September 5, 2007 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

September 5, 2007 Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Walleye fishing has been good over the last week, and I am thankful for that because when my clients catch fish, they think I am the greatest thing since the invention of Stink Bait. One key spot that walleye have been turning up is the flats across from Mutton Creek. Slow troll deep diving crank baits, like Wiggle Warts, which is an effective tool in catching fish. Late afternoon or early evening is a good time. Shad colors work the best. Criss cross the flats until you have scoped the fish. They may be in 15 feet today and 35 feet tomorrow. If trolling crank baits doesn’t produce fish, try crawler harnesses. Main lake points around State Park boat ramp are also good places to go. Use the same technique as on the flats, or try bottom bouncing jig and minnow or jig and night crawler. As we see more cool weather, the fishing will continue to get better for the next two months at least.

Largemouth bass: Fish the bluffs with a jig or plastic worm. Let the bait fall vertically along the face of the bluff. Some days you’ll get bit at no deeper than 5 feet, and some days it will be 15 or 20 feet, depending on environmental conditions. When you catch fish in the 5 foot range, they’ll hit top water. I use a clear, plastic Devil Horse, because the blades sound like bass feeding on shad. Many times when a bass is drawn to a top water bait, it is because of competition. Buzz baits will work also, but you will get more bites when you are able to stop and start the bait. I’d like to give you more information, but because of my confidential client/guide relationship (we in the profession call it CCG), I cannot. Overall, bass fishing has been excellent. Main lake points, usual techniques, and a little patience, and you will catch fish. One thing I will tell you, though: fishing is better off of the rocky points than in the timber. My theory for this is that there is so much cover, the fish don’t seem to gravitate to specific areas.

Crappie: I haven’t been crappie fishing, therefore I am not able to give you any accurate information.

Blue Gill: I had a client recently who wanted to go blue gill fishing. Stockton Lake as you know not only holds the Missouri State Record Smallmouth Bass, but also the state record Green Sunfish. We vertical fished several main lake bluffs; we were fishing in approximately 15 feet of water and caught dozens of coffee cup saucer sized blue gill. It was a blast. Here’s our mode of attack: small crappie jigs or Road Runner jigs tipped with a small piece of night crawler (red worms would be better if you can find them). If the bait is too big, they will pull it off. That’s a critical point. Try crickets on a small cricket Aberdeen hook.

You need to book your fall trips now. We have a few days left in September, and some in October.

Marty Thompson

Thompson Fishing Guide Service

www.fishstockton.com

417-424-BASS

[Phil Lilley]

That was quick!! Thanks Marty!

[Thompson Fishing Guide Service]

I'll have to get after my secretary for neglecting to post it in a timely fashion. Oh wait, my secretary is my wife...