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Fishing Stockton Lake

AKA: Stockton Reservoir

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Stockton Lake, MO

Popular Fish Species Stockton Lake, MO


Stockton Lake Popular Fish - White Bass

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.


Stockton Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

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.


Stockton Lake Popular Fish - White Crappie

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.


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.

Stockton Lake Fishing Video

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.

Stockton Lake, situated in southwest Missouri, is a premier fishing destination known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse fish populations. The lake spans over 24,000 acres, offering ample space for anglers to explore and enjoy their fishing adventures.

Bass fishing is particularly popular at Stockton Lake, with largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass being the primary targets. The lake's structure, including submerged points, rock formations, and brush piles, provide excellent habitats for these prized game fish. Anglers can use a variety of techniques such as casting soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures to entice bass. The lake's healthy bass populations and scenic surroundings make it a favorite among bass anglers.

Walleye is another sought-after species at Stockton Lake. These elusive fish can be found near points, drop-offs, or rocky structures, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. Anglers often target walleye using live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers, as well as artificial lures like jigs or crankbaits. Successful walleye fishing requires patience and finesse, making it an exciting challenge for anglers.

Catfish enthusiasts will find plenty of action at Stockton Lake, with channel catfish and flathead catfish being the most common species. Anglers can target catfish near submerged structures, deep holes, or along the lake's channels. Using cut bait, live bait, or prepared stink baits can attract these bottom-dwelling predators. Stockton Lake's catfish populations offer great opportunities for both novice and experienced catfish anglers.

White crappie is another popular species at Stockton Lake, particularly during the spring and fall seasons when they move into shallower waters to spawn and feed. Anglers can find crappie around submerged brush piles, docks, and other structures. Fishing with small jigs, live minnows, or crappie tubes can result in successful catches. The lake's healthy crappie populations provide exciting angling opportunities.

Other species found in Stockton Lake include white bass and bluegill, which offer additional angling experiences and are particularly popular among young or novice anglers.

Stockton Lake in Missouri offers a diverse range of popular fish species, making it a haven for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're targeting bass, walleye, catfish, or crappie, the lake provides an exciting fishing experience. With its beautiful surroundings and recreational amenities, Stockton Lake is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy nature's bounty.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Missouri

Primary fish species residing in Stockton Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish White crappie Walleye Bluegill White Bass

Stockton Lake Amenities

Bird fishing

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Stockton Lake not only provides excellent fishing opportunities but also offers a range of recreational activities such as boating and camping. Anglers can explore the lake's scenic beauty, indulge in water sports, or simply relax in the peaceful camping grounds. The lake's multiple boat ramps, marinas, and camping facilities cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

Marinas and boat launch facilities are located around the lake along with motels, restaurants and convenience stores. Stockton Lake is also a sailing paradise. Put Stockton Lake on your outdoor calendar, you'll want to come back again and again.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Mutton Creek Marina & Campgrounds
Rentals: Bass boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
417 995-3355

Stockton State Park Marina
Rentals: Bass boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
417 276-5329

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Aldrich Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, at the north end of the Highway 123 Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Crabtree Cove Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, east side, off 1791 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

High Point Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off S 19th Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Cedar Ridge Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Highway RA, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Greenfield Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, at the south end of the Highway CC Bridge, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hawker Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off H Highway, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Masters Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Corp Of Engineers Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Mutton Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, east side, at the east end of the Highway Y Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Ruark Bluff Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, at the south end of the Highway H Bridge, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Stockton Public Use Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off RB Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Stockton State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, east side, off Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Stockton State Park Marina Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off 2000 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Umberland Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off E 1860 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Marinas

Mutton Creek Marina & Campgrounds
18 Mutton Creek Loop
Greenfield, MO 65661
417 995-3355

Stockton Lake Marina
18610 2000 Rd
Dadeville, MO 65635
417 276-5329

Fishing Guides On Stockton Lake

Branson Guided Fishing Tours - bass, white bass, crappie, walleye

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Missouri Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Hawker Point Campground - 417 276-7266

Stockton Mobile Home & RV Park Campground - 417 276-8212

Crabtree Cove Park Campground - 417 276-6799

Tall Oaks of Stockton Lake RV Park - 816 353-3818

Cedar Ridge Park Campground - 417 995-2045

Evening Star Campground - 417 995-2050

Stockton Lake Seaplane-2m5 Campground - 417 276-3113

Mutton Creek Marina & Campground - 417 995-3355

Roark Bluff East Side Campgrounds - 417 637-5503

Roark West Campground - 417 637-5279

Stockton Lake MO Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Stockton Lake
Stockton State Park Marina
18610 E 2000th Rd
Dadeville, MO 65635
417 276-5329

 

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