The Stockton Lake Walleye Tournament runs each spring, drawing anglers to one of Missouri's most reliable walleye fisheries

The Stockton Lake Walleye Tournament is an annual spring event held on Stockton Lake in Cedar County, Missouri. The tournament typically takes place in April or May — the exact dates shift year to year, so check with the Missouri Department of Conservation or the event organizers before you plan your trip. The lake sits about 90 minutes south of Kansas City and has earned a solid reputation for walleye, with fish running 15 to 20 inches common and larger specimens possible.

This is a catch-and-release tournament, meaning you weigh your fish and put them back. The format rewards both quantity and size: most tournaments score based on a five-fish limit, with the heaviest fish from each angler's catch counting toward final standings. Entry fees typically run between $50 and $150 per boat, depending on the year and sponsorship structure, with a portion of entry fees often going back to prize pools.

Key Takeaways

  • Stockton Lake Walleye Tournament happens each spring, usually in April or May, and you should confirm the exact dates with the Missouri Department of Conservation before registering.
  • The tournament is catch-and-release, with scoring based on the weight of your five-fish limit, so fish handling and a good net matter as much as finding them.
  • Walleye on Stockton Lake respond well to live bait (shiners and crawdads) and crankbaits worked along structure, particularly in the creek channels and around the dam.
  • Entry typically costs $50 to $150 per boat, and you will need a valid Missouri fishing permit plus a Stockton Lake conservation stamp.
  • The lake's main basin and creek arms hold fish at different depths depending on water temperature, so scouting a few days before the tournament can save hours of searching.

Where Walleye Hold on Stockton Lake

Stockton Lake is a 25,000-acre impoundment with distinct structure that walleye use predictably. The main basin — the deeper, open-water section — holds walleye during the day in 25 to 40 feet of water, particularly near the old creek channels that run through the lake bed. These channels are visible on a good map or GPS unit and act as highways for walleye moving between shallow feeding areas and deep daytime refuges.

The creek arms — the narrower, shallower extensions of the lake that follow the original river valleys — are where walleye hunt at dawn, dusk, and night. Points where a creek arm meets the main basin, rocky banks, and areas with fallen timber all concentrate fish. During the tournament, focus on structure you can reach quickly and fish thoroughly rather than running the entire lake. A 15-foot section of good structure fished well beats a 50-mile tour of open water.

Water temperature in April and May typically ranges from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Walleye are more active as the water warms, but they still prefer lower-light conditions. Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and the last hour before dark are your most productive windows, though overcast days can extend the bite all day.

Tackle and Bait That Work on Stockton Lake

Live bait is the most consistent approach. Four- to six-inch shiners and crawdads work well, fished on a simple slip-sinker rig or a jig head. Cast toward structure, let the bait settle, and work it slowly — walleye are not aggressive in spring, and a bait that sits still for 30 seconds often outfishes one that moves constantly. A 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig head paired with a live shiner lets you feel the bottom and stay in the strike zone.

Crankbaits — particularly shallow-running models in natural colors like silver, perch, and chartreuse — work well when walleye are active. Fish them along rocky banks and points, and vary your retrieve speed until you find what the fish want that day. A 5- to 7-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line gives you the sensitivity to feel bites and the backbone to set the hook in a walleye's hard mouth.

Bring a good net with a handle long enough to reach fish at the side of your boat without leaning dangerously. Walleye are slippery, and a fish lost at the net in a tournament costs you points and time. A rubberized net bag is gentler on the fish and easier to handle in a hurry.

Tournament Rules and Registration

Most Stockton Lake walleye tournaments follow standard Missouri Department of Conservation guidelines: a five-fish daily limit, all fish must be kept alive until weigh-in, and any dead fish is disqualified. Weigh-in usually happens at a designated boat ramp or marina — confirm the location when you register, as it can vary by year.

You will need a valid Missouri fishing permit and a Stockton Lake conservation stamp, both available through the Missouri Department of Conservation website or at local bait shops. Registration typically opens a few weeks before the tournament and closes the day before or the morning of the event. Some tournaments fill up, so register early if spots are limited.

Boats must meet standard safety requirements: life jackets for all passengers, a functioning kill switch, and proper lighting if you plan to fish before sunrise or after sunset. The tournament usually runs from sunrise to a set weigh-in time — often 3 or 4 p.m. — so plan your day accordingly and leave time to get back to the ramp without rushing.

Scouting Before the Tournament

If you can fish Stockton Lake a few days before the tournament, do it. A two-hour scouting trip will teach you more about where fish are holding than any map or guide can. Focus on finding one or two productive spots rather than trying to learn the whole lake. Mark waypoints on your GPS for any area where you catch fish or see structure that looks promising.

Pay attention to water temperature and clarity. If the water is still cold and clear, fish deeper and slower. If it has warmed and turned slightly stained, walleye will move shallower and bite more aggressively. Talk to other anglers at the ramp — most walleye fishermen are generous with information about general patterns, even if they keep their best spots secret.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Pack more live bait than you think you will need — a dozen shiners and a dozen crawdads is a reasonable starting point, and you can always run back to the ramp if you run out. Bring two rods rigged and ready: one with a jig and live bait, one with a crankbait. This lets you switch tactics quickly without fumbling with knots on the water.

Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (they let you see structure and fish movement), and a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to fish before sunrise. A cooler with ice keeps your bait fresh and gives you a place to store your catch safely. Wear layers — spring weather on the water can shift quickly, and you will fish better if you are comfortable.

Check your boat's fuel gauge the night before and fill up early. Running out of gas during a tournament is not just frustrating — it can cost you the event. Bring a spare prop and basic tools in case you hit something, and make sure your battery is fully charged.

After the Tournament: Handling and Eating Your Catch

If you place well enough to keep your fish, walleye are excellent eating. Their flesh is mild, flaky, and forgiving — they hold up well to almost any cooking method. The simplest approach is to fillet them, pan-fry the fillets in butter with salt and pepper, and serve them with lemon. A walleye fillet 1/2 inch thick takes about 4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

If you are keeping fish from a tournament, ask the organizers about any size or species restrictions on the catch. Most tournaments allow you to keep your weighed fish, but some require immediate release. Handle the fish gently during weigh-in — a fish that has been stressed or injured will not keep as well and will not taste as good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish the Stockton Lake Walleye Tournament?

Yes, the tournament is boat-based. If you do not own a boat, many local marinas and fishing guides offer rental boats, and some experienced anglers look for tournament partners through local fishing clubs or online forums. Contact the tournament organizers to ask whether they maintain a list of anglers looking for boat partners.

What if I have never fished Stockton Lake before?

Fish the lake a few times before the tournament if you can. If that is not possible, hire a local guide for a half-day trip — the cost is worth it for the knowledge of where fish hold and what they are biting. Guides know the lake's structure intimately and can teach you patterns that apply to future tournaments.

Can I fish live bait and crankbaits at the same time?

Most tournaments allow two rods per angler, so yes. Having one rod rigged with live bait and one with a crankbait lets you cover more water and adjust to what the fish want without wasting time retying. Check the tournament rules before you arrive to confirm rod limits.

What is the best time of day to fish during the tournament?

The first two hours after sunrise and the last hour before dark are most productive. If the day is overcast or the water is stained, walleye bite throughout the day. Spend your prime hours on your best spots and use midday to scout new areas or rest your arms.

How do I find out the exact dates for next year's tournament?

Contact the Missouri Department of Conservation's Stockton Lake office or check their website for tournament schedules. Local bait shops near the lake also post tournament dates, and many maintain email lists for anglers who want advance notice.