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| Hey guys,
Im sitting here thinking about my trip for next summer and trying to decide where to go...
I have been to lotw for the last three years and have had some great trips and am finally starting to learn a little area pretty well and venturing out a little more from the lodge. I hear great things about eagle lake but dont know anything about it. Water clarity, algae, etc...
Ive been fishing sabaskong bay and love the structure but lack of cabbage the last two years has got me a little frustrated... Are the weeds in other areas of the lake still intact or have they all been killed off by the rustys?
Just wanted to pick your brains a little.
Rick |
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| We've noticed a decline in cabbage beds in Sab Bay as well. A lot of our old big weed beds have lost they're attractive qualities. The Kenora area has beautiful cabbage, or at least it did right at the dock below Figure 8 Baits. I've been told that may be the exception to the rule and that you still have to search to find good weeds, but the cabbage is very green and very lush. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | Eagle is a pretty complex system, as there is anywhere from trout water on the western half to dark, shallow stained water in the SE Part of the lake. Lots of weedbeds to choose from along with many rock structures. I would just ask yourself what you are looking for in a trip...You have a better chance of boating a 50" or bigger on Eagle but not necessarily the chances of good numbers like a monster week on LOTW can provide. If you can catch Muskies on Eagle you can definetely catch them on LOTW...if you can catch Muskies on LOTW you MIGHT be able to do ok on Eagle...thats been the general observations I have noticed for guys who have gone to both and stayed at camps with me
Edited by Musky Brian 12/22/2010 12:57 PM
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Location: Contrarian Island | Eagle is not a numbers lake ...LOTW can definitely be...a good week on Eagle for 2 guys might be 10 fish...that can be done in a good day on LOTW... though you might encounter bigger/fatter fish on Eagle they are not easy to catch and do a lot of window shopping.... it all depends on what you want... guys can and do go to Eagle and get skunked for a full week in prime areas... if you go to LOTW and get skunked you should sell all your stuff!  all boils down to what you are after, tho i might disagree somewhat with Brian..I think your shot at a 50" for a week on either is about the same....
can't go wrong with either .... Lac Seul is another shield lake option to think about
Edited by BNelson 12/22/2010 7:40 AM
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Posts: 8792
| It depends on your expectations. From what I have experienced on Eagle, and from comparing notes, photos. etc. with several friends who fish LOTW exclusively? You will catch more fish on LOTW. If you've already learned parts of LOTW, and you're comfortable fishing those areas? You may be disspointed fishing Eagle and starting from scratch. I've only spent 24 days on Eagle, but it's been enough to see some trends. Eagle can be tough. Last year my girlfriend had the only muskie in camp for the first three days. If your figure 8 skills aren't up to par? You will be dissapointed. But when you do get a day where the fish are moving, it's incredible. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | 12 years on LOTW (northwest angle area) and now i think 5 years on Eagle ... fish all week on LOTW to see a couple maybe a handful of fish over 4' to fish for. that can happen on Eagle in 2 spots ...
be ready to catch fish at the boatside on eagle ... 80% plus fish in the net in my boat are boatside and that's a conservative number. the track record on Eagle is hard for me to change from so i have zero desire to return to LOTW ... it's Eagle for me.
all that said, Nelson blows us away on numbers and size without leaving the country. so, part of the enjoyement has to be just being on the shield and having the confidence to get fish to get behind the baits while it's coming back to the boat and in that regard both have all the beauty you will ever want to see.
good luck with your choice. if you are interested in September, consider joining the Madison, WI. Capital City MInc. group that goes to AML with a group rate. It's a good option to save some money and shorten the learning curve. |
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Posts: 580
| I'll echo what others have said, above. In my experience, the typical fish that you encounter on Eagle will be bigger than the average fish you see on LOTW. Your opportunity to encounter a super-fish is better on Eagle. If you are looking for big fish and willing to trade off "action fish" in the upper 30"/low 40" range, Eagle is probably your best choice. It's true that Eagle muskies can be tough to catch at times, but part of that is the nature of bigger fish and clearer water.
With that said, I don't think it's impossible to have a good numbers week on Eagle, just like it is not impossible to catch very quality fish on LOTW, including a super-fish.
If you've got some experience on LOTW, but seriously wondering if the "grass is greener" on Eagle, I'd say give Eagle a shot, draw your own conclusions and plan future trips accordingly. If you like fishing cabbage, the Vermilion Bay area has some awesome weed areas that look quite a bit better that what I've been seeing lately in the stained water areas of LOTW. (I haven't been in Sabaskong, but in the NW Angle there are quite a few former weed spots that are now basically barren). If you go to AML, I think you can be assured that Herbie and staff will point you in the right direction.
Edited by Matt DeVos 12/22/2010 12:27 PM
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Location: Des Moines IA | I can recommend AML. Herbie goes above and beyond to put you on fish. I've never fished LOTW, but after fishing Eagle for the first time this year, It has become a definite yearly adventure. We saw 10 fish one day all over 4 feet, a couple of them pushing 40+ pounds. We will be booking "Eagle 2011" at the Chicago Show in January. |
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| Thanks guys this is great. I have grown up fishing in IL There were seasons where my buddy and I would only boat 3 fish a year down here. Not boating a ton of fish does not dissappoint us that much. The fishing down here is so hot and cold its rediculus. You can go a weekend without so much as a follow and then boat 6 in an hour and a half.
It is great on lotw because you contact fish regularly and have the opportunity to learn. Our skills at boatside have improved drastically from being up there...I have to dig up the logs but our average fish size on lotw has been about 39.5 and gotten a little better over the years. This was the first year we haven't baoted a 48+ and that was mainly because of the weather (hot and flat the big girls were just not active). But we did get a tank of a 47. We have seen some tankers and both caught our personal bests, just couldn't beat them this year. I think we are averaging 3.8 fish a day... Not trying to brag but compared to illinois that place was like a dream the first year we got there! There were fish where there looked like there should have been fish and they showed themselves and you could go back and catch them after dinner... Just like you read!
AML has always been on my bucket list but we are getting better on the area we are learning and its hard leave something good. I will go there sometime for sure.
The weeds disappearing bothers me a little but there are still reeds. Just would like to see some huge cabbage beds again.
Rick |
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Posts: 2018
| I'm sure Herbie runs a great camp i've fished Eagle a total of one day but LOTW is a "crazy" lake!
1) when we go up (two people) its a bad week if we don't put 15 fish in the net , the only year we haven't done so in the past 5 years, is the year my boat broke down the first day....still managed 8 fish up to 48" out of a rental with a 25hp.
2) "average" fish for us (last 5 years) is a respectable 41.5" - there are a TON of 44"-48" muskies in LOTW - and enough of 49-55" fish to keep things very interesting......Last year was my worst year for size biggest fish was only 45" every other year I had at least one 48"+
3) I love to explore - and LOTW is HUGE - some days we'll run 30 miles one way just because you can 
Both lakes are legendary, so you cant make a bad choice - I personally have a hard time not spending at least one week every year on LOTW.
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Posts: 2018
| Rick
funny I was typing when you posted.... and there are some similarities ....just curious with that kind of success why do you want to leave? |
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| Im not saying I want to leave. I love lotw and will continue to go there just wish I got more than one week there. But if there is a lake where you could boat the same number of fish as lotw but they averaged 46" wouldn't you want to go there too. What area of the lake are you fishing? |
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Posts: 2018
| I think you are looking for MN! I fish NW angle |
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Location: Contrarian Island | if you are averaging 4 fish in the boat per day on LOTW I'd say expect that to drop to averaging 1 fish or less per day on Eagle....you will see on avg bigger fish but seeing isn't catching either....one can see lots of big fish on Eagle but then how many of those actually get caught in a week.... above avg anglers that have been there many times usually avg a fish a day for their weeks from most trip reports I get from friends.... you might get a shot at the queen of the lake though on Eagle...if you are learning more and more new area/spots on lotw it would be hard to leave.....can't go wrong with either....try Eagle and see what you think....
trip success is all based on your expectations and goals going into it... lotw I'd expect 4-5 per day in the net, Eagle I'd shoot for 1 or 2 per day... different waters = different expectations and goals
Edited by BNelson 12/23/2010 8:08 AM
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Posts: 897
| I've gone on the opposite track as you, Rick. I started on Eagle for 4 years and went to Lake of the Woods twice this past summer. The first trip on Lake of the Woods over the 4th of July, 4 days, we got skunked! I was with a guy who has been fishing the lake for 8+ years...it can happen and it did. Second trip we got 9 in 4 days, biggest was a 49.
For my money, I'd rather fish Eagle than Lake of the Woods. The scenery on Lake of the Woods is nice, but I think Eagle is better. The fish on Eagle are bigger, and yes, you can have a "numbers" trip up there. My last trip a buddy and I got something like 7 or 8 in 4 days, biggest was a 47. The weeds on Eagle are amazing. Deep cabbage that isn't hard to find in a lot of areas. Also, you don't have to drive 20 miles of gravel to get to Eagle.
The one thing about Eagle, especially the Vermilion Bay area, is that it is BIG water. Meaning, you can get some serious waves. Way worse than anything I saw on Lake of the Woods this summer...well, except for one day when i was skipping 3+ footers after a storm when the wind was blowing right down a chute.
Really, they're both great lakes though. I'll be going back up to Lake of the Woods next summer because it is cheaper for me to do and it's a fun fishery! |
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| 2 fish a day isn't exactly a "numbers" trip in my opinion. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | I think Nelson's numbers are pretty much spot on for what I have averaged on 8 weeks of being on Eagle
Best week ever was an 11 fish ( just me) week, but that was offset by a one fish week in awful weather ( strangely only 2 weeks prior to the 11 fish week). Most weeks I would say I can expect to boat 5-6 fish, and usually lose some fish too as is the case anywhere with Muskies. Hooks in the mouth of 1-2 fish per day should be the general expectation/goal in my opinion....
Certainly not a LOTW expert but in about 4 weeks of being out there I feel like I know what to expect every time, whereas I feel even though I know Eagle better it provides more inconsistencies and challenges from year to year that can both frustrate and intrigue you at the same time. I can remember one specific day on Eagle that included boating 2 50" fish and seeing 3-4 others bigger then them that were nose to nose with baits..Haven't seen anything like that on LOTW in terms of size and those are the days that make you think twice about skipping out on Eagle...
Edited by Musky Brian 12/23/2010 1:31 PM
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| I fished Eagle the first week of October with a guide and covered so much beautiful water it was amazing.... Saw 2 fish all week, a low 40" follow and caught a 39" on a crankbait. There were no incidental nice pike caught only 20"rs which was very concerning.I'm looking forward to my return to LOTW next fall... plenty of action from quality mid to high 40" fish and big 40" pike. I like to catch fish not beat myself to death looking for giant that more than likely is not going to happen....I'm a realist not a dreamer. In my opinion if you want a shot at a monster go to Eagle but don't expect the fun that you would have on LOTW. |
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Posts: 231
| I guess it all comes down to personal opinions/experiences. I've never been to LOTW, only Eagle. Like Brian mentioned, Eagle is/can be a "complex system" I too fished Eagle this past October for two weeks. We had some very tuff days, and also had some awesome days. I boated my new personal best, a 53". I also caught other quality fish, along with several large pike. We were finding fish in very shallow old cabbage, while I also saw guys pounding your more "traditional" fall spots, like the deep rocks, rock walls, ect..
I lost some very large fish on that trip too. I guess sometimes doing things a little out of the "comfort" zone, can pay off big! This is true on any body of water, I'm sure.
I'll definitely be going back to Eagle as much as I can, LOL! I'm also sure I'll struggle out there again, but that's ok. I've saw/caught enough quality fish to keep my mind at peace for those doldrum type days. |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | Krezy...gotta be honest, I think you had a bad guide...That just doesn't sound right, it can be tough but if you have a good guide that just shouldn't happen...
Edited by Musky Brian 12/24/2010 12:27 PM
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| Never been on eagle but fished LOTW several times. Not totally impressed, caught bigger fish closer to home. Since I have a limited time to go fishing, I have a hard time putting all of my eggs in the one basket and would much rather fish 2-3 closer spots throughout the year. |
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Posts: 373
Location: On the River | Havn't fished Eagle but LOTW is awesome My first trip we had 23 fish in the boat. I had a 52.5 51 50 48 47 and 45 the first year.The last couple years have been slower. This past year we had 13 fish the biggest was 45 |
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Posts: 309
Location: Elgin IL | Big fish= Eagle and no bloom |
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Posts: 8792
| I average about 4 fish on eagle for a week personally, with another two or three in the boat by others. (My average on Eagle is just over 42") There are some tough days every year, but I'd say in a typical week we see at least a dozen fish in the 50" range and above, and at least one or two that would go 53"-54" and 40#.
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| Esox, shouldn't you also say you are guided every day you are there? Have you caught a 50 incher? |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | Some very good posts here.....
Two very different experiences from what I can gather. I have only fished Eagle...for one, I am not interested in putting a pile of 37-42 inchers in the boat.
I have been in the boat for more big fish in MN then on Eagle...however, there is just something about fishing the canadian shield that can't be dublicated anywhere else. Eagle's diversity is amazing.
The fishing can be tough no doubt. But then there are times where you can't believe the size of fish your seeing and catching. I have had some very tough trips...and some outstanding trips. But even on the outstanding trips, we aren't putting a pile of fish in the boat. To me an outstanding trip is when the fish are moving well...seeing ~25 fish a day, mostly big, and catching a a couple fish a day for the boat on average. Definately not LOTW numbers. BUT, I have seen up 50 inch fish on many trips.
If you want a shot at catching a lot of big fish...go to MN. If you want a shot at a BIG fish and fish some phenominal candian shield water...I would go to eagle.
It all boils down to what are you looking to get out of the experience.....
I get slack from a friend of mine (not mentioning any names Brad ) for going to eagle when I could go to MN and do better...in fact I have caught more big fish in MN then Eagle.
BUT....there is something about eagle....something about catching a fish there that makes it sweet...there is something about just being on eagle....the water so clear in the west arm its black at times....hard to put into words the draw of eagle...but its real...and i don't want to give that up just to put more big fish in the boat. When I score a big fish on eagle, it almost means more....
my two cents.
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Cory, because on eagle you won't don't have to put up with the fishing pressure, jetskis, and pleasure boaters. Eagle is my choice been on both about same amount of time, just playing with bigger fish and less pressure. Last few years Eagle is definetly kicking out better number, avg about 1 a day, 53" my old PB, and shots at mid 50's, and seen some in the next category "BIGGGGGGG". Definitely and trip sucess is due to weather, last trip on Eagle had 3 in 10 minutes.
I agree Cory catch more and bigger fish at home, but something about kokanee and eagle, keeps my going back, trip success is not always based on number and size of fish, the AML eagle experince is a trip we always look forward to.
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Posts: 291
Location: Minneapolis | Nobody seems to be talking about the Whitefish Bay area of LOTW. Super big fish, super clear water, amazing scenery, not much pressure, and even more difficult to contact fish than Eagle.
My point being that has even more diversity of water/structure types than Eagle, but it's spread way out. |
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Posts: 8792
| Kevin - 12/27/2010 8:15 AM
Esox, shouldn't you also say you are guided every day you are there? Have you caught a 50 incher?
Why? Do the guides make the fish bigger?
50"? Not yet. Had hooks in a few. Had my chances at quite a few more. Biggest in the boat so far are 47" 48" and a 49.5" that I could have called 50" like the rest of the liars. |
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| Sounds like the topic has turned into a case of "Lunge Rage"......I think the most pertinent question is ....if you had 1 week and have "fished" both waters including LOTW's ;sab bay ,whitefish and kenora area (I've not tackled the Angle yet) which one offers the best opportunity for quality and numbers on a consistent basis. Forget the occasional great days and the "golden ticket" fish. In response to the "Einstein" who thinks my guide was bad on Eagle. FYI the guy has put 10 over 50" in his boat this year including a 57" beast ! I'm sensing it's going to be a long winter for some pounder tossers !!! |
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Location: Contrarian Island | Cory, not sure how I give you "slack"... ...I have been to Eagle and would love to go back...I get "the experience" of Eagle...I miss the Lac Seul trips we use to do and can still picture most of the scenery like it was yesterday..very beautiful, very peaceful no doubt... if we all had unlimited cash and time we'd go to Eagle, Lac Seul, LOTW, Minny all for a week or 2 a year..but we all have choices...I choose to go where I know I can see and catch monsters...with piles of mid to upper 40s mixed in to boot...I'd love to join you on Eagle one of these years but your week happens to fall on the week I like to hit MN... as for the question Krezy poses above, if you want the best opportunity for quality and numbers I don't think one can argue against LOTW....Eagle is not a place for numbers.....it's not apples to apples...very much apples to oranges...that being said I have tentative plans for a LOTW trip this year and I expect 4 or more per day to hit the net..
Edited by BNelson 12/28/2010 9:05 AM
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| Thanks guys for all the replies, between the jabs there has been some very good answers in your responses. I know each lake is different from what I gather eagle has clearer water and no bloom which does get thick and a little annoying on lotw. A better chance at a beast on eagle but typically lower numbers than lotw (subject to weather of course) We have had some big fish(over 50") encounters on lotw but usually only one or two fish a week but lots of mid upper 40s. I have fished minnesota a couple times leech and area and cass and the pressure really turned me off. Quality and serenity of the scenery mean a lot to our group and canada offers that better than minn. I have some family that has moved up to the twin cities area and Im excited to possibily get a chance at some of the metro lakes some day. I'll put another twist on the question we have been going up there last week of july or beginning of august. What are your favorite times to go to the shield. Note: Im a farmer so usually in the field end of september to november...
Rick |
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Posts: 2361
| Krezy - 12/27/2010 6:06 PM
Sounds like the topic has turned into a case of "Lunge Rage"......I think the most pertinent question is ....if you had 1 week and have "fished" both waters including LOTW's ;sab bay ,whitefish and kenora area (I've not tackled the Angle yet) which one offers the best opportunity for quality and numbers on a consistent basis. Forget the occasional great days and the "golden ticket" fish. In response to the "Einstein" who thinks my guide was bad on Eagle. FYI the guy has put 10 over 50" in his boat this year including a 57" beast ! I'm sensing it's going to be a long winter for some pounder tossers !!!
Interesting thread to somebody who has contemplated a trip to both lakes and never been, but I am going to have to agree with Brian "Einstein", if that is the best a guide can do for the first week of October, and he was not in contact with decent northerns either, you needed another guide. Of course, there is the chance it wasn't the guide... |
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Posts: 431
| I'm in the only been to LOTW camp. I've been going most years since before I could drive. Over the past few years I've thought about going elsewhere, but just can't pull the trigger. I absolutely love my time on LOTW. Being from Missouri means it's a thousand mile drive each way up to LOTW. It's so hard to make the change knowing that I've only got one trip that far north for the year, and if I ended up going somewhere I didn't like, I would kick my own behind.
I've been up on LOTW last week of June, every week in July and 1st week in September. September was nice because there was nobody there. I don't know that timing matters all that much, because your success will be dependent on the weather. I usually try to pick a full moon or new moon week and cross my fingers. My skills and equipment have improved dramatically over the past few years, along with my catch rates. For quite a few years we would catch a few musky each week, but would spend most of our time pounding the weeds and catching lots of pike and smallmouth with the occasional musky. Now it's exactly the opposite-i pound the musky, still love the smallmouth, but don't really care if I don't catch a pike. I think it's unrealistic for most people to expect to average 4 fish in the net per day. Last year my dad and I averaged 3 per day, and that was our best year ever. I've caught a 49.5 and 49 7/8 and a few 48s, and have lost a couple that I think would have gone 50. I'm looking forward to this year. July full moon.
Edited by momuskies 12/28/2010 10:13 AM
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | Well I don't blame you for getting chippy with me...I would be in a pretty foul mood too if I hired a guide in Canada and SAW 2 Muskies in 7 days...Maybe I shouldn't have pointed out the obvious, but fact remains your results are really a poor representation of Eagle. As I am sure quite a few on this board can attest to, if you had 7 days guided with one of AML's guides the chances of seeing two fish or less in a week are about as good as the chances of it being 85 and sunny tomorrow. Although if the guide was as good as you say he is maybe other factors were in play...maybe the guy in the boat with him perhaps?
Anyways....As far as the question of when is the best time to go..I personally prefer anyime in the August 1 - September 8th timeframe. It gives you a chance to avoid the effects of a late cold spring, and you are still able to fish weeds but rock fishing becomes more of a priority ( which I prefer) YOu can generally expect stable weather most of the time as well...
Edited by Musky Brian 12/28/2010 1:48 PM
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Posts: 8792
| Rick, I prefer the first two weeks in August. The weather is generally pretty mild, you don't get many super cold nights to slow the fish down in the morning, and for the most part the fish have transitioned out to the points and mid-lake rock bars. We've had a few cold days that pusked the fish back into the weeds, but by and large it's all rocks. Water temps are usually in the 68 - 70 range during that timeframe, which puts the muskies at their most active. You get more feeding windows and the windows are longer than they would otherwise be at other times during the year. Granted, it's still Canada - we've had days that started out in the 40's with chilling winds and rain, up to 90 and flat calm during the day, but for the most part, it's perfect weather. Another bonus is you have enough daylight after dinner to go out for a few hours. (There is no night fishing on Eagle) |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | not seeing more than 2 fish in a week, not being able to catch fish that come in ... i'm visualizing an animated message delivered by the coach around the pool-table LMAO!!! |
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Posts: 8792
| jonnysled - 12/28/2010 6:13 PM
not seeing more than 2 fish in a week, not being able to catch fish that come in ... i'm visualizing an animated message delivered by the coach around the pool-table LMAO!!!
"A lotta guys talk about the figure 8... If you're not doing figure 8's after EVERY CAST, you're missing fish. 'Ya GOTTA do a figure 8 after EVERY CAST! "ya get tired and you're not payin' attention, and THAT'S when you lose fish! And when you do your figure 8's, 'ya gotta make WIDE turns, NICE WIDE TURNS! We get a lotta guys in camp doing figure 8's like this: *swish swish* A big fish just can't turn like that, you'll NEVER catch 'em like that!! All you're doin' is takin' that lure away from the fish. Do a big wide oval if that's what 'ya gotta do, or make a NICE WIDE figure 8! Make sure your hooks are sharp, CHECK your lines, and CHECK your leaders!! These fish will tax ANY equipment, know what I'm sayin'?? If your hooks aren't sharp, or your leaders are kinked, you snaps are bad, if your gear isn't up to par, and you're doing turns like this *swish swish* you're wastin' your %&$*'in time. You may as well just go home and go bass fishin'! 'Ya know what I'm sayin?!!"
Granted, I owe my 3 biggest fish to that pep talk, and Herbie is absolutely right. But the first time you hear that speech? Yeah, last year my girlfriend looked at me afterwards and said "I'm not ready for this s---. I wanna go home!!" 
"Honey, just do what the f--- he said, and you'll be fine. We talked about this. I made you practice, remember? Just do what the f--- he said...."
That poor woman, LOL!
Edited by esoxaddict 12/28/2010 7:30 PM
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Location: Des Moines IA | "These fish are too big to eat on the 8. Ya know what I'm sayin'? You need to trigger them early in your retrieve. change the lure direction halfway back to the boat. Speed the lure up all of a sudden. If you have three in the boat, you need to stagger your casts. Ya know what I'm sayin'? There isn't enough room to have three guys lures boat side at the same time." I was lucky enough to hear that speech for the first time last year, and I have to admit it, but he is right, just do what he says, and you'll be in good shape. It takes a while to get three guys into the rhythm of staggered casts, but it is possible, and it does help a lot!!!! |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | First, I don't know how many discussions we had Brad about "why don't you go to MN instead, you will catch more bigger fish than on eagle"...but I digress....some day we will attack eagle together....Lord knows you have the MN fish dialed in.
Which month is best?? I have fish eagle first week in july, mid aug, first of sept, and mid oct. Been in the boat for big fish each of those time periods, either mine or my boat partners. Mid aug like Brian said, is nice, they are on the reefs, main lake...and seem to be a little more predictable (netted 2 50 inch plus fish in one day in Aug) . Early July is awesome as the bucktail bite and the weed bite REALLY kicks in...weather has a bigger flux range here though then aug(Got two 52 inchers early July plus others big fish). First part of September can be absolutely magical. We do our muskies inc outing every year at this time. The cooling of the water draws not only the structure orientated big fish shallow but also draws those supsended slobs into the shallows as well. I have seen some absolute giants (upper 50 inch class) this time of year. I have been on eagle this time of year more than any other time of year....less people...big fish....me likes. Now, weather plays a big part this time of year as well...so can be a crap shoot. I have had some very tough years in september...lot of moving variables. But also had multiple big fish trips for me and others in our group this time of year as well, so you take the good with the bad....I will be back again this year...let me know if you want to join us
October....crap shoot. Only was on there once in Oct. We had a great trip, but was my first trip to eagle as well. We lost some VERY big fish that trip and caught some nice ones....but weather is HUGE that time of year. Risk reward thing.
A friend of mine that taught me a lot about eagle finally went to fish LOTW a couple years ago. When I asked him to describe it compared to eagle here is what he said:
"LOTW I will say is like grade school. If it looks good, likely it will hold fish and more than likely if you know what you are doing you will catch fish. Its pretty straight forward and pretty easy to fish. Eagle, is like college. Everything looks good....but not everything holds fish...have to really put all the pieces of the puzzle together for sucess."
To me....putting the puzzle together and then scoring....is that much more rewarding for me...
LOTW vs EAGLE....is what you are looking for...where you get your satisfaction...both great fisheries in their own right and reasons.
PS...oh...and figure 8 is king on Eagle....end of story....with that said...almost all my big fish on eagle have eaten out yes I am lucky.... Lost some nice ones though in the 8...and caught a LOT of fish in the 8.
I have seen MANY guys blow big fish because their boat side mechanics are not 100%....97% wont put that fish in the boat....pefect or nothing....Ask Matt Devos he will tell you...one LITTLE mess up and its over...right Matt
Cory
Edited by C.Painter 12/28/2010 10:01 PM
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| Man that sounds like a hell of a speech but right on for those who need it. In my boat last year during our trip we put 24 fish in the net and 20 of them were on the figure 8 or some variation of that... The fish were not in a real agressive mood and some liked it hot some did not so there was a lot of learning going on and a lot of frustration too. Two fish stick in my mind on that trip like crazy the first was an upper 40s that we had raised five times in one afternoon and I finally got her to strike on about the fourth turn all the way on the out side swing and what did i do? Set the hood the wrong direction! two headshakes and gone! But I learned my lesson fast forward a couple hours and same senario smaller fish though hit same place on the eight. I actually hesitated and thought to myself set the dam hook the other direction and then did it. The other guy in the boat said he could see the thought bubble above my head when that happened and it said "set the hook into the fish"... Maybe that should be added to the speech.
Also he says when he see's me doing a figure 8 the size of the base of a silo he knows its serious!!!
My experience with weather up there has not been that of stable at all. The thunderstorms are fierce and there always seems to be days with high winds. We have done better when the wind has been in the same general direction for the entire trip. But when it 180*s it can get tough sometimes. I think four fish a day is not unreasonable to accomplish if the weather is hit right. We have had several four plus fish days but there have also been no fish days but thats musky fishing and why we always wand more...
Rick |
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Posts: 50
| My fishing partner went to Eagle lake this October. We fish LOTW exclusively all summer with the exception of a few smaller local lakes. He put 8 muskies in the boat on Eagle in one day. |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | From a weather standpoint on eagle, I have boated and been in the boat for big fish on darn near every weather situation that I can think of...and when I thought conditions WOULDN'T be good. noonish...FLAT calm high skies etc. to the other end of the spectrum of HIGH winds, MONSTER waves and rain. If I had a choice though, I would always like a little wind |
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| I have never been on Eagle but I have spent quite a few days on LOTW, and I have also fished Lac Suel and the Winnepeg River and have caught muskies on all of them.
I have always thought "muskies are muskies" regardless of where they swim... but after reading this forum if I go to Eagle I will be sure to pack the "Kryptonite".
BWaldera |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | "LOTW I will say is like grade school. If it looks good, likely it will hold fish and more than likely if you know what you are doing you will catch fish. Its pretty straight forward and pretty easy to fish. Eagle, is like college. Everything looks good....but not everything holds fish...have to really put all the pieces of the puzzle together for sucess."
----I don't know who said that Cory but that couldn't be any more spot on, My first 3-4 days on Eagle were beyond frustrating as I tried to fish it like LOTW...General rule on Eagle ..." if it looks fishy, it probably isn't " |
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Posts: 580
| Thanks for bringing up some bad memories Cory! J/K
I've been fishing LOTW since the late '90's. We've had some success over the years. I absolutely love the place. It's not just because of excellent muskie fishing....quite a bit deeper than that. Like Dick P says in his video, it's almost a spiritual experience.
I also spent a week on Eagle with Cory....quickly realized that Eagle is a bit of a different ball game....(also realized that Cory is a hell of a good fisherman at boatside!).
I always considered myself to be decent/above-average at boatside. No expert by any means, but I've caught a lot of fish on the 8 including big fish and including fish that had to be triggered with something more than typical maneuvering.
Let's just say that Eagle Lake humbled me quite a bit in that regard. What I learned in my week was that any misstep, even slight, can spell the difference between success and failure. Especially true in the gin clear waters of the West Arm. You really have to be on your "A game" at all times....fish (big fish!) will show up when you don't expect and you had better be prepared. I think that's probably true of most muskies on most lakes, but nowhere is it more true than on Eagle.
From the other comments above, the other thing that I've found true on LOTW is the "if it looks fishy, it probably is" theory. It's always amazed me how great spots and how many muskies LOTW holds. We've developed a pretty darn good milkrun over the years, but still find new A+ quality spots every year...spots that have multiple-fish-holding potential, usually within easy eyesight of another tremendous A+ type spot. Opportunities are really endless. On the one hand, it makes things seem awfully easy at times. On the other hand, it can seem like a curse when fish aren't moving, requiring some thinking and adaptability when it comes to pattern developing....the other way it's a curse is that you can easily get into a rut, fishing the same spots over and over and thinking that you are fishing the primest of water, when in reality there's another, better spot nearby if only you take the time to explore it and fish it under prime conditions....but if you take too much time to explore during prime conditions, you'll probably be wasting time on some spots that are duds. It can be a bit of a mind game to find that right balance....either way, it's a lot of fun.
In the end, I wish I had the time to go to Canada twice every year. I'd be spending a week on both lakes.
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| Rick, another really good option would be on the Winnipeg River around Rough Rock Lake. Lots of floppys and you won't have to wait in line to fish nice spots as there's only one lodge in the area. We're going back around the first of August ....5th trip....as it is really under- utilized water. Its really manageable without a guide if you prefer... |
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| Brad should give you a little slack Cory. He's put you on a couple 54 plus in Minnesota hasn't he? |
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Posts: 78
| Skinner can you send me a PM on the lodge with email address
Edited by itmusky 12/30/2010 8:54 PM
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Posts: 743
| I've been to the Winnipeg the last 15 years or so and mostly do pretty good. I've been to Eagle the last 4 years and to me its entirely different than the Winnipeg River.
I always hire a guide on Eagle. I'm still pretty lost going east because its such big water with no marked lower unit killers. Besides the guides I get are the best and great company. I'm starting to venture west a bit by myself because it's smaller water but still plenty of hazards. I will still continue to do both. Winnipeg is a relaxing vacation and Eagle pound ,pound pound. My first week on Eagle I saw more fish over 50 than in all years combined on the Winnipeg. I'm sold on both for different reasons. |
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Posts: 112
Location: Nielsen's Fly-In Lodge, on Rowan Lake | has any body ever thought about fishing rowan lk no presure lots of big fish and very uneducated just a thought |
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Posts: 2018
| what kind of boat do you guide out of Don? .if I hire you for a week can I run the trolling motor? |
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Posts: 112
Location: Nielsen's Fly-In Lodge, on Rowan Lake | sorry about the dlay i have been at the iowa sports show
i run a 690 ranger you can run the t motor all day long i will keep you on fish thanks maybe see you in chicago at the show thanks don nielsens fly in lodge |
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LOTW or Eagle Lake