Fishing Report 03/25/2011

[Stockton Lake Guide Service]

Water temp 57 up the rivers and 49 at the dam

Lave level 869.77 +2.77

Clarity-muddy up the rivers and normal on the main lake

Walleye are pretty much done with the spawn up the creek arms, but have been going strong on the main lake. Depending on the day depends on what you need to use. I have caught some on jerk baits, some on crankbaits, and some on jigs. As it gets darker in the evenings, move up and fish the edge of the brush. There are boats lined up on the banks and needless to say this is the area that you need to be fishing. I have thrown jerkbaits right in front of other people and they catch 3 or 4 and I catch 1 (which I guess is good on a guide trip) and then just the opposite later. If they won't attack the stick baits, then try something a little slower like a grub or jig.

Crappie are hitting great along channel drops up the creeks, however this changes quickly with the numerous fronts that have come thru. We have caught crappie on every trip, but one day it is great, then a front pushes them back and slows them down. most of the fish are coming in 6-12 foot of water, but some have been in as little as 4 foot. The crappie are just waiting for some warm weather like the rest of us. I have been catching the majority of fish on 1/8 oz jigs and 2"grubs, but some of my customers have been using minnows and having luck. If you are fishing a post cold front, take both and slow it down. find some deep (or the deepest) water you can find in the area and fish that. the fish usually pull back and slow down a little after a front, but they will still bite. Don't let anyone tell you they dont feed for days following a front, just be ready to adjust to the conditions.

White bass are still running up the creeks. They are probably about done, but they can still be caught. red and white 3" grubs work great, but if you get in the right area it really won't matter what color you throw. If it's a post front bite, be ready to switch it up, slow it down, and keep trying different areas.

Bass have been fair on jigs and some spinnerbait bites up the river. Everyone I have talked to and everyplace that I have fished the jerkbait bite seems to be done (but don't cut it off yet) Bass are moving around alot and are on the prespawn banks and feeding before they move in. This is a great time of year to catch a really big female getting ready to spawn. Don't be afraid to release that monster bass and let her spawn, but if you can't make yourself, at least send me some pics!!

Catfish are in the lake someplace. i heard of a guy that got one on a spinnerbait, but beyond that I don't know anything.

Good luck, and remember, don't ever be ashamed to wear a life jacket!!