Members IJBASS Posted June 11, 2017 Members Posted June 11, 2017 Planning a fall trip to Stockton in October and looking for some tips and pointers. My Son and I will be coming down from Wisconsin to visit family in Springfield. Hoping to spend a couple days on Stockton to fish both Largy's and Smally's. I have reservations at Mt. Carmel Inn and plan to put in at State Park Marina. I'm hoping that I can get a few ideas from some of you locals as to what I should be avoiding so I can make the best use of my short time there. I look at lake maps on line and what might look good to me here, may not be such a good place to fish. Anyone willing to share some info and help a Northerner out a bit? Any help would be appreciated!
Dutch Posted June 11, 2017 Posted June 11, 2017 You have selected a good forum for seeking local advice. We have a great group of guys who help each other out when they need it. I'm sure you can pick up some good tips and perhaps a few places to start fishing. A lot of it depends on how you fish and if you have a boat and what size the boat is. Stockton can be a bear in October with the changing frontal conditions and the accompanying winds. I really like to throw spinner baits and buzz baits in October. I also have a boat large enough so that I can fish where the wind is blowing. 3 years ago I spent the month of October there and white spinner baits were the ticket for me. I literally wore out or broke every one that I had. There were none in any area store or marina so I had to drive to Springfield to buy more. The next year I went armed with a dozen of them and they were worthless. My fish were mostly caught on plastics. State park is a good central location if you have a large enough motor to make runs up the tributaries should you decide to fish them. It also affords you the option of launching into the Little Sac at the Marina or across the peninsula at Harley into the Big Sac. A little more information from you about you rig and type of fishing you do will help people give you better advice. My suggestion to you is to follow this forum and see what is being posted and ask more questions as the time draws nearer.
Members IJBASS Posted June 11, 2017 Author Members Posted June 11, 2017 Thanks Dutch, I do have a boat, an 18 foot Ranger with a 150 Evinrude. Not a fan at all of battling rough, windy water. I fish a lot of soft plastics normally like power worms and Senkos. Love the big Jig in deeper water (3/4 to 1-1/2 oz.) Swim Jig has replaced the spinner bait for me. I literally do not have a short or long arm Spinner in my boat. Love buzz baits and top water of any kind. We throw Pop-R's here in the fall and slay the smallmouth. Is there an area I should be concentrating on over another? I know the lake has both Large and Small mouth. Is there a better side for either? Thanks again!
Dutch Posted June 11, 2017 Posted June 11, 2017 Small mouth can be found more easily in the last 5 or 6 miles toward the dam. However, all species are found in all parts of the lake. This spring I was on a smallmouth bit in 20 feet of water. While vacationing there I caught lots of them and only a very few largemouth because the lake was up about 12' and the largemouth were back in the bushes and timber and I did not want to work that hard for fish. Your boat will be big enough to handle Stockton. I used to do it in a 17' Ranger a long time ago. Have you ever been on the lake?
Members IJBASS Posted June 11, 2017 Author Members Posted June 11, 2017 I have been on the lake once about 25 years ago. I was a passenger with an ex brother in law who lived in Springfield. I don't remember a thing about it other than we caught some fish on crank baits or rattle traps.
Dutch Posted June 11, 2017 Posted June 11, 2017 OK just keep checking in. There are some good guys on here that can help you have a better chance than just hitting it blind. IJBASS 1
aarchdale@coresleep.com Posted June 12, 2017 Posted June 12, 2017 Just a thought, Bull shoals is about the same distance from Springfield to Stockton. It a awesome lake 1/8 the fishing pressure and it is full of smallies and Largemouth
Members IJBASS Posted June 12, 2017 Author Members Posted June 12, 2017 Been there several times over the past 20 years. We are coming from Wisconsin and not wanting to travel any further than we have to. Also, visiting family in Springfield as well.
aarchdale@coresleep.com Posted June 12, 2017 Posted June 12, 2017 I hear ya, just thought i would throw that out there. Plenty of fish in Stockton. I was at Bull over this weekend and almost forgot how peaceful it was. Maybe saw 20 boats all weekend on the water
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