Eagle Lake Fishing near Big Lake, Minnesota

• Overview

  Eagle Lake lies in Sherburne County, in Minnesota. Height above sea level is 915 feet. Surface area runs to roughly 458 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. Some 4.2 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. Few waters listed in Sherburne County are bigger. Big Lake lies 4 miles from the water. Minneapolis is the closest city, 37 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Eagle Lake

  The basin drops to a measured 23 feet. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Across Sherburne County, recorded fish include bluegill, northern pike, largemouth bass and black crappie. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Work Eagle Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 71°F for July and 11°F for January. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. Ice clears near early April and comes back about late November in a typical year. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. At Eagle Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Mapping shows a ramp about half a mile from the shore. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Look for a notice board at the entrance. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Frederickson Slough, 1.2 miles away. Ask locally about Eagle Lake if anything is unclear.