Members audiochem Posted September 10, 2015 Members Posted September 10, 2015 Hello all, Myself and family just moved to the area about a month ago. I plan on taking my 4 yo son out for some crappie and walleye fishing on Stockton as our first fishing trip in MO this weekend. Having never been on this lake, I was hoping to get some pointers... 1. Are rocks a concern / are they marked? (I busted a prop in Canada not too long ago, so I'm a little gun-shy) 2. I'm planning on launching from the Greenfield boat ramp since it's the closest to my house. Is this one ok (i.e. deep enough)? Should I launch somewhere else that is closer to fishing spots? 3. Can anyone provide some pointers on crappie and/or walleye fishing? I'm mostly looking for enough action to keep my son interested. He loves catching fish, but like any 4 yo, gets bored easily. I see a cold front is moving in, but going for it anyway. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Dutch Posted September 10, 2015 Posted September 10, 2015 That area can be a little dicey at times if you don't know where to look for the shallow spots and submerged stumps. You probably should go down more to the middle of the lake, like Rouark or Mutton Creek. 5bites 1
waterpossum Posted September 10, 2015 Posted September 10, 2015 I don't see much problem launching there. If you go north you will encounter some trees on the west and east side about 1.5 to 2 miles from the ramp. If you go back south under the CC bridge just take your time. you may not want to venture much more than a mile that way until you learn it a little better. I hope you can keep him occupied with some kind of fish. Good luck. This is one marvelous lake that has a lot to offer other than the fishing.
Members CSO Posted September 10, 2015 Members Posted September 10, 2015 Buy a good lake map with contour lines, or better yet down load a stockton lake map onto your GPS if you have one. Greenfield ramp is OK and free, Mutton and Rouark are very nice ramps $3 fee bring cash.The lake can be pretty rough if it's windy, be safe and good luck.
LoweSTX175 Posted September 10, 2015 Posted September 10, 2015 I'm like several of the guys above. I grew up on Stockton and have lost a prop or two in the past trying to get into certain areas. I'd try to stay between Hawker Point and Birch Branch. Those areas are typically areas without stumps or big rocks on the lake. There are plenty of brush piles and points to fish. As far as right now? I'd rely on the other guys for what's biting and how they are biting. I'm planning on making a week long trip here before September ends. Unless something changes I'll be trolling cranks, bottom bouncers or drifting some of the flats. Best of luck and welcome to the area. I grew up down there but now I live 3 hours away.
zarraspook Posted September 11, 2015 Posted September 11, 2015 If your main focus is numbers of fish -- the bridge pilings at Greenfield has crappie and bass around them all year... You may catch 20 fish and one would be of legal size... You need to watch "where & what" the others are doing and you will see what is working at this time... I started both of my boys about the age of four and now one runs bass tournaments Louisiana and the other has a house on Beaver Lake... And both are outstanding members of their communities -- Neither became "CROOKS or POLITICIANS" !!!!! wtr dogs 1 "Look up OPTIMIST in the dictionary - there is a picture of a fishing boat being launched"
Basschomper Posted September 11, 2015 Posted September 11, 2015 We have caught some crappie this week on bluffs. 5-10fow bass assins and bobby garlands on 1/16 oz lead heads. Shad colors. Throwing up to shore and hoping it down the ledges. Mite be a little tough for a little guy though. I used to throw a minnow and bobber out for my kids to keep them somewhat entertained then when I hooked one with my rod just let them reel it in. It was always a lot of work but I wouldn't trade any of those memories for anything. Now they both fish small bass tournaments with me.
Members audiochem Posted September 11, 2015 Author Members Posted September 11, 2015 Thanks for all the tips, guys. I think we'll have fun just checking out a new lake. Any fish will be a bonus. Minnows under slip bobbers are right up his alley. Dragging for walleyes might be fun if we get the drift right. I don't have a kicker motor and using the big motor will probably be too fast (and complicated for him). Tight lines.
LoweSTX175 Posted September 11, 2015 Posted September 11, 2015 Thanks for all the tips, guys. I think we'll have fun just checking out a new lake. Any fish will be a bonus. Minnows under slip bobbers are right up his alley. Dragging for walleyes might be fun if we get the drift right. I don't have a kicker motor and using the big motor will probably be too fast (and complicated for him). Tight lines. To be honest you can troll at 2.5-3 MPH if needed. I was alway leary of using my outboard motor... but thats the only way I will troll now. Best of luck out there. I think you'll like Stockton Lake. Believe it or not I was about your son's age fishing Stockton for the first time at about the same age over 30 years ago.
Members audiochem Posted September 11, 2015 Author Members Posted September 11, 2015 Ok...then I have to ask, what are the crankbaits of choice? How do you get them down to 15'? Best color pattern? Etc. We can certainly putt around and watch our pole tips. Thx
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