June 14, 2006 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

June 14, 2006 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Walleye: A lot of walleye are being caught in the Mutton Creek/Ruark Bluff area. The fish position themselves in the mouths of the large main lake coves at the level of the thermocline, which is approximately 20 feet deep during midday. The best technique for these fish is to slow drift a jig and large minnow. Make sure you position your bait a foot or two above the thermocline. On your sonar, you'll be able to detect the thermocline, which appears as a distinct horizontal line. This line is created by algae which is compressed between the two layers of water, warm water on top, cooler water on the bottom. From the top of the thermocline, the water temperature drops half a degree for every foot; the thermocline is usually 4 to 5 feet thick. This cooler water in combination with microorganisms attracts the shad by the millions, which in turn attract the walleye. Unlike northern walleye, southern walleye in Stockton Lake will follow the shad in the thermocline as they move aimlessly throughout the lake in the summer months. This bit of information should be the basis of your approach. The walleye will leave the thermocline early and late to feed in the backs of coves and along the flats in the Googer Creek area. Good fish can be caught by casting or trolling crank baits that imitate shad, such as lipless crank baits. Not only is this principle applicable in the area of the lake I mentioned, but it is the key to catching walleye throughout Stockton Lake.

Bass fishing has been good in the timber in the Sac River arm of the lake, from Springfield Cove to Birch Branch. Slow crawl 1/2 oz to 1 oz pig n jig combinations across the bottom and you'll catch quality fish. Slow roll white or chartreuse/white spinner baits with willow leaf blades.

Kentucky spotted bass: Stockton Lake has an incredible supply of Kentucky Spotted Bass. Even though the majority of your catch will be sub legal fish, they present a lot of good action, including top water. Provided there is little wind, you can find top water action along the dam rip rap. Smaller baits like ZaraSpooks, Torpedoes, and Chuggers work well. During midday, try motor oil colored 1/4 oz curly tailed jigs and bounce them off the dam rip rap and you should find action, particularly when there is cloud cover.

White bass: like walleye, the white bass will cruise the lake along the thermocline following the shad schools. They can be anywhere, but concentrate your efforts in the mouths of secondary coves during midday, where the depth is at least 25 feet. Beetle Spins, small vertically presented lipless crank baits, and Tail Spinners are good baits in these areas.

Crappie fishing remains good throughout the lake. I have been concentrating in the Turkey Creek area. Find isolated timber in deeper water 25+ feet, and you'll find crappie. The crappie will be near the thermocline waiting to ambush shad schools as they come by. Medium sized minnows or minnow/jig combinations fished at the appropriate depth will produce legal crappie.

Channel cats: Good channel cat action is found in the pea gravel banks in east Ruark Bluff campground area. You can catch them from the shore or from boats on anything from night crawlers to a jig and minnow combination fished slowly. Fish from 5-7 pounds are not uncommon. Another good channel cat hotspot right now is the Orleans Trail cove. Fish any of the points within the cove and you'll catch fish. The first three or four hours early in the evening seem to be best.

Marty Thompson

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS

[Dutch]

I may get to go to Stockton in a few days. I would like to catch some morning white bass. Is there any morning surface activity going on at this time?

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

Yes, there is some good white bass action in the morning. Try the Cedar Ridge area; there has been fantastic white bass action there, with schools of white bass busting the top to the point it looks like things are falling from the sky!

[fox_76]

i noticed some last weekend in the afternoon, around the masters area, i have caught them there quit a bit in the past. in the cove where the fishing dock is located. GOOD LUCK!!