Hey you northern folks!

[coyotewhacker]

Yah...we get those twisty things up in the sky from time to time, too. I feel pretty safe out on the water....the tornadoes seem to target mobile homes and Ranger boats.

What did you say you guys were fishing out of.....?



The wife and I were returning from Texas and watched a super cell developing across Oklahoma all the way from Oklahoma City, across I-44 through Tulsa, and on to the Missouri line near Joplin. I remarked to her that somebody was going to get pounded pretty soon. We got back to the farm just as the town of Stockton on the north end of the lake was leveled by tornadoes three years ago. They passed about 10 miles to the north of us as they moved across Missouri. The people of Stockton have been strong and resilient, and have rebuilt part of the town, but much of it is just empty lots where homes and businesses once stood. We used to drive quite a few miles to go to a restaurant over there that made a great chicken fried steak lunch....all that was left after the tornado was the concrete foundation. The owners decided to pass on rebuilding.

[powerdivehome]

IaJim (we're all buds now, right?), when ya coming down, where ya gonna stay, what lake ya gonna fish, what ya gonna fish fer, have ya ever been down here before? It'd be cool to help out "one of the faithful" if at all possible.

Walleyesrus (another former Iowan) stated last week that in his opinion, it's at least a ten year learning curve between northern walleye fishing and southern walleye fishing. Now that may be a mite drastic, but I can say without a doubt--it's tough down here. Takes a while just to figure out the differences in the population dynamics, how water level figures in, etc. Not much riggin' goin' on here. There's just too much water and too few fish, and they're always on the move. Gotta cover some ground most of the time.

BTW, most of my family are Cedar Rapidians these days. Wisconsin's still "home" to me, but I was born in Davenport. So deep down, I'm just another "Idiot Out Walking Around" and that's especially true when I'm walleye fishing. Only thing I feel really good about, I don't talk funny like the rest of the goofs on this board.

[walleyesrus]

Depends on what you mean as funny, I'm pretty sure I've heard you utter a couple eh's. Not exactly Iowan talk. Unless you're talking iowegians anywhere up thru tenth generation.

[powerdivehome]

Eh?

[Hellbender]

I wouldn't get to excited about the chance of bad weather. Most of the really nasty stuff blows in the first of May most years. If cold fronts are a big concern, then you got something to worry about. Late March and April are notorious for 70 one day, and 40 the next.

[Juls]

Hellbender said:
I wouldn't get to excited about the chance of bad weather. Most of the really nasty stuff blows in the first of May most years. If cold fronts are a big concern, then you got something to worry about. Late March and April are notorious for 70 one day, and 40 the next.

Cold fronts are not a concern...I'm from the North! We know how to dress for that, and have the latest and greatest in cold weather gear.
That reminds me of a tournament we had in early Spring on the Illinois River a few years back...prefishing was in the 50's and 60's and come the first day of the tournament it was 28 degrees, snow, sleet, and a 35mph wind. The conditions stunk, but the fishing was fantastic that morning.

Juls

[Tablerock]

The worst part about a severe cold front down here is that the walleyes do their disappearing act.

[Plasticman]

Juls said:
Yep, NOAA is programmed into our radios. I turn it on every now and then when I know in advace something is expected to happen during the day, just to keep up with where the weather is in relation to where I am. Thanks for the heads-up...I'll be more aware down there.
The same sort of thing happens out in the Dokotas on their resevoirs. As soon as a front hits the rivers and lakes, it explodes. We were fishing Lake Sharpe a couple years ago, and Rick was down around the bend from me. I got hit with hail, lighting/thunder, and a downpour where I was, while he watched a tornado about a 1/4 mile away from him touch ground and go back up. 20 minutes later the sun came out. That was kinda freaky.

Juls

162.400 in this area if you have a dial up radio or a 2 meter ham radio. The reception is pretty good in this entire lake area and it can sure avoid some problems for sure!

[IaJames]

Powerdrive- When we come down is still up in the air. Feb. or Mar. and will be going to stockton. Where we will be staying we don't know any suggestions ? We like cheep. Would like to get into some eyes but will settle for anything that will bite almost. Would like to find a guide to help cut down on the looking some. Have not been able to find many for stockton. I have never been there but Walleyetracker has been there once many years ago. We do a lot of cpr so hope that is not a problem. hahaha Might keep a few eaters though.Is there any white bass or stripers in there as they are fun also. Went to Lake Norfolk last year and our guide was a complete joke. All we got was a 70 mph ride after dark with one fish that went about 5 lbs. (striper) Do you folks use Marine radios if so what channel. We use them up here to help others get on fish . Makes it alot more fun. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have realtives in Springfield and Marshfield but have not seen them in a long time. Parents are from Marshfield. Later

[Ron.Leu]

James,a good spot that we found to stay at on stockton lake is New Orleans Trails motel,marina and cabins.This puts you right on the water,they have an excellant place to eat and the rates are very reasonable.The cabins will sleep up to four,2 queen size beds,but 2 people work out better.It is located 1-2 miles from the town of Stockton.Phone # is 417-276-3566 if you are interested.Not sure if they have guides working out of the marina,but this is a really nice place to stay.
If you have campers,Mutton Creek marina and campgrounds are another option.Phone # 417-995-3355.
If you need additional info,just let me know.
Ron.....

[Hellbender]

The worst part about a severe cold front down here is that the walleyes do their disappearing act

That was kind of what I was thinking. I wasn't sure about Walleye's, but everything else seems to get lockjaw. I wouldn't doubt but what a cold front here to us would be a heat wave to you Northern folks.
Juls, isn't Port Clinton close to Camp Perry? Been there and done that.

[walleyesrus]

State Park Marina also has cabins reasonable and are alot nicer people. The best guide at that time of year would be Les Jarmen. If you look up Stockton Mini Mart they can put you in touch with Jarmen, he is primarily a bass fisherman but at that time of the year he is an expert on the stickbait bite and could possibly put you on a real bonanza of large bass and walleyes. I would be glad to help out I am available tues thru Sat and would be glad to come up and show you around. I'm an old Iowa boy myself, graduated from Charles City HIgh School. If you guys are willing to fish at night the rogue bite can be fantastic. Best colors are clown, shad and cheap sunglases. Suspending rouges usually I think the 51/2" ers

[walleyetracker]

Jim,that is were we stayed last time we were there(new orleans trail resort) right on the lake..kinda in the north section of the lake

[Juls]

Hellbender said:

Juls, isn't Port Clinton close to Camp Perry? Been there and done that.

Yes, it is. In fact, we live about 2 miles SE of Camp Perry.

Juls