The snow in Spalding has been reduced to about 2 to 3 inches, due in part by warm daytime temperatures last week that reached 44 degrees. However, our low temperatures have been in the single digits. The lowest temp this week was 2.5 degrees F above zero.

This last week of the fishing season looks to be shaping up to a cold, windy and snowy one typical of the nasty stuff that Eagle Lake is known for this time of year.

We will have to see if the launch ramp at the south end ices over. As Monday, there was still open water but ice was formed up inside the jetty already, so launching is going to be iffy. We have had some cold nights this week that have iced over the north and middle basins again (where it had opened up) but I can't tell if it iced up at the Youth Camp (but it's coming).

Wednesday is predicted to be a cold, cloudy, windy day. Snow is predicted in the Eastern Sierra's. The high temperature is expected to be 25 and the low 7. Winds from the north 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 20 mph will add a significant wind chill factor well below zero, dress accordingly and be prepared (you might find someone in need).

Thursday and Friday NOAA predicts a 60% chance of snow after 4 PM. Winds from the east at 5 to 10 mph on Thursday will shift to southwest in the afternoon. Temperatures are expect to be higher on Thursday reaching 28 degrees F with a low of 22. Friday's high is expected to top out at 33 with a low of 22.

Carry chains with you this time of year. Eagle Lake Road from Susanville has been plowed however, there are many areas where the snow drifts over the road so be careful.

Keep your bait (worms and powerbait type products) from freezing (coat pocket works).

Fishing Report

?ĮHere we go, the last week of fishing season on Eagle Lake. Hopefully we can keep open water until the end but temperatures below freezing wont help much, but the wind will.

We can not stress the importance of being prepared for below freezing wind chill. After a fair walk to the fishing holes one works up a sweat so be sure to wear wicking layers. Vaseline for your face you don't always see the moisture in the air frozen into micro ice that can increase the wind burn on exposed skin ... not to mention frostbite.

It will be a week the separates the men from the boys (so to speak).

If the ramp freezes over then shore fishing will be the only method to use. So if you plan on launching also be prepared to bank fish.

Baits to have on hand for shore fishing include the standard nightcrawlers (keep them from freezing, powerbait type products (color matters over scents), small marshmallows. Have some garlic gravy on hand as well.

Jigs and lures cast from shore also are top producers. Jigs in brown, olive and black are generally the best. But, when the water is stirred up and the sky is cloudy and dark yellow and white often work best.

The wind can wreak havoc with shore fishing. Be prepared to fish from the bottom (no bobber) and either inflate your nightcrawler or use powerbait to float it (test float factor before casting). Reel like heck when you bring it in to check (keep from hanging up on the rocks).

If all I have set up is a bobber rod I simply set the weight deep enough to hit bottom and float my bait up from there. However a single ?? oz weight throws a heck of a lot farther in a heavy wind than any bobber. You will need to get some distance and be able to keep it out there this week.

Good luck!