Missouri Lakes Fishing Report

Lake - Stockton 12/17/05:

Main Lake: The bite getting a little better as smallmouth adjust to the colder water conditions. Deep rocky points and bluff ends have been the most consistent locations for quality fish. An Eakins’ jig in brown or Missouri craw with a green pumpkin Chomper twin tail has been catching several nice fish. Work the bait from the bank all the way out to 30’ deep, pay close attention to any rock or wood you come across that cover will hold most of the fish.

Above the bridges: The rivers are still very treacherous so be careful if you venture above the bridges. There is a pretty good jerk bait bite right now on channel swing banks and deeper mixed rock points. The fish that are feeding on a jerk bait are pretty aggressive so there is little need to pause the bait for long. These same areas are giving up a few fish on Eakins’ jigs and Ultra tubes, fish from the bank out to about 20’ deep and work the bait slowly on the bottom.

Trolling crawler harnesses, wiggle warts and other crankbaits near the face of the dam and major creek mouths has been your best bet.

Crappie are still holding on brush from 10’ – 35’ deep, live minnows, 2” tubes and grubs are all catching fish.

White bass fishing has slowed a bit but there are still days when you can catch a bunch on a rooster tail, windy flat points are key.