Smallmouth bass are a secondary species of fish on Eagle Lake, however, there are some very nice smallmouth bass in this lake. If you target the rocky points, shorelines and offshore reefs, you can probably pick off a couple bass here or there and if you cover enough water, you may have a nice day on the water fishing for smallmouth bass on Eagle Lake.
Catch Big Smallmouth Bass
Eagle Lake has a lot of big pike and muskie in it, which means a lot of the smaller smallmouth bass will get eaten. There are a lot of quality smallmouth bass in the lake, but you usually have to put in some time and cover some water to find them. Once you do though, you have a good chance of catching some nice bass in the 3 to 4 pound range with bigger fish here too.
Catch Lots of Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are secondary here, but because the lake is so big and there are so many good rocky spots that smallmouth bass thrive in, you can go spot to spot and put up some good numbers on Eagle Lake. Anglers that target smallies can put together some 20 to 30 fish days with some quality fish too. In the spring and early summer, it is a lot easier to catch a lot of smallmouth bass, but it is possible from summer through fall too if you are willing to cover some water.
Fish the Bays
The bays are usually more productive early in the season from late spring through early summer. Many of the bays have a lot of vegetation, which is usually better suited for northern pike. You can find some weed-oriented fish here, but if you target the rocks, you will usually catch a lot more smallmouth bass.
Fish the Islands
There are so many rocky islands on Eagle Lake. This can easily be a pattern that you use from spring through fall to catch smallmouth bass. Some islands have some very shallow water, so get a good map so you can find the islands with deeper water nearby.
Fish the Points
You can run point to point all day here and fish the rocks with lots of success. Some of these points extend way out and have lots of shallow water rocks, so be careful if you fish this pattern. If you spend a half day fishing this pattern, you will find some smallies.
Fish the Reefs
There are lots of reefs on Eagle Lake. Plan on finding walleye and smallmouth bass using many of the same areas in the summer and fall. Some big pike and muskie will be on these reefs as well, so don’t be shocked if you get a surprise guest or two while reeling in a smallmouth bass from deeper water.
Fish the Rocks
This lake has so many rocks to fish. You may catch some smallmouth bass around the weeds, but you’ll usually catch a lot more bass if you target the rocks. Fish the points, islands and bays with rocks and you’ll find some smallmouth bass.
Fish the Wind Blown Structure
The wind blown structure is a very good pattern for smallmouth bass from spring through fall. In the summer and fall, the wind blown points and islands with deeper water will usually be the better places to fish for smallmouth bass.
Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass will eat a variety of different baits. Minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches are definitely the best live baits for smallmouth bass.
When it comes to artificial lures, you have lots of options. Soft plastic crayfish, twin tail grubs, worms and minnow baits are very effective. Hard baits such as crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinners also work great.
Learn More
Live Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Best Rigs for Smallmouth Bass
With so many different soft plastics to use, you have so many different rigs that work great for smallmouth bass. The drop shot rig, a simple jighead, standup jigheads and scrounger jigheads are some of the best rigs for smallmouth bass. To see our full list, take a look at our best rigs for smallmouth bass page.
Best Techniques for Smallmouth Bass
There are so many different techniques you can use for smallmouth bass since they can be found shallow, deep and anywhere in between. Anglers usually cast for them, but jigging, drop shotting and drifting are also some great techniques for smallmouth bass.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for smallmouth bass page.
Learn More About Smallmouth Bass
Our smallmouth bass fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our smallmouth bass fishing website to learn more.
