Eagle Lake Report – Joe Garza
I was up at Eagle Lake this past week, and the fishing is heating up. Water temps were 68°F at 6:30 AM, rising quickly to 71°F by 10 AM. Trout are highly active both on the surface and just below, making for an exciting and dynamic bite.
Fish are already chasing several large schools of Tui Chub, signaling that fall feeding patterns are beginning. Surface action has also been solid, with trout rising to #16 Caddis and #16–18 Callibaetis.
Start your morning early with intermediate or Type III sinking lines. Productive flies include a #6–8 Tui Chub trolling pattern or a #10–12 Wiggle Tail. As the morning progresses and fish move deeper, switch to #8–10 balanced leechesand #14–16 midges. Alternatively, a #14–16 Caddis or #16–18 Callibaetis nymph can be just as effective.
Have a dry fly rod ready—you’ll want to be prepared when the risers start showing.
These Eagle Lake rainbows are part of the California Heritage Trout Challenge, and the window from now through winter is the best time to catch one.
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