Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake was constructed from 1963 to 1969, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Stockton Dam, blocking the Sac River and Little Sac River and creating this beautiful lake. Stockton Lake reached its normal operating elevation of 867 feet above sea level in December of 1971. The lake includes a 298-mile shoreline and crosses three Missouri counties: Cedar, Dade, and Polk.

Stockton Lake was built to provide hydroelectric power and flood control to this area of southwestern Missouri. In 1998 the lake became an additional source of drinking water for the City of Springfield, about 50 miles southeast of the lake.

Stockton Lake has a variety of parks and campgrounds, making a visit to the lake both convenient and enjoyable. Stockton State Park is located on the peninsula that separates the two arms of the lake. This 2,176-acre park includes a campground, cabins, restaurant, and marina. The park also contains other amenities such as boat launches and a swimming beach. In addition to the State Park, there are 14 other recreation areas around the lake; 12 are managed by the Corps of Engineers, and the other two are managed by full-service marinas. The Corp of Engineers and marinas also provide camping facilities. Most campgrounds have lantern hanging posts, picnic tables, fire rings, shower buildings, and dump stations. Three marinas are the only commercial development on the lake.

Stockton Lake is rated one of the top 10 sailing lakes not only in Missouri but the United States. Steady breezes and open water make for great runs up and down the lake. There are many campgrounds around the lake and surrounding area for those of you that want to be one with nature. Water-skiers and wake boarders can usually find a protected cove through the day and always in the evening.

The Stockton Lake area also offers many off-water activities. The Equestrian Trail, 15 miles long, provides a great place for horseback riding. Hiking, golfing, and hunting are also popular. All public lands are open to hunting, except the parks and waterfowl refuge, which is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Hunters can find quail, dove, rabbit, turkey, deer, ducks and geese.

Stockton Lake and nearby towns host some interesting yearly events. The Stockton Yacht Club hosts a variety of sailing races. Other unique and fun events in the area include a bluegrass festival and the Black Walnut Festival. Birders and wildlife lovers will enjoy the Eagles Day event in January – with a great chance to spot the fascinating and majestic bald eagle.

All adult fishermen must have a valid Missouri Fishing License with you in order to fish. You can purchase your permit online or by phone at 1-800-392-4115.

Day Fishing Permit: $8.00

What’s Included

You will be fishing from a 2024 Skeeter SX 241center console boat powered by a Yamaha 300 engine, rigged with Lowrance, Humminbird, and Garmin electronics, power poles, power pole trolling motor,  and all the bells and Whistles for your enjoyment and safety while fishing with us on Stockton Lake.

• We provide all equipment including lures, rods/reels, baits, snacks, ice and water.
• All rates include gas and oil, life vests for all passengers and photos of your catch emailed to you and available online.
• If you would like to keep your catch, we will clean and package your fish for you to take with you. (This is a free service and there is no charge to you.)

What’s Not Included

• Clothes, Rain Gear, Footwear
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera

What Clothes to Bring

Dress for the weather. Wear clothing and footwear that is comfortable for your trip. We recommend bringing some additional items in case of rain or inclement weather.

What Gear to Bring

We provide all fishing gear, but if you want to bring your own rods, reels or tackle you are free to do so. We also recommend bringing a sack lunch or snacks, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Where Do We Meet?

We will touch base with each and every customer the day before your trip to make final arrangements including starting time, meeting place, etc.

Bad Weather Policy

We do not fish in severe weather, lighting or winds above 20 mph. If there are concerns about the weather, we will contact you the morning of your trip and we will make our choice to go or stay or delay. We will fish in the rain, but that is at your discretion. Please bring rain gear with you.

Guides

Every professional guide employed by, or referred by Branson Guided Fishing Trips is U.S. Coast Guard Licensed, Commercially Insured and Bonded, and is Red Cross First Aid & CPR Certified for your safety and ease of mind.

Group Size:

The Coast Guard mandates that our vessels occupy no more than 6 passengers at a time. For large groups, families, and corporate trips we offer multiple boats and guides for your comfort, safety, and fishing success. We do a lot of multiple boat trips due to having the largest boats in the fleet.

Corporate/Large Group trips available: We have on hand up to 12 licensed professional guides available to serve the needs of large groups. All group trips are designed to fit your needs, so call for rates and availability. Must call in advance to insure availability of guides.

Age Restrictions

There are no age restrictions. We want folks of all ages to come and enjoy the fishing trip of a lifetime. We will help everybody succeed on their trip.

Catch fish guaranteed or your trip is free!

All rates include, equipment, tackle, boat, fuel, fish cleaning and packaging – NO HIDDEN FEES!

Deposit of $100 to Reserve the date for your fishing trip.

There will be a 4% fee for all credit card transactions.

Our cancellation policy requires that you cancel 7 days or more before from your reservation to avoid any fees. If you cancel within 7 days, a $100 cancellation fee per trip scheduled will be charged on the credit card we have on file. If the guide is able to rebook a trip, then the $100 fee will be fully refunded. If trip is canceled within 48 hrs of trip the full amount of trip is due. A “no-show” is not considered a cancellation and will be responsible for the FULL amount of the trip reserved.

Corporate/Large Group Trips

We can accommodate large groups and families. Group trips are tailored to meet the specific needs of your group, so please call in advance for rates and availability of guides.