Ultimate Fall Musky Fishing Adventure on Eagle Lake

Musky Madness: Chasing Big Fish in Fall on Eagle Lake

Let’s talk about one of the wildest, most unpredictable, most exciting kinds of fishing out there—musky fishing in the fall. If you’ve ever done it, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, buckle up—this trip to Eagle Lake, Ontario is gonna show you what it’s all about.

Jeremy Smith and Doug Wegner hit the water on a Lund Pro V 219 during one of the trickiest times of year—the fall transition. It’s when summer fishing patterns start to fade, and colder temps shake things up. The fish move, the weather changes fast, and your go-to baits might stop working. What’s the answer? Try everything until the muskies tell you what they want.

Welcome to Eagle Lake—Where Giants Live

From the minute you launch the boat, you feel it—Eagle Lake is different. Big water, big structure, and a legit shot at landing the musky of a lifetime. Fall is when those true giants start sliding up shallow again, chasing bait and getting aggressive before winter sets in.

Jeremy and Doug came ready for battle, with a full lineup of baits: bucktails, big rubber, jerkbaits, crankbaits, tubes—you name it. In fall, versatility is your best friend.

TACKLE BREAKDOWN: WHAT THEY THREW

Here’s a quick rundown of the baits that caught fish on this trip:

• Bucktails (Black, Double 10s)
  • Great for covering water early in the day
  • Got bit near the surface over deep water
  • Fish came up from 20 ft to hit it
• Large Rubber Baits (like Medusas and Bull Dawgs)
  • Worked best when temps dropped
  • Fished with long pulls and pauses
  • Triggered multiple fish midday
• Jerkbaits (like Suicks or Phantoms)
  • Perfect for rock transitions
  • Slow, side-to-side glide
  • Fished on lighter setups for more finesse
• Tube Baits with Spinner Tail Add-On
  • Great for vertical drops near structure
  • Spinner tail added flash and flutter
  • Got crushed later in the day

The First Hook-Up: Off the Bottom and Into the Boat

Early on, Jeremy’s black bucktail got hammered by a musky that rose from 20 feet down. That tells you a lot—these fish are watching everything. Just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there.

That fish? It absolutely freight-trained the bait at boatside. Wild.

Tools of the Trade: Be Ready When It Happens

Doug’s boat was rigged and ready. Musky fishing isn’t just about casting—it’s about being prepared for chaos when a big one shows up.

They had:

• A massive landing net ready to go
• Long-handled hook cutters
• Extra pliers
• A bump board for quick measurements

If you don’t have this stuff on hand, stop musky fishing until you do. Seriously.

MUST-HAVE MUSKY GEAR

• Heavy-Duty Rods (8’6”–9’ XH)
  • Long rods give you better casting distance, stronger hooksets, and help work baits like bucktails and rubber effectively—especially for figure 8s at boatside.
• High-Capacity Reels (400 size)
  • You need a beefy reel that can hold heavy braid, pick up line fast, and stand up to the torque of a big fish making a run.
• Line: 80–100 lb braid
  • No stretch, super strong, and cuts through weeds or debris. It’s your lifeline—literally.
• Leaders: 130+ lb wire or fluorocarbon
  • Muskies have teeth like razors. Wire leaders prevent bite-offs, while heavy fluoro adds stealth for pressured fish.
• Lure Retriever
  • These save your favorite (and usually expensive) baits from snags. A must-have in rock-heavy spots.
• Hook Cutters + Extra Pliers
  • Always have at least two sets on hand. You might need to cut a hook or unpin a deep one quickly for safe handling and fast releases.
• Big Rubber-Coated Net
  • A large, coated net cradles the fish without damaging slime or fins. It’s your mobile livewell while you unhook and snap a quick pic.

When the Weather Shifts, So Do the Baits

The guys started out with blades, and they worked great in the morning warmth. But once the wind picked up and the temp dropped? It was all about rubber. Big, floppy, heavy baits that got down fast and hung in the strike zone.

Doug’s switch to a rubber bait triggered two fish in a row. The fish weren’t moving far anymore—you had to put the bait in their face.

Big Tubes, Bigger Action

Later in the day, Doug rigged a huge tube bait with a little spinner blade on the tail for flash. Think of it as a finesse-meets-beast mode combo. He worked it with slow, controlled rips over deep structure. Sure enough, one lit it up.

Tubes are underrated in the musky world. But fished right, especially in fall, they can absolutely get it done.

Get Up Early, Catch 'Em Early

A lot of anglers sleep in on chilly fall mornings. Not these guys. They were on the water before sunrise, and by the time the sun was fully up, they’d already landed three muskies.

Sure, you’re freezing your hands and sipping half-cold coffee in the boat—but when the fish are biting, who cares?

Boat Control = Fish Control

As conditions got tougher, boat control made all the difference. Doug focused on offshore rock transitions—those sweet spots where deep structure meets shallower water.

Using spot-lock and subtle adjustments, he kept the boat in perfect position, allowing precise casts without spooking fish. And his fiberglass Lund handled the wind like a boss.

In tough weather, staying on the spot often means catching that extra fish.

Big Gear, Smart Setup

Doug and Jeremy used setups dialed in for each bait type.

• Jerkbaits:
  • Rod: 8’6” MH–H
  • Leader: 130-lb single-strand wire for sharp turns
  • Reel: High-speed for easy line pick-up
• Rubber Baits:
  • Rod: 9’ XH
  • Line: 100-lb braid
  • Leader: 130–150 lb fluorocarbon for shock absorption
• Bucktails:
  • Rod: 9’ H with a soft tip for better casting
  • Reel: 5.3:1 gear ratio for burning or slowing down as needed

Getting the right rod-reel-line combo makes fishing all day easier and more effective. Your gear should work with you, not against you.

Final Thoughts: Fall Musky = High Risk, High Reward

Musky fishing in the fall? It’s tough. You’ll get cold. You’ll get wet. You’ll wonder what you’re doing out there.

But when it happens—when a giant appears out of nowhere and T-bones your bait next to the boat? There’s no better feeling.

If you’re willing to grind, try new things, and stay sharp, fall muskies will reward you with some of the wildest action in freshwater fishing.

FAQs

Q: What's the best time of day to catch fall muskies?

A: Early mornings. Don’t wait for the afternoon warm-up—get after it early.

Q: What kind of lures work best during the fall transition?

A: Bucktails, rubber baits, jerkbaits, and tubes all have their moments. Bring a variety and let the fish decide.

Q: Do I really need special gear for musky fishing?

A: 100%. Muskies are big, aggressive, and hard on gear. Skimping could cost you the fish of a lifetime.

Q: Is it true that only one musky lives in each spot?

A: Nope. That myth’s been busted. If one bites, others could be close by.

Q: What's one thing I should always have ready in the boat?

A: A rubber-coated net, good hook cutters, and long pliers. Being prepared keeps you—and the fish—safe.