Awesome Smallie Fishing on Eagle Lake
By Bob Riege

One lake that I think holds a lot most potential for some awesome smallmouth bass fishing is Eagle Lake, Ontario. This lakes can be tough if you don't fish smallmouth a great deal, but the shallow reefs adjacent to deep water are a magnet to these acrobatic wonders. One area that is overlooked by many people who usually fish smallmouths shallow, are the deep water humps that this lakes has to offer. Early in the year, they're up shallow, then they go out to the deep water and get on the humps in the 20-foot range. When fishing these humps I rely on my BottomLine Tournament Master to tell me if anyone is home. I usually like to look for a good shelf that comes out from an island that has boulders on it. This is the structure that many bass key in on to rest and ambush their prey, as they slide back and forth from the hump to deep water. These are transition areas where the fish come to feed. These humps provide a structure for baitfish that have moved out into deep water as schools, and are looking for a place to rest. Naturally what attracts the baitfish also attracts the smallmouth. The other thing that my BottomLine unit allows me to see is how active these fish are. Many times I can go over the hump and I will see that the smallies are moving up to the top portion of the hump, this signifies that they are in a positive mood and within minutes I should be landing a nice plump smallie in my boat.

The sunlight penetration also makes a big difference where the smallies are located on any given hump. You wouldn't think that sunlight penetration would go down as far as 25 or 30 feet, but in these clear lakes it does. So when fishing pay close attention to the sun and make sure that you fish the shady side of that hump. More active fish will be found in this area.

Few people look to water less than 15' deep, but this shallow water can produce some of the biggest fish of the year. Remember the smallmouth follows it's prey even into shallow water, sometimes less than a foot deep.

I have found the best shallow bite this time of year usually occurs around the full moon. Usually when you find one up shallow, there are more nearby. They come out to feed, and that's the only reason they are up on the bank cruising around. These schools of big fish don't come up shallow every day, but if you find them, you can catch them and maybe even a wallhanger.

You might want to offer these fish some artificial baits and that is when the use of Power Worms and Power Craw might hold the key. You can rig them Texas style with the bullet weight close to the eye of the hook or Carolina style with the weight suspended above the lure with a soft stop or a rubber stopper from a Lindy Rig. Or you might want the simple approach of using a nightcrawler or a crayfish. Regardless, the bass is explosive in nature and will give you a heart stopping fight when hooked.

When you are planning an action packed vacation this year don't overlook Eagle Lake, Ontario. One resort that I would highly recommend is Andy Myers Lodge. The camp is hidden away in a quiet location on a bay on Eagle Lake, just outside Vermilion Bay, Ontario. Eagle Lake is famous for its fishing and scenic beauty, which features 63,428 acres and more than 490 islands with many bays, channels, weed beds and drop-offs to explore.

Steve Herbeck, the owner of Andy Myers Lodge can put you on fish for the day or the week. Where else can you go on Eagle and get an in house Pro for the day or the week?

What about the fishing? Well believe me, it is second to none. Here are some tips from Steve if you are heading up to Andy Myers Lodge this year:

"The shallow area reefs as well, as the shallow gravel shorelines are good bets and don't forget newly forming weedbeds of cabbage and coontail. Even though there are fish shallow there will also be some down to about 30 feet deep. The most important factor to remember is that the fish will be scattered and wondering at this time of the year.

Reef areas around the islands are excellent picks for early walleyes. The key to some of the most productive fishing is mobility; keeping on the move will let you cover water and find biting fish.

Spring fishing and early summer fishing is bassin' time. Approach catching both walleyes and bass in the same manner. Making long casts to rocky, sandy locations will produce trophy walleyes and bass. My favorite lure for locating these fish is the # 10 Husky Jerk or Tail Dancer in Firetiger, Perch, silver or gold and when I am around rocky boulders orange or Crawfish colors are dynamite. Many of the bass are in the 3 pound range and they fight like they are 12 pounds. If you want to get in on some super spring action or would like to get away from the heat this summer give Andy Myers Lodge a try."

During your stay at Andy Myers Lodge if you want more rod bending bass action adventure schedule a guided 4WD safari to Lake X and you will find that the fishing for these smallies is truly awesome on just about every cast.

For more information you can find Andy Myers Lodge on the web at www.andymyerslodge.com or contact them at: P.O. Box 60, 4120 Hwy 39, East Mineral Point, WI 53565 Phone: (608) 987-4535 Fax: (608) 987-4887 Toll Free: 1-888-727-5865 or info@andymyerslodge.com