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Eagle Lake (40)

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Eagle Lake (40)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Bass transitioning to pre-spawn areas, moving from winter spots to warmer shallows near spawning flats Fish showing increased activity in shallow water (2-3 feet), particularly around vegetation	Shallow vegetation edges and emerging lily pad fields in 2-3 feet of water Protected dock areas adjacent to spawning flats Transitions between shallow vegetation and deeper water (3-10 foot drops)	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow vegetation Hard Topwater (Prop) in warmer periods around vegetation Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and vegetation edges	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows Bluegill in and around vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Fish are staging near spawning areas but not yet on beds, primarily relating to warming shallow areas and channel edges Feeding activity is increasing but still moderate, with fish being somewhat lethargic due to cold water temperatures in high 30s to low 40s	Canal areas and channel edges where warmer water is congregating Submerged vegetation in protected shallow areas Areas left of parking lot where pre-spawn crappies are staging	Bobbers with small 1/32nd oz hair jigs worked very slowly Ultra-light jigs (1/80th oz) with long pauses between subtle movements Live minnows under bobbers	Small minnows Emerging aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-58	Pike are actively ambushing prey from submerged vegetation edges, particularly targeting bluegills and other baitfish in shallow water Fish are holding in pre-spawn staging areas near emerging weed growth, showing aggressive feeding behavior	Submerged vegetation edges in 2-3 feet of water where early weed growth is emerging Main lake points with quick access to deeper water and vegetation Shallow bays with emerging vegetation where baitfish are congregating	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Bladed Jigs (chatterbaits) retrieved steadily along weed edges Inline Spinners worked parallel to vegetation edges	Bluegill concentrating near shorelines and vegetation Small minnows cruising in and around submerged vegetation	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass transitioning between pre-spawn staging and spawning, actively moving into shallow zones and relating to docks and reed edges Fish showing increased activity in 2-3 foot depths, indicating early spawning behavior but not yet on beds Feeding patterns tied to shade lines and cover edges, particularly during sunny conditions	Dock areas with access to slightly deeper water Reed edges in 2-3 feet of water Protected shallow coves with complex shorelines	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) along reed edges Hard Topwater (Popping) during prime shade periods	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively spawning and nesting in shallow water areas, particularly around vegetation and protected coves Males aggressively guarding nests, making them more likely to strike at intrusive baits Females staging in slightly deeper water between spawning activities	Protected shallow bays with mix of vegetation and firm bottom for spawning Areas near docks in 2-4 feet of water Transition areas between lily pads and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and light line Bobbers suspended 1-3 feet deep Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small minnows Aquatic insects Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike are in shallow spawning areas, typically 1-3 feet deep, using submerged vegetation as cover for ambush feeding and spawning activities Fish are aggressive and territorial during spawn, actively feeding to recover energy and defend spawning areas	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 1-3 feet of water Reed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water Points with submerged vegetation near sharp drops from 3-10 feet	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily near cover Live Bait Rigs positioned near weed edges	Bluegills concentrated in shallow spawning areas Minnows cruising in emerging vegetation Small pike and other spawning fish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Bass have moved off spawning beds and are actively feeding but still relating to shallow cover, with some fish striking topwater presentations Fish are showing aggressive behavior with follows and strikes on moving baits, transitioning to post-spawn feeding patterns	Growing lily pad fields in shallow water Edges of reed beds near depth transitions Secondary points with vegetation in 2-3 feet of water	Frogs/Toads worked over and through lily pad fields Swim Jigs along vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) in channels between vegetation	Bluegill on spawning beds Young of year baitfish emerging in vegetation	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are recovering and beginning to establish summer patterns, actively feeding in and around vegetation and structure during warm periods Fish are moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures stabilize	Edges of lily pads and submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Docks with nearby vegetation, especially those near deeper water access Shallow humps and breaklines adjacent to spawning areas	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at varying depths to find active fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around vegetation edges and dock posts Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms near structure	Small minnows gathering around newly established vegetation Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation Small crustaceans in and around vegetation beds	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Actively feeding in shallow vegetation zones post-spawn, utilizing ambush points near weed edges and points Most aggressive during early morning and evening, moving between vegetation patches and shallow structural elements	Submerged vegetation edges in 2-3 feet of water Sharp drop-offs near points transitioning from 3-10 feet Reed edges along shoreline structure	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Inline Spinners in open pockets between weed patches	Bluegills concentrating in shallow vegetation Minnows cruising weed edges Young-of-year panfish in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Bass are holding tight to shade and structure during summer heat, particularly under docks and in thick vegetation Fish are showing aggressive reaction strikes on moving baits, especially around vegetation edges and dock corners	Docks with access to deeper water, especially those with significant shade Weed edges on points with sharp drops from 3-10 feet Lily pad fields and slop areas, particularly during low light periods	Grass Jigs worked slowly under docks and through vegetation Bladed Jigs ripped through weed edges for reaction strikes Frogs/Toads worked over surface vegetation and pads	Bluegill concentrating around dock areas Young of year baitfish relating to weed edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-78	Actively feeding on small baitfish in mid-depth areas, particularly around structure during early morning and evening hours Schooling around humps and transitioning between shallow and deeper water based on sunlight and temperature	Humps with adjacent deeper water, especially those with vegetation Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depth range Residential dock areas providing shade and cover	Bobbers with small live bait or soft plastics, particularly effective over humps Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Dock Shooting	Small Minnows Aquatic Insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Actively feeding in and around weed edges during early morning and evening, retreating to slightly deeper adjacent areas during midday heat Utilizing ambush points near vegetation to target abundant panfish population Showing preference for shallow water (2-3 feet) feeding zones due to limited light penetration and cooler vegetation areas	Weed edges adjacent to sharp drops from 3-10 feet Main lake points with submerged vegetation Reed edges in 2-3 feet of water Neck-down areas with current flow	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through vegetation gaps Buzzbaits over vegetation tops during low light periods Frogs/Toads worked across vegetation mats	Bluegills holding in vegetation Minnows cruising weed edges Young-of-year panfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Eagle Lake (40)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Bass are transitioning to deeper reed patches as vegetation dies off, making concentrated feeding movements before winter Fish are becoming more lethargic, requiring slower presentations with extended pauses, particularly responding to suspended bait presentations	Deepest remaining reed patches with green vegetation Offshore weedlines that are starting to die down Deep edges of vegetation in 3-10 foot transitions	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses over dying weed tops Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in deep reed patches Ned Rigs worked slowly in areas where fish are concentrated	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation Young of year baitfish schooling near deeper vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	48-65	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper water, schooling more tightly as water temperatures drop, and feeding actively to build energy reserves for winter Fish are relating strongly to remaining vegetation edges and deep weedlines, moving between these areas and nearby deeper structures	Deep weedline edges near breaks and points, especially in 8-12 foot range Deeper basins adjacent to vegetation in 15-20 foot range Dock areas with access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish Aquatic insects around remaining vegetation Zooplankton in deeper water columns	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike are transitioning to deeper edges of remaining vegetation, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Aggressive feeding periods during lower light conditions, particularly on overcast days or early/late in day	Edges of dying weed beds near sharp drop-offs (3-10 feet) Main lake points with remaining green vegetation Shallow bays with surviving green weeds, especially during warm afternoons	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near drop-offs Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weed edges	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed beds Minnow schools seeking warmer shallow water during afternoon periods	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Panfish are schooling in deeper basins, typically 20-30 feet deep, with reduced but consistent feeding activity Fish are less aggressive but will feed opportunistically during stable weather periods, especially during early morning and late afternoon	Deep basins near breaklines, particularly in 20-30 foot ranges Deeper humps with proximity to shallow feeding flats Deep water adjacent to residential docks where suspended fish gather	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small minnows in deeper water columns Micro invertebrates near structure Suspended zooplankton in deep basins	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Northern Pike	38-48	Pike remain active in cold open water, holding near remaining vegetation edges and structural elements in 3-10 foot depth range Feeding patterns become more deliberate with fish making calculated strikes at larger prey items Fish concentrate in areas with remaining green vegetation and near sharp breaks where they can ambush prey	Sharp drop-offs transitioning from 3 to 10 feet, especially near remaining vegetation Main lake points with access to both shallow and deeper water Neck-down areas that concentrate baitfish movement	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Spoons	Bluegills concentrated in remaining vegetation Minnows schooling near structure breaks Smaller pike and other predator fish	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills are schooling in deeper water (20-30ft) during mid-winter, showing lethargic behavior with increased activity during late afternoon Fish are responding selectively to bait size and color, requiring downsized presentations and specific color patterns to trigger strikes	Deep basin areas in 20-30 foot range, particularly where less fishing pressure exists Breaklines and basin edges away from crowded areas Deeper humps that provide structure in the main basin	Ice Fishing Jigs with small 3-4mm presentations worked slowly Ice Fishing Spoons tipped with live bait for more aggressive fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Micro invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become more lethargic but still maintain feeding activity near remaining green weeds and structural elements where prey concentrates Fish tend to school more tightly during ice season, following concentrated baitfish pods Most active during early morning and late afternoon, particularly in areas with good oxygen content	Sharp drop-offs from 3-10 feet adjacent to shallow flats where panfish concentrate Areas with remaining green vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range Main lake points with access to both shallow and deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Bluegills concentrated in remaining vegetation Small minnows schooling near structure Juvenile perch in deeper holes	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Eagle Lake (40)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow vegetation edges and emerging lily pad fields in 2-3 feet of water	Protected dock areas adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Canal areas and channel edges where warmer water is congregating	Submerged vegetation in protected shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation edges in 2-3 feet of water where early weed growth is emerging	Main lake points with quick access to deeper water and vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dock areas with access to slightly deeper water	Reed edges in 2-3 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with mix of vegetation and firm bottom for spawning	Areas near docks in 2-4 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 1-3 feet of water	Reed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Growing lily pad fields in shallow water	Edges of reed beds near depth transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Edges of lily pads and submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Docks with nearby vegetation, especially those near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation edges in 2-3 feet of water	Sharp drop-offs near points transitioning from 3-10 feet
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks with access to deeper water, especially those with significant shade	Weed edges on points with sharp drops from 3-10 feet
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Humps with adjacent deeper water, especially those with vegetation	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depth range
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to sharp drops from 3-10 feet	Main lake points with submerged vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deepest remaining reed patches with green vegetation	Offshore weedlines that are starting to die down
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weedline edges near breaks and points, especially in 8-12 foot range	Deeper basins adjacent to vegetation in 15-20 foot range
Fall	Northern Pike	Edges of dying weed beds near sharp drop-offs (3-10 feet)	Main lake points with remaining green vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basins near breaklines, particularly in 20-30 foot ranges	Deeper humps with proximity to shallow feeding flats
Winter	Northern Pike	Sharp drop-offs transitioning from 3 to 10 feet, especially near remaining vegetation	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deeper water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas in 20-30 foot range, particularly where less fishing pressure exists	Breaklines and basin edges away from crowded areas
Ice	Northern Pike	Sharp drop-offs from 3-10 feet adjacent to shallow flats where panfish concentrate	Areas with remaining green vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Bluegill in and around vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows	Emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating near shorelines and vegetation	Small minnows cruising in and around submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows	Aquatic insects
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in shallow spawning areas	Minnows cruising in emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill on spawning beds	Young of year baitfish emerging in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows gathering around newly established vegetation	Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrating in shallow vegetation	Minnows cruising weed edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around dock areas	Young of year baitfish relating to weed edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small Minnows	Aquatic Insects
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegills holding in vegetation	Minnows cruising weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation	Young of year baitfish schooling near deeper vegetation edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish	Aquatic insects around remaining vegetation
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed beds	Minnow schools seeking warmer shallow water during afternoon periods
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows in deeper water columns	Micro invertebrates near structure
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in remaining vegetation	Minnows schooling near structure breaks
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Micro invertebrates
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in remaining vegetation	Small minnows schooling near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Eagle Lake (40)

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

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