Walleye Help Needed.....please

[Walleyedmike]

First off, I'm what I would consider a pretty green walleye fisherman. There are many on this board that have WAY more experience than I do. But, as for bottom bouncing, I generally use my trolling motor. Basic rule of thumb is one ounce per ten feet of depth. 1 1/2 or 2 ounce bouncers will handle the majority of depths needed to fish walleye at Stockton. You want the bouncer just ticking the bottom, if you let out too much line it will lay over and drag the bottom and probrably snag. I tend to catch them around 12-15 feet deep in April, which doesn't mean they will be there but that's where I'd start. I use a baitcasting reel and medium action rod for bottom bouncing. As for the crappie, I dunno. Straw Hat will, though. Enjoy the trip!

WM

[powerdive]

Another approach that will accomplish both of your goals: troll points with crank baits (such as #7 Flicker Shads, Jr. Deep Rogues and Shad Raps) running at the 12-15' level. From the main lake all the way back into the coves. At that time the crappie will be crowding into the coves in preparation for the spawn and will stage by suspending over the deeper water. The walleyes will be jammin' the points looking to feed up after their spawn. Keep trolling and running your baits at that 15' level over and between the points (yes, even over 50' depths), and you should catch plenty of both species. That pattern will hold through May, most years.

[frying eyes]

Powerdive is right now! Trolling is my favorite way to fish Stockton, spring and early summer. Yes those crappie will hit the big crankbaits. I've had a few days were I've caught limit of crappie and walleye on the same crankbait.

[Stockton Lake Guide Service]

the first week of april will be the post spawn for walleye. most of the fish caught then should come pretty shallow. It will probably be little before they move up onto the points. you should catch plenty while crappie fishing, but if you want to key on them give me a call a few days before you come down and i will try to give you a few ideas depending on what they are doing.

[Big Keene]

it looks like we will be down the 13 and 14th of april. do you think that they will still be shallow? Again, i cannot thank you guys enough for your help.

[rps]

it looks like we will be down the 13 and 14th of april. do you think that they will still be shallow? Again, i cannot thank you guys enough for your help.

BK:

Everyone loves this answer: That depends.

Around here, in the Spring, three weeks is a long time. Our lakes can rise many feet and go from clear to creamed coffee in that much time. Or they can stay where they are now and clear. Your dates could see present surface temp (around 50) or as high as 60 degrees. The guy that runs Stockton Lake Guide Service (by the way I do not know his name - one of those long term message board things) has a long time reputation for sharing information. Take him up on his offer to tell if you call him.

[Stockton Lake Guide Service]

the fish should be shallow in the middle of april. we had another good 6 fish night before last, but they are spawning now. with the right weather, they might be up on the points by then and it will be an awesome bite (unless I fish them out before then!!)

It's been an awesome spawn bite for the most part and it should keep going good through the spring. as it gets closer info should get a little better. The good thing is the crappie should be on the bank about then.