May 9, 2007 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

May 9, 2007 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Walleye fishing has been good, to say the least, as far as catching enough legal fish for a fish fry. I have zeroed my clients in on the water south of the 215 bridge, but fishing in the dam area has been good too. These fish have been coming up into the shallows early and late, particularly late, to chase shad. White curly tailed jigs have been the most effective, casting towards the bank and retrieve back to the boat. Troll Rattle Traps, Wiggle Warts or spinners across secondary points and you should catch fish, however, things will soon change when the water temperature gets warmer, so enjoy it while you can.

Crappie are in the spawning mode in areas above the 215 bridge, but for the most part, have finally finished up on what has been an up and down spawning year. Remember, bigger crappie are in deeper water. Look for secondary or main lake points that have cover and try minnows and jigs fished above the cover. Whether spawn, pre-spawn or post spawn, crappie fishing is good throughout the lake. Cedar Bluff in the Turkey Creek arm is always a good bet, as well as points around the twin bridges.

Guide’s tip of the week for the minnow man: I have experimenting for some time on how to keep my minnows alive longer. Try adding a cup of salt to every ten gallons of water; this will help preserve the slime coat on the minnow and reduce stress. This same recipe is also effective for fish caught in tournaments. Another tip for the minnows in hot water conditions is to freeze a gallon jug of water and place the jug in the bait tank. This obviously helps keep the water temperature down. These are just a few tips that I have tried; some work and some don’t. If you have any information reference the proper care of bait, please let me know. When you talk about crappie fishing, try to keep your voices low, due to the fact that if your minnows hear you, they will become overly stressed and stroke out.

Largemouth bass: I have been noticing male bass on nests, so there’s no doubt that they have begun to move up and spawn. I have also observed (with my underwater camera) that the blue gill are thick in these spawning areas. When Mr. Bass is pulled from protecting the nest, Mr. Blue Gill and all of his friends are waiting to invade, therefore I do not target nesting fish. I target the fish that are deeper (anywhere from 8-25 feet), which are usually bigger fish anyway. Plastic worms of course, but if you like the jig and pig, that’ll work also. Best colors for this time of year, whether it’s a crank bait or a jig, are orange, blue, green and brown. These are the predominant colors of bass’s favorite foods, blue gill and crawdads. Top water action is hit and miss, but that should change soon with rising water temperatures. With all of the brush in and near the water, this should be an excellent year for the spawn and for great top water action. If you like to flip and pitch, you’ll find quality fish back in the deepest, most tangled debris you can find. As the leaves begin to sprout on the willows and other brush, this action should get even better. With so much submerged cover on virtually every shore of the lake, these bass will be more spread out than they are at low lake levels. Here’s an easy rule of thumb reference which bushes to concentrate on: look for the brush that has close access to secondary points and deeper water (12-20 feet). Because of the high water this year, I predict that this will be a very productive season, not only for fishermen, but for the fish themselves.

Marty Thompson

Thompson Fishing Guide Service

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS