Spring fishing tips for Stockton Lake

• muttoncreek

March ~

Although some fishing seasons, such as trout, do not begin until March 1st, fishing season at Stockton Lake can continue year round and is controlled mostly by weather conditions. Missouri weather in general and around Stockton Lake has been mild this winter with some warm days occasionally nice enough to sneak in some fishing. However, now that spring is approaching and warmer days are more consistent, it’s time that anglers seriously start gearing up for fishing at Stockton Lake.

Stockton Lake, a reservoir in southwest Missouri, is one of seven man-made lakes in the state. Stockton Lake was formed in 1969 by damming the Sac River near the town of Stockton.

The Missouri Department of Conservation states that the best bets for fishing will be white crappie, black crappie, walleye, white bass, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Here’s a link to their full report, including new regulations: https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/fishing-prospects/areas/stockton-lake

Much of the area surrounding Stockton Lake is public land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the total area is 61,000 acres and includes Stockton Lake State Park.

If you’re really interested in the inside scoop of fishing on Stockton Lake, request to be a member of the Facebook Group called “Stockton Lake Fishing Report.” According to the group’s description, “Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, White Bass, Catfish, and Bluegill. This lake has it all! This group is to share experiences and discuss tactics for Southwest Missouri’s best lake.” Current posts report the conditions of the boat ramps after recent snow and ice, reveal the best bait, and declare that crappie are indeed biting!

A boat is not required for fishing at Stockton Lake. There are also fishing piers and plenty of shoreline bank fishing, as shown in the peninsula above near Friendship Bridge by the Greenfield Access.

Several other Facebook groups provide insight specifically for Stockton Lake fishing enthusiasts. Both “Stockton Lake Fishing” and “Stockton Lake Fishing Insider” offer helpful insight such as the best places and times to catch walleye, white bass, and crappie.

Stockton Lake covers 25,000 acres and provides 300 miles of shoreline.

For those interested in bass fishing, the “Summer Bass Brawl” Facebook group posted their 2022 schedule and information with the following dates at Stockton Lake: April 23, June 5, Aug. 27, and Oct. 29. Other locations are Table Rock Lake, and Pomme de Terre. The yearly membership fee is $25 per angler with $30 entry fee per tournament with 85% payback. For more information, find details on Facebook or message the group’s administrator.

Here’s an in-depth video about pre-spawn bass fishing at Stockton Lake:

This video about Stockton Lake bass fishing was created by “In Depth Angling.” For more content, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Our next Mutton Creek Getaway blog post will focus on boating, marinas, and spring events in the Stockton area. Happy fishing on Stockton Lake, anglers!

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