Stockton Dam Spillway

[MCrump]

I have made a few trips to fish below the dam before. One time when they were letting a lot of water out last fall I even picked a few good crappie. But every time I go I fish near the gravel bar (on it if it's exposed) and I always see people way up close to the dam. There are gates with a sign that pretty much says "do not enter" but they are always open - does that mean do not enter when the gates are closed or always? Just curious if anybody has ever been up there? Or do the guys I see have some special privileges? I would love to go up there but certainly don't want to be doing something I'm not supposed to. Any insight would be appreciated. (Successful fish stories from that spillway would also be appreciated.) haha

[blue79]

go to the other side of the dam.you can fish right next to the dam.you will need a big basket to pull big fish straight up.i made one out of a metal laundry basket cart you see at a laundrymat.you also need one if your on top of the dam or fishing off the bridge down at caplinger

[MCrump]

So the southeast side of the spillway, correct? That is where I have seen the gates, but like I said before the gates are open every time I'm there even though the sign is on them. The road to get to the northwest side of the dam also has gates and they were closed the couple times I tried to drive in there. I'm wondering if that will end whenever they get done with installing blades on the new impeller and get it up and running.

[blue79]

i have fished both sides but they have construction trailers on the nw side.drive across the dam to the ne side.If you follow the road by the baseball diamond you can also get to the river.I have better luck on the river myself.Its alot better if the water is running.