August 30, 2006 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

August 30, 2006 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Rainy days and rainy nights have helped the fishing on Stockton Lake. Water temperatures have dropped as much as 6 degrees and have given relief to the fish, and the cooler days have helped the fisherman.

Carp: Carp are everywhere and begging for a fight. Grab your kids and night crawlers or dough balls and head for the lake. From the Greenfield access to the dam you will find carp. You don't need a boat to find fish, but don't forget your lawn chair. These fish are big, hard fighters, and there are far too many of them. More fisherman need to look at reducing the carp population.

Walleye: Cooler temperatures have given walleye fishing a boost. Last week was my crank bait for walleye week and I was pleasantly surprised. Try trolling crank baits (Wigglwarts, deep diving minnow baits like Tail dancers or Rogues). Troll along the rip rap under the bridges and you should catch fish. Don't overlook the dam or the main lake point above the 215 bridge.

Bucket mouth bass: Like walleye, the cool rains have stimulated positive response from the bass. Crank baits are the go to bait for bass. Deep divers in 3 to 10 feet will do the trick. Crank hard and fast with the first 2 or 3 cranks to get the plug to the bottom and let it bump, bang and gouge the bottom. Crawdad or shad colors are your best choices. Secondary points are the most productive. Spinnerbaits are your second choice. Let the spinner bait fall vertically down the bluff face, pay attention and watch your line. Fish will hit the bait on the fall. Guide's tip of the week: take a 3 inch tube, insert a piece of styrofoam in the tube cavity, then rig the tube as a trailer on the spinnerbait. Insert the hook through the styrofoam. This rig slows the fall, plus it holds the tube on the spinnerbait. Try Carolina tube rig with the foam inserted in the tube and catch bass when your buddies can't.

Crappie fishing is getting hotter as the water gets cooler. Fish unmarked brush piles in 15 to 20 feet of water. Anchor a half cast away and watch the bobber disappear. Medium size minnows are best. Don't overlook the timbered areas of the lake. Try Turkey Creek area near the Cedar Ridge boat ramp.

Shore fishermen: For channel cats, fish near the access on the Son's Creek arm off Highway 39, Mutton Creek cove, and Old State Park. These and other areas are good for bass, crappie, walleye, carp and cats. Stockton Lake has miles of prime shore fishing, so you can buy your wife that new car instead of that pricey bass boat you've had your eye on. Remember, when Momma ain't happy, you don't get to fish at all. Maybe she'll even drive you to the lake.

Marty Thompson

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-2277

[gonefishin]

Marty: As usual another great report. When do you think the fall walleye and crappie fishing will peak in Stockton?

You are right there are way to many carp in Stockton. The question is how to get people to fish for them and then what to do with them after they are caught.

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

October and November are your best two months in the fall for anything that swims in Stockton Lake. However, we got several inches of rain over the last two weeks, which has raised the water a little and cooled the water as much as 6 degrees in some places. Fishing has been excellent the last week and a half.