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| Hey everyone,
The boys and I are planning a trip to Eagle lake this summer, (in August) for the very first time. We are going to be staying on the North Shore and Little Neck Bay, right beside Temple Bay. We are primarily going after muskie and big pike. If you could post any tips or tricks to fishing for muskie in this lake and at this time of year, it would be very much appreciated.
Thanks Very Much,
TR |
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| K, here's the thing on Eagle. If you're going for Muskie prepare yourself for the possibility of not catching anything at all for a day a week or even 2. Especially if you're a first timer. I would highly suggest grabbing a guide or "Seagle" will most likely chew you up and spit you out. Believe me and the hundreds of others out there that have tried to claim a prize there for years. I'm sure you're well aware that Eagle is BIG LEAGUE muskie and many of it's well know anglers have paid a lifetime of dues to become successful out there.
Focus on points, drops and rock. Remember, if you raise a fish, you mark your map/gps. MAKE SURE you check your moon phases and hit marked fish early a.m. and at sundown as well. Try to find guys on their way outta town for info. If you're lucky they may even show you their raises. Remember that a lot of anglers go for Walleye out there too. If you notice a boat pulling in the eye's there's a good chance there's a ski down there drooling. Hence, Walleye fishermen occasionally/accidentally catch the fish of a lifetime.
Again, I highly suggest a guide. The beasts are out there though. I had what looked well over 55 inches look me straight in the face last fall. I couldn't get her to go, but it's those thrills that will always make you anxious to get another shot next year. My two fishing buds watched me sh** my pants over her.
Regardless, keep building on what you know and what you learn and one day the Muskie Gods will bless you on Eagle.
Good luck! |
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Posts: 8824
| Wow. Dramatic much? "Big league"?? Come on, man. It's a lake, it's got muskies, and some dandy ones at that. It's not the enchanted forest for **** sakes. If your navigational skills aren't up to par? Yeah, hire a guide. Lots of stuff to hit if you go East or South. It can be tough, and it can be amazing. Don't be lazy about doing figure 8's, and for crying out loud, make them big enough where a big fish can turn with the bait. Don't panic, don't freak out, just go out there and fish. Spend some time with a map. If it's got the makings of a good spot? Chances are on any given day a fish will show up on it. If you're crapping your pants over the fish you saw? That's probably why you're getting chewed up and spit out. Don't crap your pants, man! FISH! Make sure your gear is sufficient, pay attention, sharpen your hooks, do a good figure 8, and set the hook. Get used to the window shoppers, it's half the fun of being there. Teaches you how to convert. That's important. |
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Dang, sounds like Vermilion............................Only without the Crapy pants,
I'd like to spend a week or two up there.
Jerome |
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Posts: 458
| Tips:
Hire a good guide for at least one day.
Bring a dbl 10 with Martian green blades and a black skirt also one with smoke blades.
Big wide eights or o's and if you see a lot of fish make two eights.
Have fun...it's your vacation. |
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Posts: 131
| iv'e been there twice and have 2 fish over fifty to show for it.it's not any tougher than any other lake i've ever fished but it is huge with lots of underwater land mines.there is so much stuff to fish you will be overwelmed.i kept a "score card" last year. caught 7[51.5"],lost 6 and saw 33 in five days.the year before was similar with an even 50 but only 4 in the boat.caught some pike as well but not that many.it has clear water,stained water,calm water and ocean size waves when it blows.you GOTTA have gps mapping plus a paper map.don't get me wrong it certainly isn't a "gimme" by any means but like any body of water it can make you a hero one day and a zero the next.if you could fish after sunset i think it would AWSOME,but you can't.they make you go back to camp and drink beer at sundset. |
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| I apologize if I was too "Dramatic" for ya mannn. All I'm saying in reply to Team_Ryba is that if you haven't been on that body of water yet it would be a great idea to at least take up a 1-day guide on arrival. You will benefit greatly and help your chances at landing fish on your own during your stay. Raises the spirit as well!
In my mind, Eagle is like the enchanted forest after the gargantuan that eyed me down. About the ***** pants....that was after she sunk to the depths, not during retrieve/8. And to be blunt, the element of surprise is why we fish for Muskie. Adrenaline junkies. It's one thing to say, "Just Fish", but after your casting all day and that one fish finally decides to show, we all know it's not easy to keep calm and focused every time it happens.
I do agree with you though esoxadict. Stay on top of your gear and never forget to figure8. You're right about the window shoppers too. They'll help you when time comes on a hot bite.
Most of all, HAVE FUN!
Here's some motivation.....this was washed up on shore on the west end of Eagle. Any thoughts on size? I know the jaws are spread out but she had to have been up there.
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | Well I am somewhere in the middle on the comments....Big eagle IS NOT the easiest section of eagle lake to fish, I would say it is more along the tougher side if you ask me. The hazzards ARE NOT marked..and there are way more than I care to have. All that open water out there...and some areas of it you can't even drive around since its loaded with stuff to hit. And I don't care what map chip or paper map you have...there is way more stuff out there to hit that is not on either of those. And the lake chip is crap if you ask me.
Like others said, a guide is a key, if not to show you what to fish, but more on what not to hit!!
I have been on big eagle in some SCARY big waves....when it blows...it can be tough....but we have also had multiple 50 inch fish days down there(In August too).
There is some amazing structure and fishing down that way...but you will earn your fish.
Drive slow till you learn your water and have trails marked up. Fish hard and smart and have fun!!
Good luck!
Cory
Edited by C.Painter 2/7/2011 8:38 AM
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| Hello,
I just wanted to thank everyone for their input to my question. I very much appreciate the time and thought put into your posts. Please continue to write if you have something to say.
Good luck and have a great season on the water
TR |
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Posts: 962
| Bring Black and smoke Spankys. Martian and black Spankys
White and siver prism and Black and gold prism MX9s, Walleye Bulldawgs, perch depthraider. B.S Willy Creeper (large)
One Eyed Willy (Monsterlures) Perch Mojoe and white Big Joe from Live Action Lures.
AND PRACTICE YOUR FIGURE 8......
Jeff Hanson
madisonmuskyguide.com |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | If you are staying in Littleneck Bay you will be protected from the big water and also not have to worry much about hazards. On top of that, you will have access to some great spots, a few of my favorite spots on that entire lake are right in that vicinity. I would suggest spending a lot of time close to camp and keeping a lure in the water as much as possible, sure take a few exploratory trips to other parts of the lake but don't fall for the " grass is greener the further I drive" scenario, there's some fishing to be had in that area ( probably the most consistrent in my opinion) If something looks fishy to you make sure you fish it multiple times in different conditions and not just fishing it once and assuming it is not a good spot...
Edited by Musky Brian 2/14/2011 12:30 PM
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