January 9, 2007 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

January 9, 2007 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Walleye fishing has been spotty for the last couple of weeks, but fish are being caught around the points in the dam area, and also off the points in the Ruark Bluff area. Crank bait fishing seems to be the most consistent; hard jerk baits like the Rogue, and other minnow shaped baits work the best. Trolling has been producing some fish, mostly sub-legal. You can also try casting across the main lake points on the wind swept side. A few fish have been caught on crawler harnesses and minnow/jig combos, but I think your best bet is a crank bait. Don't overlook the Mutton Creek area.

Largemouth Bass: As most bass fishermen know, in this part of the country, your go to baits are the pig n jigs and the suspended hard jerk baits. During the winter I also use 4 inch tube jigs, rigged Texas style, pulled very slowly across the bottom. Another technique, wind permitting, is to position your boat 3-5 feet from a rocky bluff and parallel that bluff with either the jig or the jerk bait. I think the biggest problem with jerk bait fishermen this time of the year is that they don't pause long enough, There's been a few fish caught on spinner baits, late in the afternoon, in the backs of coves.

Smallmouth bass: A drop shot rig is very productive for smallmouth on Stockton this time of year. I use finesse worms like the french fry type, about 4 inches long. Color doesn't seem to be an issue, it's just something you have to experiment with on a day to day basis. Look for chunk rock shoreline and work the points. Here's a tip: for a drop shot weight, instead of the round ball or tear drop shaped weights, try a walleye snag-proof weight. They cost a little bit more, but you lose a whole lot less.

Crappie: There are still good stringers of crappie being caught over deep brush piles (20-25 feet deep). The best approach is to anchor a cast away from the brush pile and use a slip bobber. Remember to position the bait 2-3 feet above the brush pile. Small crappie minnows on ultra light tackle seem to work best. Most of your bites will be very subtle; if you have a problem with playing with your cell phone while fishing, you may as well stay at home and watch Bill Dance, because you'll miss the fish. Concentration is the key. For shore fishermen, try the rocky bluffs off the 215 bridge on either side and use the same technique (crappie minnows and a slip bobber). Fish are also being caught on crappie jigs with fish attractant, but the minnows are more consistent. Check out the Turkey Creek timbered area, and also Price Branch. Note: deeper cover is better cover this time of year.

White bass: Fish the windswept points from the twin bridges to the dam and you should find white bass. Metzger and CastMaster spoons work really well, particularly in the wind where you need to maintain contact with the lure. Many times the fish will strike the lure as it falls through the shad. Other baits like Beetle Spins or chartreuse and white curly tailed jigs work well too. Seek out these windswept points and use your sonar to zero in on the fish. Shore fishermen: if you have a south wind or a west wind, fish in the area of the dam; the wind will blow in microorganisms, which in turn entice the filter feeding gizzard shad, which in turn will bring in white bass. The above mentioned spoons work well here too. You may even hook into a hog walleye this time of the year.

Mutton Creek marina has an enclosed fishing area where for a small fee (a few dollars) you can fish indoors. On windy cold days, it is much more comfortable than stumbling around in the cold.

Marty Thompson

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS