Stockton Lake 2002 fishing prospects

Information: 417/895-6880

Stockton Lake black bass surveys indicate that in recent years the black bass population has done well. Conditions favoring bass reproduction, bass angling success and good shad production confirm that black bass fishing will continue to be good during 2002. Largemouth bass is the most abundant black bass species and is the bass species most often caught and harvested by anglers. Recent surveys have shown that good percentages of legal (=> 15") largemouth bass are available to anglers. Spotted bass and smallmouth bass are also present, but comprise smaller percentages of the black bass population, and provide fewer legal-sized fish. Angler survey information has shown improvement in walleye angling since stockings began and after reducing the minimum length limit to 15". Spring 2001 electrofishing resulted in high numbers of adult walleye indicating that the population has improved substantially since stocking began. Eighty-two percent of the walleye captured during the spring 2001 survey were larger than the 15" minimum length limit. A limited amount of natural recruitment was detected, and good numbers of yearling walleye were captured during the fall 2001 walleye electrofishing survey. The good representation of yearling walleye is no doubt related to the walleye stockings completed in 2000. Walleye stockings are again scheduled for 2002 and in subsequent even-numbered years at a rate of 25 to 30 small fingerlings per acre. Jigging with natural bait in 15-25' of water during midsummer is one of the preferred techniques for catching walleye. Trolling bottom- bouncers with natural bait and casting or trolling deep-running crankbaits can sometimes also be successful methods. Crappie recruitment has been inadequate at Stockton Lake for the past several years. Although crappie growth is excellent, and the percentage of legal fish is high, past poor recruitment of young crappie will result in crappie fishing poorer than what Stockton Lake is known for producing. Fall 2001 trapnetting showed that adult numbers were low and that black crappie dominated the crappie population for the fourth consecutive year. The best white bass fishing occurs near, or in, Stockton’s tributary streams from mid- March to the end of April. Anglers trolling or fishing the windy lake points in the fall may also be successful. Crankbaits, spinner baits, buzz baits and white jigs are good choices for catching white bass. Both flathead and channel catfish are present in the lake and, at times, provide good fishing, usually during the spawning season in June. Trotlines or jug lines can provide good catfish fishing during the right times. Bluegill should not be overlooked by Stockton anglers that enjoy pan fishing. Fishing pressure is light with good numbers of large fish available. Bluegill fishing is usually best during summer months using nightcrawlers or crickets in 12-20' of water. 

Report Courtesy MDC