Stockton Lake in Missouri to Host Walmart Bass Fishing Tournament

It's almost time anglers. Can you feel the fishing excitement building around Missouri's Stockton Lake? In just two days, Stockton Lake will determine the fate of hopeful fishermen as they vie for top prize in the next Walmart Bass Fishing League's fishing tournament. Here are the fishing tournament details:

Stockton Lake Fishing Tournament Details

The Walmart Bass Fishing League fishing tournament is slated to take place on April 21, 2012 at the Orleans Trail Resort and Marina in Stockton, Missouri. The Orleans Trail Resort and Marina are located on South 1525 Road. The marina features a fuel dock, bait and tackle shop and boat slips. Lodging and dining options are available onsite as well. A prize purse valued at over $10,000 is on the line as well as an opportunity to participate in future, upper level, bass fishing tournaments. A five catch, 15 inch size limit will be in place. The fishing boats are expected to launch from the resort's marina promptly at 6:30 a.m. and weigh-in is slated for 2:30 p.m. Anglers interested in participating in the fishing competition may opt to register online through the FLW website or in person at the Springfield Avenue Walmart in Bolivar on April 20, 2012. The 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. fishing tournament registration session is expected to be followed by a 6:30 p.m. pre-tournament meeting. The cost of fishing tournament entry is $100 for co-anglers and $200 for boaters.

Stockton Lake Fishing Report

Since the beginning of April, daytime air temperatures at Stockton Lake have ranged from the 60s through the mid 80s. Evening air temperatures have ranged from the 40s through the high 50s. The current fishing day forecast is calling for daytime air temperatures in the mid 60s, a new moon, clear skies and winds coming out of the north at 7 miles per hour. As of April 18, 2012 the water level at Stockton Lake was 869.62 MSL and surface water temperatures were in the low 60s. The water clarity was variable. Anglers that want to get a jump on planning their fishing strategy will find excellent lake maps available through both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Stockton Lake Fishing Strategies

I'd suggest that visiting anglers consider targeting the flats with jerkbaits, jigs, gizzard shad, brook silversides or minnows. Other superlative places to search for fish are the brush structures near the Stockton Ramp, Crabtree Cove and the Orleans Trail. You'll typically be able to recognize the fish attractant areas by the green reflective material used to mark the sites.

Killeen Gonzalez enjoys fishing with her family and has traveled extensively.

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