May 2, 2007 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

May 2, 2007 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Stockton Lake fishing has slowed somewhat in the last couple days because of the cold rain we have been getting this spring. The water temperature starts to rise and then it will drop 4 or 5 degrees, which postpones crappie and bass spawning. I fished every day for the last week, so I’ll give you my report as I see it.

Walleye have been caught off of the secondary points around the Ruark Bluff campground on jigs and minnows. The fish will position themselves in shallow water (8-10 feet) or deeper water (15-35 feet); this is primarily determined by the sun. I have noticed that light wind/sunny days means these walleye will be around 35 feet deep. I have been using a ¼ oz – ½ oz jig head when they are down this far. An important factor in catching these fish when they are deep is boat control. You need to fish the jig as vertically as possible to stay in the strike zone. Whether the fish are deep or shallow, the most consistent bait for me has been the jig and minnow. These fish come up shallow early and late and can be caught on virtually any kind of crank bait, but this has been hit and miss. Reference your jigs, remember this rule: light colors on light days, dark colors on dark days, but avoid tunnel vision and experiment because you don’t know what they may want. The problem with the walleye on Stockton Lake is there is not one single fish that has ever read the Walleye Insider, so fish with an open mind and experiment, no matter what the species.

Crappie: I’ll begin this part by being politically correct. The crappie have spawned and the crappie have not spawned. The crappie are deep and the crappie are shallow. With the peculiar weather patterns this spring, the crappie seem to be everywhere doing everything or nowhere doing nothing. The fish have already spawned in the main river arms of the lake. As you move further north, they are spawning or beginning to spawn. I have seen fish in 10 feet of water staging and then after two inches of cold rain these same fish will pull back to deeper water. I have caught fish this spring in 35 feet of water, so there is no hard and fast rule. Jig and minnows have been my best bait. Mark the fish off of secondary points and slowly drift while keeping your eye on your rod tip. One day the fish will grab it with such fury that a 3 year old could catch one on a Barbie pole, and the next day they bite so lightly that you hardly know they are there. I have been centering most of my crappie fishing in the lower portions of the Son’s Creek and Sac river arms.

Largemouth bass: Like all of my other aquatic friends in Stockton Lake, bass have been riding the roller coaster as well. The majority of my bigger fish (3-5 pounds) have been caught off of secondary lake points by dragging a worm, either Carolina or Texas rigged. Color doesn’t seem to matter, but I have been using purple or black in the stained water and pumpkin seed or watermelon in the clear water. One day spinner baits will outdo crank baits and the next day vice versa. I have also caught good fish by flipping tubes or creature baits in the backs of coves, deep in the brush. I use a 7 ½ foot flipping rod with at least 20# test mono. The result will be shocking. With just a few feet of line out, and a stiff rod, Mr. Bass will give you a jolt. For the most part, experimenting is the most effective method for contacting bass in weather conditions like these (cold front with heavy cold rain).

Catfish: channel cat fishing has been the best overall due to the fact that there are a lot of night crawlers and various other appetizing creatures being washed into the lake in droves. The best place to go is in coves that have steady running water. These fish are congregating in these areas because of the abundant food. If I was a cat fisherman fishing from the shore, I would fish the Old State Park cove around the boat ramp. Night crawlers are a go to, but they’ll bite anything from chicken hot dogs to the dipped bait you have to apply with a 4 foot stick.

Guide’s tip of the week: Remember to watch for trees and any other woody debris. I have seen chunks of wood the size of your arm and trees you could hang a swing on. If you take care of your lower unit, it will take care of you.

Marty Thompson

Thompson Fishing Guide Service

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS

[ColdWaterFshr]

If you take care of your lower unit, it will take care of you.

Words to live by right there.

[Phil Lilley]

You guys must be over 50... time for a checkup?

[tarpon14]

Oh, no, Phil - I hope that wasn't the reference I think it is - I'm closing in on 50 myself. Seriously, though, thanks Marty for the report. Kayak fished a couple of times last week around CC. Best walleye 20'' on chartreuse swimming minnow in 15', couple of short bass by accident, I guess.