Fishing

Stockton Lake isn’t the only place to catch walleyes in Missouri, but it is probably the best one! Fishermen catch more walleyes here than in any other lake in the state. The Conservation Department’s Walleye Initiative is working to establish walleyes in more waters in Missouri, but a pilgrimage to Stockton remains the dream of most of the state’s walleye fanatics. We continue to take at least 1 or two trips to Stockton every year just to enjoy the great walleye fishing (that is how good it is!) So take it from us, Fishing on Stockton Lake will not let you down…especially when it comes to walleye fishing.

Fishing Advide from Paul Henry:

Paul looks for points that wind is blowing into. “Wind is very important,” he said, and you don’t have to make long casts into it. The fish come right into the bank. The waders let me get out into the water if I need to.” He moves from point to point until he finds fish. The nice thing about Stockton is you can get in from many different places,” he said. His favorite spot is Masters Recreation Area, because it allows him to easily reach a lot of good fishing water. Henry’s primary target is white bass and his best action comes in spring. “It starts getting good about the first of March and lasts until early May,” he said. “April is the best month.” He said the same tactics work well from late summer through fall.

walleye hang out underneath the shad schools and follow them around. The fishing is best when the shad are over a rough, rocky bottom. Walleye hide among the rocks and attack young fish in the school so fishing just below these schools of fish is a very effective technique.

Stockton is also a real sleeper for bass, The locals refer to it as the best kept secret in the Ozarks. They are said to catch more and bigger fish from there than at Table Rock.