March 29, 2006 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

March 29, 2006 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Walleye fishing is good on Stockton Lake north of the 215 bridge to the dam. Fish soft or hard jerk baits in the backs of coves early and late in the day. I put clients on fish in the back of Orleans Trail cove and we netted 6 fish from 4lbs-7lbs all caught on soft plastic jerk baits white in color. As the morning progressed, the same fish dropped into deeper water at the mouth of the cove. Also look for fish cruising the dam. White or chartreuse jigs are your best colors tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows.

Largemouth bass are getting more active as the water reaches 50 degrees. The backs of coves early and late are a good place to start. Jerk baits as well as spinner baits are good choices. During midday, fish the points with tube jigs or Pig and Jig in greens and browns. The fish hold to structure in around 25 feet during the day and still require a slow presentation. Look for main lake points that connect to banks with pea gravel. Bass will start to stage for the spawn soon and when they move up to spawn they will search out the pea gravel banks.

Crappie fishing has been good all winter and is getting better. Your bigger fish are still deep for the most part and can be caught on crappie jigs tipped with minnows. Experiment with color. Don't overlook the backs of timbered coves. These areas warm faster and draw fish. Spinners or small lipless crank baits will catch fish in these areas all day.

White bass are hot throughout the lake. Slow troll small shad colored crank baits to locate fish. When you find the fish, fan cast the area with 3 inch white plastic jigs and if you're any kind of fisherman at all you should fill the boat; we stopped counting at 30 yesterday.

Marty Thompson

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS