Lunker Report 10/12

A faster than usual fall transition pattern means a moderate drop
off in fishing action, as fish try to adjust to rapidly falling water
temperatures which are approaching 45 degrees - -and in some cases, even a
tad lower, in the Eagle River area.

Muskie action in the Eagle River area is fair to good. Little bucktails are
working. Glide and jerk baits are producing, bringing more fish up from
shallower water than may be expected. Fish shallow weeds in 10 feet of
water or less. Start at the 3-5 foot depths as the weed thin out, moving to
the 7-10 foot depths if there are no results, shallow. Weeds are still nice
and green, and the water has begun to clear off lake bloom nicely.
Chartreuse still seems to be a bait color that the muskies will respond to,
followed by white. Using live suckers while casting is also producing a few
fish, but while the sucker bite has not taken hold yet, it's still worth
dragging a live sucker now. If you do, it is recommended that no bobber be
used, and either hang the sucker directly off the back of the boat, or 3-4
feet down between anglers who are casting over the SIDE of the boat.

The walleye bite Is good in the Eagle River area. Fish 10 to 35 feet of
water on break edges and mid-lake basins. Use a jig and a fathead.

Northern are hitting in 15 feet of water or less in and around the weeds.
Use a small bucktaiil, a Husky Jerk in a minnow or perch pattern, or a
northern chub under a slip bobber. Good action.

Panfish in the Eagle River area are lumped together in and around weeds in
15 feet of water or less. Perch are hugging the bottom. Crappies and
bluegills are suspending up and down the water column. Best bait for all is
a crappie minnow under a slip bobber. Good action, with the usual sorting
required.

Hunters in the Eagle River area enjoying success both with grouse, and deer,
with bow hunters taking some nice bucks.

Hi Mat,
A couple years ago I was fishing the Eagle Chain and would only get muskie action between approx. 1PM and 2:30PM. Are the fish hitting in tight windows or is the bite going all day, or at least more than the aforementioned times? Thanks

I think the best time to go is when you can, in the fall there can be more defined and short feeding windows. This can very from weather to solunnar activity. Currently on the Chain I have been seeing activity off and on all day with a peak in the afternoon. This is the norm in the fall, fish activity can peak in the afternoon (the warmest part of the day). But weather and solunnar activity can be more of a factor depending on the day.
Good Luck