish, jigs are your best bet along with my favorite, plastic worms. Bigger bass (4-6 lbs) are being caught in around 15-25 feet of water off of key main lake and secondary points. The best points are the ones that have chunk rock shorelines; later in the afternoon, as the water cools, slow rolled spinner baits or suspending jerk baits work real well.

Allow 5-10 seconds between jerks when you use suspending jerk baits. Bass on Stockton Lake are still in the winter mode, but will begin moving shallower to spawning areas as the water temperature warms.

Shoebox photo memories: When I was a kid, you talked about plastic worm colors. You had black, blue, purple, and red. Those were the good old days. Bass obviously were not as politically correct then as they are today. For example, here’s a selection of colors that (according to the manufacturers) you better have if you want to be a success in life (at least in the mind of a bass). Have you ever heard of scuppernong? How about kudzu? Here’s an oldie, but a goodie: methiolate. Not to mention flying monkey, electric chicken, tamale pie, and guacamole.

The first bass boat that my dad and I had was a high tech, high powered, technologically advanced fishing machine. It was 16 feet long, made by Cotton Cordell, brand name “Goin Jesse” with a 65 horse Merc. I was bad on the water, at least in my own mind. The point I want to make here, is that as outdoorsmen (fishermen and hunters) we can never lose the real focus as to why we do what we do. I now own a 21 foot bass boat with a 225 Merc motor with all of the scientific gadgets (some of which I am still trying to figure out) and I can honestly say some of the greatest memories I ever had were with my dad in the old Goin Jesse catching bass on Hula Poppers, Jitter Bugs, and purple rubber worms. As I think about it, I am sure the old bass gets a kick out of the good old days too.

Marty Thompson

Thompson Fishing Guide Service

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS

Often imitated, never duplicated. Fish the Finest!

[techo]

Thanks for the report. I am going to try to fish Stockton a bit more this summer. Table Rock is way closer, but I would like to start branching out. I will be hanging on your every word this summer!

[PHhunter]

Techo,

The way you catch them on TR, we don't need you coming up and sore mouthing all our bass up here! I think it will be a real good year on Stockton. Should be a boat load of 12-17 inch fish after the last two spawns. Give Stockton about 3 years and it may REAL GOOD!

[techo]

Thanks for the kind words, but someone has been telling some tall fishing stories! Let me know who and I will send them the required payment. I think last year's weather is going to make a bunch of the lakes fish a bit better. We can already see a difference on Table Rock and I think the crappie fisherman are hopeful for a great season.

[Jon]

Our local paper The K.C. Star, had a report of I think it was 43 deg. and walley was fair off the dam. Anyone know anymore?

Jon.