Stockton Lake Fishing Report 12-17-2012

[Stockton Lake Guide Service]

Stockton Lake Winter 2012 Fishing Report

The winter bite is just about here, and the crappie are really getting going. As the water continues to cool, the bite will become pretty stable and there shouldn’t be much change between now and the spring bite.

The fall crappie bite has been pretty good, with more awesome days than the “why aren’t they biting” days, but with the water cooling into the 40’s, the fall bite is about over and the winter bite is starting. If you want to catch crappie during the winter months, you only need to remember one word, SHAD. If you can locate the shad you are probably going to locate the crappie. Your best bet to locate the shad during the winter months is to look in the middle of the coves, in about 30 foot of water. I have seen them in 20 to 25 and all the way out to 50, so be a little flexible. The shad should show up on your graph like a big cloud on the screen. Once you locate them, the fish should be under them, waiting for the weak ones to drop out of the sky and into their mouths. I usually will fish about 4-5 foot off the bottom, but again, this changes sometimes. The bite isn’t a hard powerful bite, more like one little bump, and you need to set the hook. It does take some practice and some getting use to, so don’t give up to quick and pay real close attention to the line. There are times that you can catch them by watching the line move just a little and you don’t even feel a bite. Also, a good sensitive rod is a must. Not just a “micro light” but something that has lots of sensitivity. By getting a good quality rod, you will catch 3 or 4 times the fish. No need for minnows this time of year, just an 1/8 oz jig and a 2” grub, and don’t forget to get you a sharp filet knife, you will probably need one.

The walleye are not something that I try to “target” during the winter, however I will catch plenty of them while crappie fishing. On occasion I have tried using a jig and crawler rig, but I think I do just as good catching them while crappie fishing. They are under the schools of shad just like the crappie.

Stockton winter bass fishing is awesome. Once the fish get done with their fall feeding they will move to some brush and along the steep banks on the main lake. Jerk baits, jigs, and tubes will entice some bites and it’s an awesome time to get in touch with some of Stockton’s big largemouth. It will take a little time to get to know the areas, but start out fishing the marked mdc piles to get your confidence up then go out and locate some brush piles off points and the steep rocky banks. You will be glad you spent the time looking.

Hope this will help you catch some winter fish and as always, feel free to call me at 417-637-BASS, and don’t forget to put on your life jacket!!

Bob Bennett

Stockton Lake Guide Service

[Dutch]

Thanks for the tips. The fall bite has really been dropping off the last couple of weeks. They have definitely begun to move. I think I'll be looking for shad schools next time out.

[minnowhooker]

Good report thanks Bob......................Also I use braid to help feel the light biters it seems to help me

[murphdog]

Thanks for the great info! It really helps us inexperienced learn. It is much appreciated.

[Football Head]

Nice report. Thanks.

[Lifes2Short]

Great Report Bob, thanks so very much!!

[kwall]

time to get back after those crappie and walleye now that I got my deer meat in the freezer, Thanks for your tips Bob It's a big help to us - greatly appreciated