We are trolling spoons in red/gold and red dot frog patterns in around 40 feet of water between Wildcat Point and Shrimp Island. There is a short, sometimes intense bite from legal fishing time (an hour before sunrise) to sunrise. We have had multiple hook ups during this period. After that, the bite slows a bit but we usually have limits by 10 AM. Best trolling depths are 15 to 25 feet deep. Downriggers and leadcore both work for trollers.

I have also been noticing many fish “working” the surface before sunrise and have caught fish trolling as shallow as 7 feet deep at this time of the morning. These fish are feeding on Tui Chub minnows which are moving away from shore and out into the main body of Eagle Lake. Surface temperature is 72 degrees but the trout will feed heavily on minnows regardless of the water temperature.

Still not much going on on the east side of the lake from Gallatin Marina to Miner’s Bay. This should change as the minnows become more prevalent in this area and the Eagle Lake Trout move in to feed on them. If you see trout feeding on a school of minnows, fish around it, not through it. And do not fish your baits too deep. The trout will be under the bait ball at 10 feet or less.

Fishtraveler Guide Service is available for guided fishing on Eagle Lake all season. If you want to book a trip, have questions about fishing at Eagle Lake, or need help with lodging, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Tim Noxon
Fishtraveler Guide Service
Eagle Lake, CA
916-201-4648