Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake

Size
25,046ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
Yes
Boat Dock
No
Species in Stockton Lake
Crappie
Crappie
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Walleye
Walleye
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Spotted bass
Spotted bass
White bass
White bass

Overview

Crappie, large and smallmouth bass, walleye and bluegill top the fishing popularity list here. Catfish and white bass are present but underfished. National tournaments target the walleye. 24,900 acres

Stockton Lake Map

Features

Stockton Lake offers excellent fishing for a wide variety of species. While not as well known as the more famous lakes of Missouri's Ozarks region, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impoundment attracts thousands of visitors annually. Public use areas and parks enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.Crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and bluegill top the fishing popularity list, although catfish and white bass are available and underfished. The walleye fishery has been recognized by a national tournament series.The entire upper end of the Little Sac River Arm, upstream from the Highway 245 bridge, is closed to all hunting and fishing from October 15 to January 15. No-wake buoys have been placed near marinas and no-boat buoys are located near swimming areas. When wind speed is predicted to exceed 25 miles per hour, boaters are advised to stay off the main lake.

Forage

Gizzard shad comprise the bulk of the forage base. Other important species include brook silversides, green sunfish, juvenile bluegill, various shiner species and minnows. Crayfish are also significant prey for gamefish.

Seasonal Movements

During March and April, walleye migrate up both river arms and to the face of the dam to spawn. In April and May, white bass move into flowing creeks to reproduce.
Waterbody poster background

logo

Get Your Line in the Right Water

Quickly find the best places to fish and plan your day right.

Fish Species

Bluegill
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2018
Apr
2019
Apr
Channel catfish
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2022
Jun
Crappie
fish
5-15 in
Length Range
10 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2023
Oct
2024
Oct
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized crappie based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202414
202214
202116
202014
201914
Flathead catfish
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2023
May
2024
May
Largemouth bass
fish
7-21 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Apr
2024
May
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized largemouth-bass based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202420
202322
202220
202120
201922
Smallmouth bass
fish
7-21 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Apr
2024
May
Spotted bass
fish
7-21 in
Length Range
14 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Apr
2024
May
Sturgeon
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Walleye
fish
5-15 in
Length Range
10 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
May
2024
Oct
White bass
fish
6-9 in
Length Range
8 in
Length Range
2021
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2021
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2021
Apr
2021
May