Fishing Stockton Lake

AKA: Stockton Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Stockton Lake Fishing Video
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Stockton Lake, MO

Popular Fish Species Stockton Lake, MO

White Bass Fishing

After several successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Stockton Lake and anglers should expect some great fishing this year. These runs happen during Spring in the upper reaches of the main incoming creeks. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Stockton Lake offers good fishing for largemouth bass. Recently, the fishing for bass has been impressing locals. Many bass over 5 pounds roam Stockton Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Missouri Department of Conservation, as well as the availability of cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Stockton Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

White Crappie Fishing

Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Stockton Lake, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Black crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.

Stockton Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill and white bass at Stockton Lake in Missouri.

A boating paradise, Stockton Lake is a 25,000 acre impoundment with 300 miles of shoreline for camping, hiking, picnicking and some great fishing. Bass, catfish, crappie, walleye and others await anglers of all ages.

Bass fishing is particularly popular at Stockton Lake, with largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass being the primary targets. Walleye is another sought-after species. Catfish enthusiasts will find plenty of action, with channel catfish and flathead catfish being the most common species. Crappie is another popular species here, particularly during the spring and fall seasons when they move into shallower waters to spawn and feed. Other species found in Stockton Lake include white bass and bluegill.

Fishing Report

Primary fish species residing in Stockton Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Bird fishing

Stockton Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

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