Eagle Lake Fishing Report


by Valerie Aubrey
9-11-2024
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We've been out playing on the pond & here's what the low down is! First, it's our weedy season. The water is clearer now than it has been all season. Holding around 64-66F surface temps but we should continue to gradually drop & the cooler ambient temps will help. I'm still fishing over deep water, mainly due to the weeds in closer (coots). Yes, the weeds are also scattered a little in the water column. They've been moving north all week, & probably start moving or stalling with incoming northerly winds. Until they blow to shore, we just deal with them. Shrimp island was loaded this week. Down riggers help but not immune. We just check our lines & often guide them around the weeds.
Both sides of the lake are fishing well. And we are seeing some movement towards shrimp island & slough point (the channel) but it's been pretty weedy up there this week. Fish are still scattered in the water column but one thing in common...bait balls. Our consistent fish catching depths have been 10-14ft (2.25colors)early, & still dropping to 20-22 later after sunrise (4inthewater). Average weight of 3+ pounds. Best lures have been orange. Changes daily but reach into the old Eagle Lake standards box & pull out that old orange needlefish (sharpen your hooks) & give it a whirl. Orange Rainbow runners go back & forth daily. Small gold, red & red/copper TBuoyant has done some damage too. Even hot orange trolling flies are working. If you're into soft plastics, watermelon grubs (I'd throw on an orange in a heartbeat but I use feathers rather than plastics) & Berkley minnows. Hard baits...small silver/black flicker shad has ruled that division. Rapalas may also chime in but the flicker shad has become my go to. Slow rise, consistent depth & an irresistible wobble. & "Ripping" is very effective.
The west sides 3rd ledge which drops from 25-46ft deep (on average) has provided the most action for us & less traffic. It hasn't mattered a whole lot but the fish have remained over the depths for us. Next week, most likely, that's going to change once we see a couple degrees lower water temp. This can cause the fish to move into the second and first ledge & rock piles briefly.
East side at the springs has been more about combat fishing & some boats pushing everyone else around so go for it. We're doing just fine on relax & enjoy mode. Never discount the middle of the lake & the 30-40ft deep channel this time of year during the beginning of the fall transition. Cloud cover can change things up too so always good to keep a fire tiger or something dark (black/dark brown) on hand just in case. Good Luck & go get em. We are still getting boats launched. Just don't get too far to the east side of the ramp panels... nasty drop off the cement I'm staying about 30" from the dock & drop off the cement is not bad. It will require some maintenance at the end of the cement at some point soon. Already bent my new trailer license plate on it but it didn't tear off yet.


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