Fishing Season: Last Saturday in May to the end of February

Eagle Lake - CA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

Joe Garza's Tip of the Week

If you go dress for frigid conditions. The boat ramp and shore line are icy. Temperatures have been in the low 30's in the mornings. Layers are crucial. Start with thermals, then fleece, then your regular clothing. Next put on waders, then boots with studs. You should have a warm hoody and jacket as well. A warm beanie, fingerless fishing mittens, and electric hand warmers are a must.

Directions open in app

Map of Eagle Lake

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

J.A.G. Fly Fishing

5-Day Outlook as of 12/5/25

Fishing remains excellent at Eagle Lake, despite the frigid conditons. Shore angles are having great success using trout spey with a balanced leech, or floating line with a 12' leader with wiggletails. Trout are cruising between 8' and 16'.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/5/25

Dry Fly with a 12' leader, Trout Spey (from shore), Balanced leech with an indicator, Intermediate/Full Sinking lines with Scud, leech, or midge

Local Species Available Last Saturday in May to the end of February

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbow Trout

Joe Garza's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Body Scud Olive #12
Living Damsel Olive #10
Clouser Minnow Gray/White #6
Woolly Bugger Olive #10
Balanced Leech Rust #8
Balanced Leech Olive #8
Woolly Bugger Tan #10
Jay Fair Wiggle Tail Burnt Orange #10
Jay Fair Wiggle Tail Olive #10

Bead Body Scud

This scud pattern incorporates weight while retaining realism.

1.99

Item #019T

Buy Now

Joe Garza's Recommended Gear

Description: About Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake sits at 5100 ft elevation and is located in the northeastern Sierras 16 miles North of Susanville California. A 2-hour drive from Reno Nevada or 2.5-hour drive from Redding California, is a great option for Stillwater fly fishing here in Northern California. The lake is the second-largest natural freshwater lake in California. Eagle Lake is known for its specific strain of native trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss aquilarum (Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout). The lake has a pH of 9 which is high in comparison to other freshwater lakes in the state at 7 pH. Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout are resistant to highly alkaline waters and are known for their ability to tolerate harsh conditions. Eagle Lake Trout have been tranplanted all over the world, with great success, most notably New Zealand. Our Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout grow large (20" - 30") fast due to the abundance of Tui Chub, Scud, and freshwater Leeches. There are also small populations of Chironomids, Caddis, and mayflies including a summertime Hexagenia hatch. We have opportunities to use a wide variety of techniques during a day of fishing. Those techniques include intermediate/full sink line, and dry fly, with indicator nymphing being the most productive.

Nearest Airport:

Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Hatches:

Leeches, Tui Chub, Scud, Daphnia, Blood Midge, Caddis, Mayflies (Callibaetis), Damselfly.

Best Time to Fish:

7am to 12pm

Best Stretch:

Merrill

Best Access:

Eagle Lake Marina