Lunker Report

[Mat Hegy]

Fishing action is picking up nicely in the Eagle River area, with most
species locating in the same general areas.

In the Eagle River area, walleye are locating in 12 feet of water or less
(20 feet or less on big, clear lakes). Fish the shallow, emerging weeds,
using a one-sixteenth ounce jig tipped with a fathead minnow. Mixed bag on
sizes, but some nice ones are being caught.

Northern in the Eagle River area are locating in the weeds in 10 feet of
water or less. There can be periods of furious action - -albeit, the sizes
are mixed. Use a jig and a fathead minnow, a sucker minnow under a slip
bobber, or toss a smaller Husky Jerk in a minnow or perch pattern. Northern
action will continue to improve as the water temps warm.

Perch are locating with the walleye in the Eagle River area. Fish in the
emerging weeds, sticking close to the bottom. Some nice jumbos are being
caught, along with the usual smaller "suspects."

Crappies are hitting well in the Eagle River area. The crappies are mixed
in with the walleye, like the perch, but can be targeted separately. Fish
around new weeds, anywhere on the water column. The crappie will not be
real deep. Use a fathead under a slip bobber. There's plenty of crappie
action when you find them. Lots of anglers are simply getting them
incidental to walleye fishing, but the real savvy anglers are searching out
the crappies as a specific target, and catching some nice slabs in the
process.

[joe1680]

Thanks for the report. It's got me getting excited. We are leaving Wednesday the 20th and heading up to the Eagle River Chain. We are staying on the southern part of Catfish. Any suggestions of where we can stop off for a drink and a sandwich while on the water? What size fathead minnows are you using? Can anyone suggest a local bait shop? Can't wait to pick up some eyes and northerns. Seems like the musky opener should be good as well. Thanks for any help.

Joe

[Mat Hegy]

Joe
The Braywood is a great place to stop for a burger and a beverage. It is right there at the launch on Catfish lake. I would suggest using XL Fatheads for the Walleye on the Chain. Guides Choice Pro Shop is only a few miles up Hwy 45 from where you are and they will have all the stuff you need. They are right on the corner of HWY 45 and 70 in Eagle River. Good luck hope to see you up here.