Stockton Lake Areas

[Fluke]

Hope everyone is doing well.

I was reading an article about some prospective place’s to fish and came across two areas. “The rip-raps”  supposed to be down by the dam and “The springs” supposed to be some areas of warmer water relative to the surrounding waters.

looked on my hot spot map but couldn’t find anything, has anyone heard of these areas?

[Fluke]

I think I may have figured out what the rip-raps are. The large rocks along the dam. And what I read about the “springs”. I think the person was trying to say where water that warms up faster in the winter close to deeper pools. And the shad will move in to the warmer water we have a few days of warmer weather and can easily move back to deeper water when a cold front comes in.

 

[Dutch]

I don’t know about the springs but I have been fishing the rip rap for many years.  However it hasn’t been very productive in the last few years.  There used to be big walleye caught down there on windy March days.  If you are going to use bottom baits like jigs or tubes be sure to bring several.  Sometimes I have fished it without losing a bait and sometimes I have left several.  Cranks and jerks can sometimes be the ticket.

Crabtree Cove is the closest launch on the East side and Stockton Public use on the west.  Be advised that it can get rough as the wind has an unobstructed run for 8-10 miles if it is out of the south.

[jdmidwest]

I would probably look online for an old topo map before the lake was formed and then look for references for springs in old river bed areas.

Several lakes I have fished have flooded springs that are warmer than surrounding water in the winter.  Blue Springs and Sulpher Springs at Lake Wappappello.  Not sure about Stockton, only fished it about 10 times now.  I am sure it has a few too.  USGS has historical topo's, I think they have some that predate the lake online.

[snagged in outlet 3]

4 hours ago, Dutch said:

I don’t know about the springs but I have been fishing the rip rap for many years.  However it hasn’t been very productive in the last few years.  There used to be big walleye caught down there on windy March days.  If you are going to use bottom baits like jigs or tubes be sure to bring several.  Sometimes I have fished it without losing a bait and sometimes I have left several.  Cranks and jerks can sometimes be the ticket.

Crabtree Cove is the closest launch on the East side and Stockton Public use on the west.  Be advised that it can get rough as the wind has an unobstructed run for 8-10 miles if it is out of the south.

I saw a video where a guy used a one ounce bell sinker and a snap ring.  He attached the snap to the sinker and when he got a tube or Ned snagged he opened the snap and put it on his line.  It slid down and dislodged his bait.   I just bought them so I haven’t tried it yet.   But the river eats a lot of Ned’s and tubes.   He was demonstrating it on rip rap.  

[Dutch]

6 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I saw a video where a guy used a one ounce bell sinker and a snap ring.  He attached the snap to the sinker and when he got a tube or Ned snagged he opened the snap and put it on his line.  It slid down and dislodged his bait.   I just bought them so I haven’t tried it yet.   But the river eats a lot of Ned’s and tubes.   He was demonstrating it on rip rap.  

I have dozens of lead balls with eye screws in them.  I put paper clips on them for plug knockers.   I use them on crank baits. They work maybe 6 out of 10 times.  The rest of the time they join the bait.  As for jigs, worms, tubes and Neds I never even try to get them.  I just break them off and go on.

[Dutch]

Fluke if I may offer you some advice, quit reading articles and pick one area of the lake.  Study maps and fish that area learning productive places.  Then you can branch out and learn other areas.  

[Fluke]

Thanks all for the responses. The reading and asking questions part is just in my DNA, it’s a nerd thing lol. Plus it’s saves on time and gas. I hate fishing, I love catching!

[snagged in outlet 3]

12 hours ago, Dutch said:

Fluke if I may offer you some advice, quit reading articles and pick one area of the lake.  Study maps and fish that area learning productive places.  Then you can branch out and learn other areas.  

That's how I do it.  It's more enjoyable when you succeed.   Lotta fishless trips though.

[snagged in outlet 3]

12 hours ago, Dutch said:

I have dozens of lead balls with eye screws in them.  I put paper clips on them for plug knockers.   I use them on crank baits. They work maybe 6 out of 10 times.  The rest of the time they join the bait.  As for jigs, worms, tubes and Neds I never even try to get them.  I just break them off and go on.

I use the hound dog with those little chains on them for jerks and cranks.  Gets em 95% of the time.  I haven't tried the lead ball deal but the Meramec is littered with my neds, jigs and tubes.  For a couple bucks I figure it's worth a try.