Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Stockton Lake Guide Service]

The lake is finally at, or very near, normal pool. The water temp is still very cold, about 34-35 all day today, but that isn't slowing down the fishing. If anyone tells you that fish can't be caught in the winter, it's not hard to prove them wrong.

Crappie are schooled up, and once you start catching them you should have a limit in a couple of hours. Remember that the length limit on stockton is 10", and lots of fish are very close to this length. Don't make a costly mistake and keep the ones that are to short, plus it will keep our fishing excellent for years to come. Your best bet to catch crappie is to jig (I use a double 1/8 oz set up with 2" plastic grubs like a triple ripple or bass assassin. All of the fish I have caught in the past week have been about 1 foot or less off the bottom. You really don't need to move the jig, hold it as still as you can and if you do anything just lift it up and let it fall back a little. Be ready for any resistance and set the hook. I have also been using some smelly jelly (you can order it from burtonsbaitandtackle.com or get it at fins and feathers in springfield. I have been using the garlic flavored and it has really helped get more bites. There are millions of shad (that is a ruff estimate) and it seems like anytime you get a jig into these shad you will get a bite. Don't give up to easy, sometimes it might take a little while to get the hang of things, but most of the people fishing this time of year are catching fish, the cold weather is just a bonus.

Walleye are being caught on jigs in 20-30 foot of water on flats and around the schools of shad. Seems to be a lot of smaller fish, but they will grow up soon, so take care of them when you take them off the hook. It just might end up being that 7 lb walleye hanging on your wall in a few years. Fish the jigs slow and pay close attention for any slack in your line or if it's moving to the side etc. You can also pick up a few walleye while you are crappie fishing.

Bass are mainly located on main lake points and on bluff ends on jerkbaits and plastics. Use a suspending jerkbaitm, and don't be afraid to add some weight to them to get them down a little further. Fish them VERY slow, and be ready for one of those big stockton lake winter lunkers. Again, if you find one fish, you need to really fish that area, and duplicate the spot on your next stop.

Catfish are located in the freezer section of price cutters and summer fresh. Debit and credit cards with available balances seem to work the best, but they will take cash (but no out of state third party post dated checks)

Hope this helps everyone a little bit. I won't be out monday, but if you are having trouble I'm planning on going tuesday, so feel free to give me a call and I will see if I can't help you some. Winter is the best time to catch fish, the lake isn't crowded, and it's really hard to break a sweat. And please do all you can to take care of the short fish you release. These are the fish that we want to catch later. If we kill them now, then things will be a little tougher later.

Good luck to all and don't forget to bring dry clothes with you to the lake, and never be ashamed to wear a life vest!!

[shockley32]

Bob,

Your catfish report is priceless!!! Can't wait to get out and catch a boat load of crappie.

Brad