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.

You must have a valid Missouri Fishing License with you in order to fish. You can purchase your permit online at https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/permits  or by phone at 1-800-392-4115.

What’s Included

• 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.

Wednesday July 3, 2019 Fishing Report

We Do Our Homework

We analyze lake information and fish tendencies before you arrive so you spend your time catching fish, and not looking for fish.  Our guides fish 7 days a week to stay up to date for your angling success.

We Focus On You

Our guides do not fish unless you want us to.  We spend our time insuring you get 100% of our undivided attention.  We focus on proper boat control, baiting lines, untangling lines, and netting fish.  If someone needs help casting or wants to experiment with other lures, we are right there to assist you.  We want you our valued customer to concentrate on having fun and catching fish and let us handle the rest.

Professional Guides

Every guide is U.S. Coast Guard Licensed (Merchant Mariner Officers), CPR Certified,  and commercially insured for your peace of mind.

Newest Boats and Equipment

We operate the largest and newest model boats, motors and fishing equipment for your comfort and safety.

Something For Everyone

We offer instructional fishing trips for individuals, couples, families, corporate groups, large groups, tournament anglers and those needing help due to handicaps or disabilities.  We work with organizations like the DAV, Healing Waters, Wounded Warrior Project and Boys Homes.  We also love children so bring them!  With 2hr, 4hr, 6hr, and 8hr instructional fishing trips, we have a trip for everyone.

Catch Fish Guarantee

We guarantee you will catch lots of fish on your outing. Not just any guide service can give you that promise!  Fishing is made thrilling and fish are easy to catch with our professional guides.  With years of experience and fishing knowledge, we will lead you to the perfect locations to catch the lunker of the day.