How to Fish Stockton Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Stockton Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Stockton Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	40-55	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding but location-dependent on water temperature. Reports show increased activity when water temperatures reach 47°F, with fish responding well to slow-moving baits and suspended presentations. Fish are showing both reaction strikes and methodical feeding patterns, with many following baits before striking. Clear water areas are producing more follows, requiring follow-up presentations.	Steep rocky banks and long tapering points, especially those adjacent to deeper water Secondary points just off the main lake Shallow wood and laydowns in southern river arms where water is more stained and warmer Brush piles in 15-30 foot range serving as staging areas	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses, especially effective in 40-47°F range Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow wood structure Hard Body Swimbaits (glide baits) along rocky banks and points Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around bushes and riprap when water is running	Shad (particularly important with reported shad kills) Crawfish (becoming more active as water warms)	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to pre-spawn patterns, actively feeding while staging near spawning areas. Fish are showing wind-influenced positioning, particularly against rock bluffs as noted in recent reports. Morning feeding periods are pronounced, with fish actively pursuing forage in 60-65°F water temperatures. The turbid water conditions (1.9m secchi) are keeping fish tighter to structure.	Rock bluffs and boulder fields, especially wind-blown areas as confirmed by recent fishing success Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water, particularly those with rock structure Main lake points with good rock coverage, especially those near potential spawning bays	Lipless Crankbaits worked along bluff walls, matching recent successful reports Blade Baits for actively feeding fish in wind-blown areas Football Jigs worked slowly through boulder fields	Shad schools congregating near rocky structure Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms Small baitfish relating to pre-spawn staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving in loose schools, gradually relocating from deep winter haunts to shallower staging areas near spawning coves Most active during dawn and dusk periods due to the turbid water conditions (1.9m secchi)	Transition areas where deep winter spots (15-20ft rocky points) meet pre-spawn staging areas Brush piles in 15-20 foot range adjacent to spawning coves Channel swings and bluff walls near shallow coves	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small shad and minnows in pre-spawn staging areas Young-of-year baitfish schooling in transition zones	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	48-62	Bluegill are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, gradually moving from deeper brush piles to shallower warming areas Fish are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, feeding opportunistically on insects and small baitfish near structure	Brush piles in 15-20 foot range near spawning flats Standing timber and flooded brush in 8-12 foot transitional areas Secondary points with access to shallow spawning areas	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Bobbers	Small insects and zooplankton becoming active in warming water Young shad and small baitfish Emerging aquatic larvae	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are moving from deep wintering areas to staging areas near spawning locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are most active during low-light periods, particularly dawn and dusk, but the turbid water (1.9m secchi) allows for extended feeding periods	Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas, particularly those with sharp drop-offs Creek channel swing areas in 15-25 foot range Transition areas where clear water meets stained water, especially near structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow, deliberate presentations Live Bait Rigs with minnows near bottom structure Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions	Shad schools concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas Small panfish near brush piles and timber Crawfish becoming more active with warming water	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Males actively guarding nests in shallow areas near hard cover, with females staging nearby in slightly deeper water Fish are responding well to reaction strikes near shallow rock and boulder areas, particularly in 3-6 foot range as evidenced by recent catch reports	Boulder and rock areas in 3-6 foot range, especially near steep banks as confirmed by recent catches Secondary points with mixed rock and brush in 8-15 foot range where pre/post spawn fish stage Protected creek arms with warmer water temperatures for early spawning activity	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along rock transitions, matching recent successful patterns Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible cover and spawning areas Bladed Jigs for covering water and triggering reaction strikes in stained water conditions	Shad schooling in creek arms and around points as noted in reports Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to spawning areas, moving from winter deep water to shallower rocky flats and protected coves Males are actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby structure, creating multiple fishing opportunities Fish are aggressive toward crawfish-imitating baits that threaten nests, but also opportunistically feeding on passing shad	Protected rocky flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially near deeper water access Rock bluffs with pea gravel pockets, particularly in wind-protected areas Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel leading into spawning coves	Tubes worked slowly along rocky areas, especially where spawning beds are present Ned Rigs deadsticked near bedding areas and transition routes Finesse Jigs pitched to visible beds or likely spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns Small bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	52-65	Crappie are making periodic shallow movements for spawning but retreating to deeper water during cold fronts, transitioning between 10-20 foot staging areas and shallow banks Most active during warmer days, particularly in protected coves and shallow water areas where spawning preparation is beginning	Protected coves and shallow bank areas, particularly in the High Point area Staging areas in 10-20 foot water adjacent to spawning flats Rip rap banks where water warms faster	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish move shallow on warm days Crappie Spider Rigging in 10-20 foot staging areas during cold fronts Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) when fish are relating to visible bank structure	Small shad and minnows in pre-spawn staging areas Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallow areas	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill actively moving into shallow spawning areas, with males establishing and guarding nests in colonies Aggressive territorial behavior around spawning beds, with fish becoming more active during warming trends	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition, especially near standing timber or flooded brush Secondary points leading into spawning bays, 5-10 foot depth range Shallow brush piles adjacent to spawning areas serving as staging locations	Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended 2-4 feet deep near spawning beds Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush and timber edges Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through spawning areas	Small insects and larvae around spawning areas Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge Zooplankton in shallow to mid-depth zones	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye moving into shallow water (2-15ft) near spawning areas, particularly around gravel or rocky substrate Most active during low-light periods, with feeding increasing in the turbid conditions Post-spawn fish staging near drop-offs for recovery	Main lake points with gravel or rock substrate Creek channel mouths with rocky transitions Sharp drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations Lipless Crankbaits worked parallel to spawning areas	Shad congregating in pre-spawn areas Small baitfish in shallow warming waters Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy. Fish are utilizing channel swing ledges and shallow cover, with a mix of deep and shallow activity as evidenced by recent reports. Fish showing both shallow reactive strikes (topwater) and bottom-oriented feeding (jigs), suggesting a pattern of moving between depths throughout the day based on sunlight and temperature	Channel swing ledges, particularly near the bank as reported in recent success Standing timber in south arms, producing consistent 12-17 inch fish Wind-blown pockets with shallow cover, especially during active feeding periods	Structure Jigs worked along ledges and timber, which proved highly effective in recent reports Texas Rigs (Worming) in standing timber areas Hard Topwater (Prop) during active shallow feeding periods, especially in wind-blown areas	Crawfish, primary forage as evidenced by recent jig success Shad, particularly in wind-blown areas where topwater action is occurring	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating heavily to rock-timber transitions, particularly laydowns near deeper water as evidenced by recent catches	Laydowns and fallen timber adjacent to rocky areas Main lake points with rock-to-wood transitions Rock bluffs with scattered wood cover	Shakey Heads worked slowly through cover Ned Rigs for pressured fish Drop Shot along deeper rock edges	Shad schools beginning seasonal movements Crawfish active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are beginning to suspend and school near deeper structure, with feeding activity highest during morning and evening Schools are utilizing brush piles and channel edges as transition routes between spawning areas and summer habitat	Brush piles in 15-20 foot range near spawning coves Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats Suspended schools near bluff walls	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Small shad and minnows Young-of-year baitfish Small sunfish	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill recovering and actively feeding, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure Fish beginning to school up around brush piles and standing timber, feeding heavily on insects and small baitfish	Brush piles in 15-20 foot depth range with nearby access to shallower water Standing timber and flooded brush areas in 10-15 foot depths Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer haunts	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Bobbers	Insects and zooplankton around brush and timber Young-of-year shad Small invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-62	Post-spawn walleye recovering in transitional areas, making short movements to feed during prime periods Fish staging near points and creek channels, actively feeding on shad and other baitfish as they regain energy	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays, particularly those with sharp drops to deeper water Creek channel swing points in 15-25 foot range Brush piles positioned on secondary points in 15-30 foot range	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along break lines Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during lower light periods	Shad schools suspending near structure Small baitfish relating to brush piles	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-82	Bass are displaying a dual pattern - shallow feeding early/late in flooded brush and shoreline cover, then moving to deeper brush piles and points during mid-day hours Fish are transitioning between summer and early fall patterns, with some fish beginning to follow bait schools while others remain structure-oriented	Brush piles in 15-30 foot range, especially those near channel swings Main lake points with rock or timber Shoreline brush and flooded cover in stained water areas	Football jigs and shakey heads worked slowly through deep brush piles Bladed jigs and chatterbaits in shoreline cover during morning hours Deep diving crankbaits on channel swing points Neko rigs cast to brush piles from a distance	Bluegill around shallow cover and brush Shad schools in open water and around points Crawfish around rocky structure and points	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Smallmouth bass are establishing deep summer patterns, primarily holding on main lake structure and following shad schools Fish are most active during early morning and evening, moving shallower to feed before retreating to deeper water during bright conditions Strong wind influences positioning, with fish often stacking on windward bluff walls to ambush bait	Deep main lake points with rock structure in 15-25 foot range Rock bluffs, especially on windy banks Transitional areas between deep structure and shallow feeding zones	Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along bluff walls and points Football Jigs worked slowly on deep structure	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to points and bluffs	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are suspending in deeper water near main lake structure during daylight hours, moving to shallower feeding zones during dawn and dusk Schools are tightly grouped around brush piles and channel edges in 15-30 foot range, following baitfish movements	Brush piles positioned along channel edges in 15-30 foot depth range Main lake points with access to deep water Suspended fish near dock structures in 12-20 foot depths	Crappie Spider Rigging - effective for covering water and maintaining precise depth control Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - productive for actively feeding fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - ideal for targeting specific brush piles and structure	Small shad schools suspended in the water column Young-of-year baitfish around brush and structure Small bluegill around dock structures	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Bluegill are actively spawning in shallow areas with firm bottom, creating visible beds and becoming territorial Post-spawn fish transitioning to deeper brush piles and timber in 15-20 foot range, feeding heavily on insects and young-of-year shad	Shallow spawning flats with firm bottom in 2-4 feet of water Brush piles and standing timber in 15-20 foot range Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer holding areas	Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended at specific depths around brush and timber Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around spawning areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for post-spawn fish on brush piles	Insects and zooplankton in shallow to mid-depth zones Young-of-year shad Small crustaceans around brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Walleye	72-82	Walleye are suspending in deep water (45-70ft) during summer, relating to creek channel swings and sharp drop-offs Fish are actively feeding on shad, following bait balls in open water areas Due to the turbid water conditions (6.2ft clarity), walleye remain somewhat active during daylight hours	Sharp drop-off points where creek channels swing nearby, 45-70ft depth Main lake points serving as primary migration routes Deep structure areas with visible bait balls on electronics	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along drop-offs Trolling Deep (20'+) along creek channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics	Shad (primary forage, visible as bait balls) Deep water baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Stockton Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass actively chasing shad schools in a typical fall feeding pattern, with surface activity indicating aggressive feeding behavior Fish relating to both shallow and mid-depth structure, moving between main lake points and creek arms following bait movements	Main lake points and creek mouths where bait schools are present Brush piles in 15-30 foot range, particularly the upper portions Channel swings adjacent to shallow flats where bait transitions occur	Buzzbaits worked quickly along shallow points and creek banks Hard Topwater (Prop) worked around surface feeding activity Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow-rolled over brush tops	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports showing bait school activity) Baitfish schools concentrated around structure	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	65-75	Fish are actively feeding on shad near the surface, showing aggressive topwater behavior across multiple lake zones Transitioning between main lake and creek areas, following bait movements with increased feeding activity	Main lake points with proximity to deep water Creek mouths and creek channels Rocky bluffs with wind exposure	Hard Topwater (Walking) - work aggressively to mimic fleeing shad Buzzbaits - fast retrieves across points and shallow areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - for when fish move slightly deeper	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports and seasonal patterns Crawfish - secondary forage option particularly around rocky structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappie are actively feeding and schooling in preparation for winter, following baitfish movements to deeper structure Fish are transitioning from summer patterns to winter holding areas, concentrating around deep brush piles and channel edges	Brush piles in 15-30 foot depth range near river channel edges Rocky points in 15-20 feet of water Deep bluff walls adjacent to channel swings	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Schooling shad in mid-depth ranges Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish Young-of-year baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Schooling and stacking up tightly on brush piles in 15-20 foot depth range as they transition to fall feeding patterns Actively feeding on minnows and small baitfish, showing increased feeding activity to build reserves for winter	Brush piles in 15-20 foot depth range Standing timber and flooded brush areas at similar depths Deep water access points near structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Bobbers with suspended baits near brush tops Hover/Mid-Strolling near brush pile edges	Minnows Young-of-year shad	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-65	Walleye are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following bait balls of shad in open water and near structure Fish are transitioning from summer deep water patterns to more moderate depths, especially during low-light periods Increased feeding activity during dawn and dusk, with better daytime bite potential due to turbid conditions	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those intersecting with creek channels Sharp drop-offs near standing timber in 15-30 foot range Creek channel swing points where bait balls are present	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour breaks and points Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') through suspended bait balls Blade Baits worked vertically through schools of bait	Shad schools concentrated in the mid-depth range Young-of-year baitfish gathering near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-49	Bass are positioning on hard structure and brush piles in 10-20 foot depth range, particularly relating to points and channel swings with nearby deep water access Fish are showing both suspended feeding patterns around bait schools and bottom-oriented feeding on crawfish, adjusting based on daily conditions and available forage	Main lake rocky points with brush in 10-15 feet of water Brush piles positioned on channel swings in 15-20 feet Secondary points with hard structure and bait presence	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Ned Rigs and Finesse Jigs worked slowly around brush and rock Football Jigs dragged along rocky points	Shad schooling in 20-40 foot depth range Crawfish in rock and brush areas	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	42-48	Smallmouth bass concentrate in deeper winter haunts, typically along steep channel edges and deep rock structure, maintaining minimal movement to conserve energy Feeding periods become shorter and more selective, with fish showing increased activity during stable weather patterns and warmer afternoon periods	Deep rock bluffs adjacent to channel edges in 25-45 foot range Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with large boulder clusters Steep transitions where rock structure meets deep water basins	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and long pauses Drop Shot rigged with small profile baits, fished with subtle movements Damiki Rig presented directly to suspended fish marked on electronics	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water Smaller baitfish seeking thermal refuge near deep structure Dormant or slow-moving crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling heavily on specific structure in 15-25 foot depth range, with groups of 50+ fish commonly found on distinct spots Fish are suspending near vertical structure and showing preference for deep winter holding areas along river channels and rocky points	Rocky points in 15-20 foot depth range, particularly in the 18-20 foot zone for larger fish Bluff walls adjacent to river channels in 15-25 foot depth Brush piles positioned along deep structure in 15-30 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with tight control over suspended baits Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding in deeper water along bluff walls	Small baitfish suspended in winter schools Juvenile sunfish relating to brush piles and structure	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Bluegill schooling in moderately deep brush piles and standing timber, especially in the 15-20 foot range Feeding activity concentrated during warmer parts of day, with fish suspending near vertical cover	Brush piles in 15-20 foot depth range with nearby deeper water access Standing timber edges where vertical cover intersects with depth changes Protected coves with submerged brush where water temperatures may be slightly warmer	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Young-of-year shad suspended near brush Zooplankton in the water column Small aquatic insects near structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	45-55	Actively feeding on suspended shad in deeper water, often relating to creek channel edges and deep structure Moving with bait schools in open water, particularly during low-light periods Utilizing deep brush piles and standing timber as daytime holding areas	Deep creek channel swing points in 45-70 foot range Main lake points near deep water access Brush piles in 15-30 foot range adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Shad (primary forage, concentrated in large bait balls) Small panfish utilizing brush pile areas	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Stockton Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Steep rocky banks and long tapering points, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Secondary points just off the main lake
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock bluffs and boulder fields, especially wind-blown areas as confirmed by recent fishing success	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water, particularly those with rock structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Transition areas where deep winter spots (15-20ft rocky points) meet pre-spawn staging areas	Brush piles in 15-20 foot range adjacent to spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 15-20 foot range near spawning flats	Standing timber and flooded brush in 8-12 foot transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas, particularly those with sharp drop-offs	Creek channel swing areas in 15-25 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Boulder and rock areas in 3-6 foot range, especially near steep banks as confirmed by recent catches	Secondary points with mixed rock and brush in 8-15 foot range where pre/post spawn fish stage
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially near deeper water access	Rock bluffs with pea gravel pockets, particularly in wind-protected areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves and shallow bank areas, particularly in the High Point area	Staging areas in 10-20 foot water adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition, especially near standing timber or flooded brush	Secondary points leading into spawning bays, 5-10 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points with gravel or rock substrate	Creek channel mouths with rocky transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Channel swing ledges, particularly near the bank as reported in recent success	Standing timber in south arms, producing consistent 12-17 inch fish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Laydowns and fallen timber adjacent to rocky areas	Main lake points with rock-to-wood transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 15-20 foot range near spawning coves	Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 15-20 foot depth range with nearby access to shallower water	Standing timber and flooded brush areas in 10-15 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points adjacent to spawning bays, particularly those with sharp drops to deeper water	Creek channel swing points in 15-25 foot range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 15-30 foot range, especially those near channel swings	Main lake points with rock or timber
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep main lake points with rock structure in 15-25 foot range	Rock bluffs, especially on windy banks
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles positioned along channel edges in 15-30 foot depth range	Main lake points with access to deep water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow spawning flats with firm bottom in 2-4 feet of water	Brush piles and standing timber in 15-20 foot range
Summer	Walleye	Sharp drop-off points where creek channels swing nearby, 45-70ft depth	Main lake points serving as primary migration routes
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths where bait schools are present	Brush piles in 15-30 foot range, particularly the upper portions
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with proximity to deep water	Creek mouths and creek channels
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles in 15-30 foot depth range near river channel edges	Rocky points in 15-20 feet of water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 15-20 foot depth range	Standing timber and flooded brush areas at similar depths
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those intersecting with creek channels	Sharp drop-offs near standing timber in 15-30 foot range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Main lake rocky points with brush in 10-15 feet of water	Brush piles positioned on channel swings in 15-20 feet
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock bluffs adjacent to channel edges in 25-45 foot range	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with large boulder clusters
Winter	Crappie	Rocky points in 15-20 foot depth range, particularly in the 18-20 foot zone for larger fish	Bluff walls adjacent to river channels in 15-25 foot depth
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 15-20 foot depth range with nearby deeper water access	Standing timber edges where vertical cover intersects with depth changes
Winter	Walleye	Deep creek channel swing points in 45-70 foot range	Main lake points near deep water access

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad (particularly important with reported shad kills)	Crawfish (becoming more active as water warms)
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools congregating near rocky structure	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad and minnows in pre-spawn staging areas	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in transition zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and zooplankton becoming active in warming water	Young shad and small baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small panfish near brush piles and timber
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in creek arms and around points as noted in reports	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad and minnows in pre-spawn staging areas	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around spawning areas	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small baitfish in shallow warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish, primary forage as evidenced by recent jig success	Shad, particularly in wind-blown areas where topwater action is occurring
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools beginning seasonal movements	Crawfish active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad and minnows	Young-of-year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects and zooplankton around brush and timber	Young-of-year shad
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small baitfish relating to brush piles
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill around shallow cover and brush	Shad schools in open water and around points
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish in rocky areas
Summer	Crappie	Small shad schools suspended in the water column	Young-of-year baitfish around brush and structure
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects and zooplankton in shallow to mid-depth zones	Young-of-year shad
Summer	Walleye	Shad (primary forage, visible as bait balls)	Deep water baitfish schools
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports showing bait school activity)	Baitfish schools concentrated around structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports and seasonal patterns	Crawfish - secondary forage option particularly around rocky structure
Fall	Crappie	Schooling shad in mid-depth ranges	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows	Young-of-year shad
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in the mid-depth range	Young-of-year baitfish gathering near structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in 20-40 foot depth range	Crawfish in rock and brush areas
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water	Smaller baitfish seeking thermal refuge near deep structure
Winter	Crappie	Small baitfish suspended in winter schools	Juvenile sunfish relating to brush piles and structure
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Young-of-year shad suspended near brush	Zooplankton in the water column
Winter	Walleye	Shad (primary forage, concentrated in large bait balls)	Small panfish utilizing brush pile areas

Bait Colors by Season for Stockton Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Fall	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors