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Posts: 216
Location: Elk River, MN | Looking at a stay at Big Eagle Lodge. http://www.bigeagle.com/
Looks like pretty good fishing. Any insight to opportunity - I am comparing this to going to Sandy's Blackhawk Island Resort. Cost is extremely cheaper at Big Eagle but am more interested in opportunity.
Thanks.
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | I don't know much about the camp...I don't think it does a ton of business though as I have spent a lot of time in Littleneck Bay and not seen many boats going in that direction. The fishing on that part of Eagle can be pretty good...sometimes. Have had some very good days up there and quite a few days that make you want to beat your head into a wall.
There's no right or wrong answer on LOTW vs Eagle...in my experience, and knowing the water around Sandy's, you are more likely to catch and see more fish by quite a margin if you stay there , imo....
Edited by Musky Brian 3/18/2014 10:18 PM
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Posts: 379
Location: Thief River Falls MN | Had a buddy stay there last summer, great area for sure. Centrally located and tons of spots within a short boat ride. It is a little rough around the edges and not a 24/7 full service resort. PM Muskybergy as he may be able to shed some info as he is the guy who I know who stayed there last summer. If you are a greenhorn on Eagle they will not provide the services to help you have a successful musky week on Eagle... If you are experienced on Eagle and on a budget, I think it would suffice.
Edited by toddb 3/18/2014 10:38 PM
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Posts: 76
Location: New Lenox, Illinois | Stayed there a few years ago when my regular resort was closed. Great value nothing fancy. Old Timer John that runs the place is a trip, nice guy to talk to. I now have a private location I stay at out on an island in the central section of the lake. Like musky Brian said don't think it does a ton of business but depending on what you want in amenities it's about the best value on the lake for a group with just cabin rental and bringing your own food. Last 5 years I have been amazed at how few boats have been in the central section of the lake. I always go first week of August and for the past 5 years it's like I have been on a private lake. I think just about all of the resorts up there are struggling with this economy and high gas prices. |
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Posts: 76
Location: New Lenox, Illinois | Fishing is top notch in this area of the lake, I agree with toddb that if you are new to eagle and stay there you will need to set up a guide from a different resort as John is more of a walleye type guy that rarely leaves the bay. I know a couple good guides that I can recommend just shoot me a pm. Another thing to consider is eagle lake and LOW are totally different types of fisheries. Eagle can produce big number days at times but those don't happen very often. Lots of lazy follows but true giants in this lake. LOW in my opinion is easier to fish and find feeding fish consistently. That being said Eagle Lake is my favorite musky spot on the planet. This august will be my 30 the year going. Can't beat the walleye fishing either. |
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Posts: 379
Location: Thief River Falls MN | But when its hot it can be awesome! At times the east/se part of Eagle can seem like a numbers lake. Have had a few 3 and 4 fish days round that neck of the woods! |
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Posts: 76
Location: New Lenox, Illinois | Todd I have had some 7-8 fish days but that is the exception not the rule. What I have found is the feeding windows on this lake are typically short. Once you get them moving aggressively you have got to hit your big fish spots and move from one to another. This lake has true giants in it that can and will show up at anytime. Must be disciplined at the boat and always figure 8. At least 70 percent of my fish are caught at the side of the boat. That being said this lake can humble you in a hurry also. Not uncommon to go multiple days without a fish and hardly raising any. This is a magical lake when they turn on though! |
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Posts: 7039
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Not to do the "bait and switch" but if you're an Eagle newbie...and want to consider that portion of Eagle, check out this video.
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/videos/03.05.2014/6773/Scott.Jaeger...
A day with Scotty on the lake (bring your gps, or use your boat) and you're way ahead of the curve. |
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Posts: 379
Location: Thief River Falls MN | Where I would go... Am going... |
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Posts: 166
Location: Alexandria, MN | Big Eagle is no-frills, nuthin' fancy. Just functional, practical, comfortable, quiet, and fits most budgets. Perfect for what our group does. Pretty well centralized to run to Stanton area or to the clear water in the northwest, plus some good spots not far from camp. I give it thumbs up. |
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Posts: 46
| Stayed there two years in a row for our annual big trip of the year. John is not the most pleasant owner and really has give you in terms of information on Musky. The cabin we stayed in had a leak in the roof, oven did not work and the dock was falling apart in certain places. A father son group who we met there had engine troubles out in the middle of the lake and when John had to tow them in, he ended up charging them for that in the bill, had a good laugh at that one.
As mentioned before Eagle is a tough place to fish. You really need to work the lake and develop some good spots, it is definitely not something you will conquer on your first visit. Hit all around perkins island, kennedy bay and the big point on the east side of the peninsula. Look for complexes as well, (where islands rocks weeds saddles etc... all meet).
-TR |
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