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Eagle Lake Fishing Report 2024 [Tips, Fishing Spots, Pictures, and Everything You Need to Know]

How To Fish Eagle Lake | Your Eagle Lake Fishing Report

Eagle Lake is a large lake that sits 295 miles away from San Francisco and 596 miles from Los Angeles. It is located 15 miles north of Susanville, California.

Overall, it’s a popular lake and sometimes fishing at Eagle Lake can be absolutely amazing. Knowing how to fish in Eagle Lake can be very difficult. Fortunately, in this post, you’re going to be given the blueprint to fish in this lake.

So what are the best tips for fishing in Eagle Lake? To fish successfully in Eagle Lake, you need to know these three important factors. Firstly, You need to know what kind of fish can be found in Eagle Lake. Secondly, It is important to know which part of the lake each species can be found. Finally, you need to know the kind of bait that works on Eagle Lake. However, tactics, baits, and locations vary from fish to fish. So, let’s talk about the steps you need to take to give you the best chance of catching a fish.

About Eagle Lake

Wikicommons - photo cred Jonathan Fox

Eagle Lake is a deep water body with a maximum depth of 85 feet when completely full! The lake is approximately 13 miles long and has 66 miles of shoreline, and the lake spans across 24,000 acres.

The lake is an endorheic alkali lake. This is confusing for some (myself included 🙂).  An endorheic lake created by a basin or bowl that has with no obvious outflow (ie; a creek for the water to flow out of). And is the lake is considered an alkali lake it means the pH can get very high… 

Since the lake has no outlet the snowfall will melt on the mountains and drain into Eagle Lake bringing in minerals that were embedded within the rocks. Then, during the summer the water evaporates, but the minerals remain, and so it’s the minerals within the remaining water to cause it become so alkaline.

As a result, there are only a couple of species of fish that can live in this lake, the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, and the Tui Chub. 

The future of Eagle Lake…

Each spring, trout eggs are harvested from the egg gathering station on Pine Creek near Spalding by the California Department of Fish and Game. As a top lake for trout reproduction, Eagle Lake (and others) are stocked with the eggs collected at the gathering station.

The fish that were placed in other lakes were sterile, or more accurately, GMO. The Eagle Lake Guardians are tackling the regional problems that have directly affected this beautiful lake. 

It is also the second largest natural lake entirely in the state of California. Eagle Lake is home to osprey and bald eagle, from which it gets its name.

Without a doubt, fishing in Eagle Lake can be absolutely amazing and it gives locals and visitors an opportunity to try their luck in catching one of the many game species this lake has to offer.

Key Takeaways

This lake gives locals and visitors the opportunity to test their luck in catching one of the many game species this lake has to offer, such as trout, bass, catfish, bluegill, and much, much more!

Here’s the most recent and updated Eagle Lake Fishing Report – it gives you a quick and easy list of some really good fishing spots. If you’re looking for more detail on how to fish each spot scroll down into the article. 

  • Wildcat Point
  • Shrimp Island
  • Pelican Point
  • Miner’s Point
  • Pine Creek 

Here are some additional fast and helpful tips just for you: 

  • The easiest way to fish this lake is by boat, but there are areas to fish from the bank, or by kayak or float tube.
  • There are public boat ramps to use.
  • Camping and RV parking is available.
  • You can buy tackle and groceries at the lake or at one of the tackle shops in Susanville. 

Important Lake Warnings

Catch & Keep recommendation for this lake. In the summer the pH will rise, causing an enormous amount of stress on the fish. After being caught, the fish will most likely die, so please catch and keep any trout.

As per the the site eaglelakefishing.net “You will see the sign below posted at all the launch ramps and campgrounds when the 
pH rises too high to safely release the trout.”

You may even see this sign (below)…

EAGLE LAKE FISHING LAWS & REGULATIONS: Eagle Lake Marina’s fishing regulations prohibit fishing inside the breakwater. All fishing is prohibited in Pine Creek from its mouth at Eagle Lake below Highway 44. The start of the fishing season occurs on Memorial Day Weekend’s Saturday and it lasts until the last day of February, one hour after dusk.

LIVE RELEASE OF TUI CHUB: The tui chub is a native fish of Eagle Lake, and in the fall, it serves as a large school of bait fish for trout to eat in order to put on weight in preparation for the winter. During the warmest months, it is not uncommon to capture tui chub, which appear as a tightly packed school of fish between 15 and 45 feet deep on your depth finder.

The tui chub number has grown as a result of decreased trout planting over the past six years. Additionally, there was no grebe nesting from 2011 to 2016. As a result, he tui chub population significantly grew due to less trout planting, a lack of predators, and other factors. Despite previous safeguards, it is necessary to maintain control over this population.

FEEDING WILD DEER:  Visitors are frequently in awe of the deer herd that resides in Spalding, and the majority of them find it impossible to resist feeding the animals by hand. The issue is that feeding deer is prohibited in California.

The herd in this area no longer migrates since certain locals have been getting away with it for years. Furthermore, many individuals give the deer harmful substances without realizing it. When reserving a cabin in Spalding, Buck’s Bay, or Stones Landing, DO NOT FEED THE DEER. Without realizing it, you can be killing them.

Per the BLM site; “The lake is suitable for water sports, fishing and swimming.”

LAKE ALGAE: Algae blooms may be present which may affect fishing, swimming, and water contact in general. 

CAMPING: If you are fishing and camping, fire bans may be in effect due to the ongoing drought conditions.

PETS: Domestic animals are not permitted to bathe in Eagle Lake.

What Kind Of Fish Are In Eagle Lake

  • Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout
  • Tui chub

Eagle Lake Fishing Tips & General Strategies

Another picture of the lake or find a YT video

It can be a challenge to break down this body of water… So that’s why I created this Eagle Lake Fishing Report to help you to easily start catching fish fast! 

With frequent trout planting efforts, this lake gives anglers a massive opportunity to catch healthy native Eagle Lake trout. 

As with most trout, during the summertime trout prefer the coolest water the lake can provide that is just above the thermocline. And in Eagle Lake anglers commonly report the thermocline being approximately 30-45 feet deep. 

The easiest way to catch these silvery fish is to troll with a downrigger. 

Springtime Fishing update

According to reports from the message boards, anglers have been reporting the weather patterns in Eagle Lake during the spring are in full swing… and by that I mean it can vary greatly!

In the early spring, air temperatures were often quite chilly, with highs in the 40s and 50s°F, so make sure you take a light jacket, but sometimes the air temp can climb into the 60s and 70s°F’s.

The wind direction also changes like crazy, with wind from the north and northwest  being the most common. These winds have also been recorded as more intense in the spring, than at other times of the year.  

The water temperature during the first part of the spring season often falls in the 40°F to 50°F range.

Additionally, spring has been showing a lot of rain and even snow showers. While this could make fishing conditions uncomfortable for some, it also stimulates the fish into a feeding frenzy and increases their aggression – meaning a greater chance of an Eagle Lake trout eating your bait!

When you’re here check out the area in front of Youth Camp Cove. It’s at the south end of the lake.  The area is a little “weedy”, but it’s a place where rainbow trout can frequently be caught. Anglers can catch these fish with lures like a Carolina rig with a marble sized ball of floating PowerBait, nightcrawlers under a bobber, and spinners.

Eagle Lake Marina is another popular place to fish from the shore or from a boat.  Anglers claim some success by using Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, and spinners.

Eagle Lake – Summer Fishing update

what’s up, fellow anglers!

Anglers who recently fished Eagle Lake reported pleasant weather, with highs in the 70s and even into lows in the 90s! – crazy right?

The afternoons saw mild breezes from the south and southwest, but the winds were mainly light and manageable.

When you get to the lake and how deep you fish, the water temperature has been averaging anywhere from the low 60s to the high 70s F. The early morning bite and the late evening bit has been great.  However if you’re trolling deep, you’ll catch them for a good mid-day bite. 

The locals say the trout have been feeding on small bait fish and insects, so small spinners and spoons seem to have been the ticket.

Some of the best ways to catch trout in Eagle Lake in the summer, are to use light tackle and a sensitive rod to feel bites from the picky trout

For retrieving baits, anglers report success using flies (like wooly buggers), artificial trout worms, Mepps Spinners, and Rooster Tails.  For cast-and-wait baits, anglers have been using floating dough bait and, meal worms or nightcrawlers under a bobber

These baits are known to work well to get trout to bite, and you can find them at most fishing shops.

Where to fish: There are also reports that Pine Creek, Wildcat Point, and Stones Landing are good places to check out. 

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But Where Are The Best Places To Fish At Eagle Lake?

And in no particular order here is that list of the best fishing spots at Eagle Lake.

DISCLAIMER:  The material provided is for general information purposes only. It’s important to understand that any information provided in this article can change at any time. Any maps or graphics featured are not to be used as navigational aids. Fishing Blueprint will not be responsible for any personal injury or property damage from any misuse of the maps or graphics provided.   It’s completely impossible to give you every single spot where you can potentially catch a fish.  But, what this list does do is to give you a helping hand and narrow down to the most productive fishing spots.

Wildcat Point

This area is located on the southwestern side of the lake. 

It features are large rounded point that has a huge shelf that is incredibly steep and drops into 50+ feet of water which makes this an excellent place to troll for trout all year long. 

Downriggers and drift socks aid in catching these trout that are suspended over deep water 80-150-feet deep during the late springtime all the way through late summertime.

Look carefully at this spot with a topographic map…

screenshot of Navionics web app - not to be used for navigation

Some of the effective trout baits for this area include:

Using a quality Fish attractor (ie: flasher or a dodger), Trolling spoons such as a Krocodile spoon, Super Duper, Crippled Herring, Cast Champ, or  Hus-Lure. Trolling spoons have an unpredictable, minnow-like motion that delivers bone-crushing strikes. Even the slowest current brings these lures to life. Add extra motion by twitching the rod tip and enabling the bait to pop and dart forward and flutter back. 

Inline spinners such as the Bang-Tail and Shyster are non-twist spinners that boast an immediate spin blade design for incredibly rapid start-ups and the best slow retrieve performance.

Many anglers also place their confidence in the Blue Fox Classic Vibrax inline spinner. This little bait is a compact shallow running lure that performs best in 2 to 6 feet of water, depending on the speed of the retrieve or trolling speed. The patented two-part body emits low-frequency sound vibrations that attract fish. This lure is best used in lakes, rivers, and streams.

Minnow style baits also work very well either cast-and-retrieved or trolled. These perform best if the water is clear/slightly stained. The Luhr-Jensen Quick Fish and the Rapala BX minnow are constructed from hard plastic, have a wide wobble action, and are extremely durable.  Whereas the Rapala Original Floating Minnow and the Ultra Light Minnow (all are slow sinking)  both give you a tighter wobble perfect for clear water and pressured fishing conditions. 

Better yet, just buy a complete done-for-you trout lure kit! 

Oh, before I forget, did you know that there is an article about how to troll for salmon, trout, and kokanee the right way? Go here to find out more.

Located: southwest lake pain point

Structural features: large rocky point dropping into deep water

Best species to target: trout

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, shoreline

Shrimp Island

This is a long protruding rocky point that extends far into the lake, and it’s great during the summer.

Similar to Wildcat point trout will relate to the deep section of the point and will hold over the deep water. 

Look carefully at this spot with a topographic map…

screenshot of Navionics web app - not to be used for navigation

Lastly, check out the small deep water shelves in the lower half of the picture, it also will attract trout in the summer.

Now if you’re fishing from a boat, float tube, kayak, or even from the shore you should also consider using these trout baits: 

  • Artificial salmon eggs – great because they float off the bottom – ideal in rocky or grassy conditions
  • Real worms – such as meal worms or nightcrawlers
  • Artificial worms – great for trolling and will never die
  • Dough bait – great because they stay on the hook really well, it floats if you put enough on the hook, come in a variety of colors and scents. 
  • Wet flies (sinking flies) – Wet flies imitate insects that develop and inhabit below the water level before emerging and rising to the surface. 
  • Woolly bugger flies – One of the most popular fly patterns ever is the Woolly Bugger. These mimic small fish, leeches, larvae, and worms. 
  • Steamer flies – These mimic larger animals found in streams, rivers, and lakes including crawfish, larger leeches, and smaller fish.

.

Structural features: large island, long point into deep water

Best species to target: trout

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat, kayak, and from shore

Pelican Point

Pelican Point is this lakes largest point and nearly separates the lake into two.

The structures consist of cuts, humps, drop offs, ledges and ridges. 

The best this about this place is trout bass love this area all year.  In the winter and late spring they will follow the cuts to shallow water on the native chub…

Then in the summer, the trout will migrate back out to deeper water to either feed on the deep water schools of chub, or go shallow in the early mornings or evenings in search of yearling chub to feed on.  

Look carefully at this spot with a topographic map…

This area is great all year long, but even more so during the summer and early fall. 

There is a TON of structure the trouts will relate to. 

Make sure to graph over the humps, ridges, ledges and deep water drop offs – those will give you the best chances to finding schools of chub. If you find the chub, more than likely trout are nearby. 

If the water is low, graph the cove just to the south part of the point, you’ll possibly find some trout suspended over ridges and rocky shelves. 

This section of the lake can get very windy. And even with the best trolling motor the wind can quickly blow you off your spot which will significantly decrease your chances of catching a fish..

That is why we strongly suggest buying a quality drift sock. For those who don’t know, a drift sock is like a parachute for the water. If it’s breezy to windy, you need to slow your drift otherwise your lure will not be in the strike zone long enough to catch a fish.

By the way, we found a really good quality drift sock made by Mythik Outdoors, and best of all they’re sold on Amazon.com. Go here to learn more about drift socks and read the reviews from actual customers.  

Some of the effective baits for trout include:

A fish attractor (ie: flasher or dodger), trolling spoons, inline spinners, Rapala minnows, Kwik Fish for the trout are aggressively feeding and will attack a fast moving lure, and great for trolling.

If the trout are timid, the conditions are calm, or if its in the middle of the afternoon and the trout are deep, I would strongly advise you to use real or artificial corn, natural salmon eggs, artificial salmon eggs, real worms such as meal worms or nightcrawlers, artificial worms, and dough bait if you’re fishing from the shoreline or from a boat.

Wet flies (sinking flies), Woolly bugger flies, and Steamer flies all work great to mimic small fish, leeches, larvae, and worms. 

Located: mid-lake, west side

Structural features: large rocky point, main lake ledges, humps, and drop offs

Best species to target: trout

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, float tube, shoreline

Miners Point

This is the this lakes second largest point, its also very wide. 

You can expect to find it very rocky, and consists of multiple rocky ridges and humps that will transition into ledges and drop offs. 

This point fishes well all year long. 

If you look closely there is a small secondary point that fishes amazing in the late summer, winter, and early spring. 

Since this point is so large, it’s recommended you graph this area first, find the bait, then start your trolling. 

Look carefully at this spot with a topographic map…

Some of the effective baits for this area include: Fish attractor (ie: flasher or a dodger), trolling spoons, inline spinners, Rapala minnows, flatfish lures, streamers and flies. Better yet, just buy a complete done-for-you trout lure kit! 

Located: south-east lake

Structural features: Southern point, humps, ridges, ledges, and drop offs

Best species to target: Trout

Most effective way to fish this spot: Boat or kayak Trolling with a downrigger, trolling without a downrigger

Pine Creek

The mouth of Pine Creek within Half Moon Bay on the northwest section of the lake is often over looked, however in the late winter and early spring this area can offer absolutely amazing trout fishing. 

It’s a fairly large area that has very little change in depth and is covered in vegetation. Sometimes this vegetation can grow to the surface creating a floating mat or canopy. 

For trout, scan the edges of the grass lines with you fish finder and use slow trolling lures like inline spinners. 

For the best results, troll 1.5 mph and stager your lures at a depth of subsurface and 5 feet in this area. 

Look carefully at this spot with a topographic map…

A fish attractor (ie: flasher or dodger), trolling spoons, inline spinners, Rapala minnows, Kwik Fish for the trout are aggressively feeding and will attack a fast moving lure, and great for trolling.

There are several hard bottom patches, small rock piles, and high spots on humps that should be checked for fish. 

Lastly, there are several small drainage ditches that should be checked for fish as well. 

In the winter and spring, trout have been known to be caught cruising the outer weed edges. 

Located: northwest end of the lake

Structural features: vegetation, inlet causing current

Best species to target: bass, crappie, trout (spring and winter)

Most effective way to fish this spot: boat, kayak, or float tube

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Boat Ramps at Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake Marina Boat Ramp

Address: Boat Harbor Rd, Susanville, CA 96130

Telephone number: +1 530-825-3454

Lanes: 1

Restroom available: Yes

Camping areas nearby: Yes

Fish cleaning station: Not listed

Eagle Lake Resort Boat Ramp

Address: 509-700 Stones Rd, Susanville CA 96130

Telephone number: +1 530-251-6770

Lanes: 1

Restroom available: Yes

Camping areas nearby: Yes

Fish cleaning station: Not listed

Marinas at Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake Resort Marina

Address: 509-725 Stones Rd, Susanville, CA 96130

Telephone number: +1 530-251-6770

Open to public or private: Private

Boat launch available lanes: 1

Gas available: Yes

Restaurant/stores available: Yes, food, snacks, groceries, ice cream, cold beer, wine, fishing licenses, and tackle, clothes, camping supplies and soft drinks.

Boat rentals available: Yes, fishing and pontoon boats

Restrooms available: Yes

Camping areas nearby: Yes

Fish cleaning station: Not listed

Eagle Lake Marina

Address: Boat Harbor Rd, Susanville, CA 96130

Telephone number: +1 530-825-3454

Open to public or private: Public

Boat launch available lanes: 1

Gas available: Yes

Restaurant/stores available:  Yes, food, snacks, groceries, ice cream, cold beer, wine, fishing licenses, and tackle, clothes, camping supplies and soft drinks.

Boat rentals available: Yes, fishing and pontoon boats

Restrooms available: Yes

Camping areas nearby: Yes

Fish cleaning station: Not listed

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Tackle Shops Near Eagle Lake

Sierra’s Fly & Tackle in Chester

212 Main St, Chester, CA 96020

sierrasflyandtackle.com

Ayoob’s Intermountain Hardware

201 Main St, Chester, CA 96020

imhardwaresupply.com

(530) 258-2611

Sierra’s Fly & Tackle @ the Branch

3820 Plumas County A13, Lake Almanor, CA 96137

sierrasflyandtackle.com

(530) 596-3820

Fish First Fly Shop! (no bait or crickets!)

766 Mangrove Ave, Chico, CA 95926

fishfirst.com

(530) 343-8300

Sierra Stream & Mountain

847 W 5th St, Chico, CA 95928

tie-fast.com

(530) 345-4261

North Valley Tackle And Pro Shop

Oroville, CA 95965

(530) 712-9356

The Elegant Iris & Men’s Den

618 Main St, Susanville, CA 96130

(530) 252-4747

Tackle Shop

471-800 Johnstonville Dr, Susanville, CA 96130

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Limited Time Promotion – Act Now!

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Camping Near Eagle Lake

Merrill Campground: For reservations click here

West Eagle Lake Campground: For reservations click here

Christie Campground: For reservations click here

Aspen Grove Campground: For reservations click here

Rocky Point East Campground: For reservations click here 

Eagle Campground: For reservations click here 

Eagle Lake Resort: For reservations click here

In Summary...

As you now can see Eagle Lake fishing can be tough at times, but it’s not impossible and with the help of the Eagle Lake Fishing Report… It definitely helps you get started on the right foot quickly and easily, so you can avoid wasting hours wondering where and how to get started.

Did You Get All This?

As fellow fisherman and content creator I thrive on helping others… I feel like I can do the most good by helping others… And frankly… I would feel like I did something wrong if you didn’t walk away feeling a little better about this lake.

I truly want to over deliver for you…

So Let Me Ask You Another Question… 

After reading this helpful report:

  • Can you see how this could change the way you would fish this lake?… To make it easier, faster… and… with less headache, less frustration?
  • If nothing else, do you now have a better sense of where you can get started, even if you have have been here?
  • Do you feel that you have a good grasp of what species to expect in this lake?
  • Do you have a good understanding what baits are needed to catch each of the different species of fish?
  • Earlier we came up with some helpful spots to catch more fish, can you see yourself considering any one of those spots? Which ones are you the most excited about implementing when you get to the lake?
  • Is it fair to say that using these spots would give you a significant advantage over someone else who’s fishing this lake? 

I Need To Ask A Favor From You And It’s Not Going To Cost You A Single Dime… 

If you have gotten anything out of this free report; whether its knowing where to get started, what kinds of fish are in this lake, what baits to use, where to launch your boat, where to buy a frosty beverage, where to camp, and other things to do when you’re at this lake…

Then I need you to do something that is going to help your fellow angler…

And that is share this report.  Please share it to as many people as you can.  It’s free to you and it really helps me out as a creator. 

Lastly… thank you for spending your time reading through this report and I hope you have a luck on the water.  

THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP ME THE MOST:  There’s a lot of information about this subject you have found helpful, and I’m sure you’ll be able to put some of the knowledge bombs to use.  But sharing this report helps drive traffic which in turn helps me at absolutely no cost to you.  I love creating reports like this for you, and you like reading these types of reports please share this with your friends, family, and fellow anglers.   

Click on your favorite social media buttons to share this page now!

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