Being a full-time guide, I am fortunate to spend 160 to 170 days per year fishing open water, not to mention my hard-water fishing. Over the years I have fished many famous waters throughout North America. During this time, I have experienced some fabulous fishing and met some interesting people. Some places I visited I will probably never see again, while I can't wait to make a return visit to others. One of my favorite destinations is Eagle Lake, Ontario. After a talk with my good friend, Jim Weinkauf of South Shore Lodge, I decided to head up for another trip this year. Long having had a reputation for producing quality fish, it presently is as good as ever. Many Canadian lakes offer plenty of action, but trophy fish are rare. Eagle Lake will offer action along with trophy potential for walleye, muskie, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

One myth about fishing many Canadian lakes is that the only productive period to fish is during the early season. Many fishermen make their plans as close to ice-out as possible. For the most part, late May through June is a popular time with many fishermen. July is another popular month for those who choose to fish across the border. While the fishing is good during these periods, many lodges are filled, and fishermen and themselves sharing hot spots with others. However, being one who always tries to avoid crowds, I enjoy fishing the late summer and early fall period. You may have to work a bit harder to find fish, but you are assured of having the water to yourself. With the multi-species fishery present on a lake like Eagle, you can be assured one species will always be active.

While much of my guiding is for walleye, they don't excite me nearly as much as muskie or- smallmouth. However; Eagle Lake is one place you won't mind fishing for walleye. Finding plenty of action will be no problem, and there is always a good chance of landing a trophy walleye. Each year there are 12-pound-plus walleye taken from Eagle Lake. Many Canadian lakes will offer numbers of walleye, but large fish are tough to come by. There seems to be a perfect balance on the lake. This fishery has definitely been enhanced by the slot limit that was imposed in the recent past. Besides catching many walleye in the slot size, healthy numbers of larger fish aye present. With the exception of a trophy, it is important to release most of the larger walleye. When it comes to eating walleye, those fish under the slot size preferred for the frying pan.

Eagle Lake walleye will take variety of both live and artificial baits. Personally, I feel fisherman should be prepared to use both. Some people prefer to troll with spinners, while others cast jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers. Both methods are equally productive and will depend on your personal preference. Crankbaits are also popular and can be either cast or trolled.

Smallmouth bass are the most: underfished species on Eagle Lake. While they are not as common as pike or walleye, they receive very little fishing pressure. An avid smallmouth fisherman should have no trouble finding active fish. Most fishermen concentrate only on smallmouth in the spring when they stack up in back bays as they prepare to spawn. However, throughout summer and fall, they continue to cooperate for adventurous fishermen. Being secondary; fish, they will seek out less dominant structure and tend to be shallower than walleye. Crankbaits are an effective bait when looking for active smallmouth. Work crankbaits tight to any small humps and points adjacent to deep water. If you are catching walleye in deeper water, it is possible a few smallmouth could be in the shallows. Smallmouth will also hit live bait presentations.

Muskie is always a popular target for those willing to put in their time. This is far from an action lake, but remains one of the premier trophy lakes in North America. Case in point was my visit last August. I had fished for four days without seeing a follow, when suddenly 50-inch-plus fish smacked my crankbait. While the muskie eventually won the battle, it did make my trip. This muskie was one of the largest I had ever seen. For many muskie hunters, just seeing that large fish on the end of their lines will make the trip a success. With a lake the size of Eagle, locating these big hawgs can be a time-consuming operation. You will have to keep on the move, and don't hesitate to work a variety of baits.

The prolific northern pike population will keep you alert when muskie fishing. The pike do offer another option for fishermen looking for action. For the most part, the pike will run between 20 and 26 inches, but larger pike are present. The pike will also fill the void if walleye fishing gets a bit slow. Look for any weeds to hold pike. Spinnerbaits and spoons are both productive baits for these hungry pike. This past August, I, had good success with shallow-running crankbaits. Twitching these shallow-running baits as opposed to cranking them will trigger a neutral or inactive pike. Here, again, don't hesitate to use different baits as well as different presentation. What will trigger fish one day might not work the next day, In recent years, pike in excess of 40 inches are taken on an annual basis.

Eagle Lake still sprouts a quality fishery and, with the management program, should be intact for years to come. However, nothing is easy, and it is often up to individual fishermen to show restraint. Just because a fish is legal size doesn't mean it has to go into the freezer. Keep only a few fish to eat and release the larger fish. Trophy fish are of lesser importance to the fishery, so an occasional wall mount won't hurt the fishery. This upcoming August 10 through 16, I will again be making a trip up to South Shore Lodge to catch a few big walleye and hunt for that giant muskie that got away last year. If you are in the area during this period, don't hesitate to come over and talk a bit of fishing. When the fishing is slow due to weather conditions, don't hesitate to change your game plan and target another species.

For more information, visit mike at his website at www.mikemladenik.com