September 14, 2006 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

September 14, 2006 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Walleye: walleye fishing has picked up due to the fact that the water temperature has dropped 8 to 10 degrees throughout the lake. Trolling crank baits (Wigglewarts, Balsa Bees and the like) has been quite effective. The key here is to cover a lot of water. Fish have been taken in this manner around Crabtree Cove and Masters. When you catch a fish, stop and fan cast the area. Crawler harnesses or jig/minnow combinations are catching fish also. Troll or slow drift through the schools of shad and you should catch fish. The dam holds a lot of good fish and don’t overlook the bluffs in the State Park area.

Largemouth bass: Like walleye fishing, bass fishing has picked up since the water has cooled. For numbers, try casting to the shore with crank baits or spinner baits. Experiment with design and color. I have caught fish on crawdad or bluegill colors. Oranges and browns seem to be the most consistent. Most of these fish will be 13-15 inches, but if you are after bigger fish (3-6 lbs), deeper is better. Plastic worms 9-11 inches in blue or purple are good choices. I have been catching some nice fish in around 20-30 feet of water. The top water bite has been hit or miss lately. One day will have lots of action and another day no action at all. Try the coves with cover for a better top water bite.

Crappie: The crappie bite is on. Crappie jigs are catching fish along with small minnows. Mutton Creek cove, the timber in Turkey Creek are areas that seem to be producing more legal fish. Don’t overlook the CC bridge area for bank bound anglers. Fish under the bridge with a slip bobber adjusted at 10-12 feet with a small minnow or crappie jigs.

Marty Thompson

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS