A buddy and I went up to Eagle Valley this weekend and absolutely killed it. We were on the water about 6:30am, but had to come off by 9:30 because the wind picked up really bad. Every boat came off the lake, except one pontoon which was stuck in the reeds. During the short time we were on the lake, we caught 5 or 6.
The wind died down around lunch time and we headed back out at 1. We stayed until 6 and the action was red hot. In all, we got 30 fish in the boat. Had dozens more nibbles and fish that just didn't get the hook set.
The key was using a slip sinker with 24 inches of leader. Worms worked well, but the bait of the day was chartreuse glitter power bait. There were times we would reel in our bait to check on it and get hit just reeling it in! In talking to people on the shore, everyone was catching fish. Granted, most of the fish were planters in the 8-10" range, there were still a number of 14-15 inchers to be had. Of the 30 we got in the boat maybe 6-7 were over 12 inches.
The reservoir is small, but the spot we had the best luck in was right between the two points, not far from the rock wall/cliff. Coming from the boat launch, there is a tree in the water off of a point. We fished that point up about 50-75 yards past a rock wall/cliff. Right where that rock wall was, there is a trail and people were fishing from shore on both sides. We anchored out in the middle and did very well.
The key was to pull up and check your bait after 10 minutes. I found that there is a lot of weeds on the bottom, so if you don't get bit within 10 minutes, reel your line up and cast to a different area. I found that the fish were in areas that were areas void of any weeds.
All the fish we caught were rainbows. Not sure if there is anything else in the lake, but it was a great time. [bobhappy]
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Sounds like a nice trip, in spite of the wind. I wish the current wind would die down. Did you take any pictures of the water/area? I'm curious what it looks like up there. Thanks for sharing, Gvec.
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been contemplating taking the kayak up there, the lake looks small enough a kayak would be fun. Any parts of the lake to hit that are better then others?
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I'm a first time poster and back to fishing for only a couple years---used to fish with my Dad many years ago.Thanks to all for the info,it really accelerated the learning curve.Not likely there's much I can teach you guys,but I have been to Pioche several times.
I first went to Eagle Valley on a whim and have returned 6 or 8 times since.Not a bad drive,people are friendly,and we always catch fish.The reservoir is stocked with rainbows and browns,and we've also caught tigers,spotted bass,and largemouth.We fished it last July 3rd with 95 degree heat midday and still caught trout and a few bass.Most of the trout are 10-15"and the bass are 1#-2# but I've been told by the locals there are bigger fish in there.I don't have a boat so I'm limited as far as spots I can fish but I've caught fish all along the shoreline and near the dam---the shoreline beyond the dam is not accessible without a boat.There is a dock for fishing and boat launching but I never used it as I like some elbow room.
The trout seem to take all of the usual presentations(powerbait,worms,small spinners,kastmasters,fly and float--- I don't know how to fly fish) but can be "on" a bait or color for a couple of hours and then "off" so switch things up if the bite slows.
It's a fun place for novice fishermen as it always seems to produce bites--- the people at the Overland Hotel and the Silver Cafe have always been friendly and helpful so I feel obligated to give them a mention. Good place to bring a kid in my opinion---hope this helps someone.
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Thanks for the info Chief, and welcome to the Nevada Board! Thanks for posting~
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Erawk,
I have posted some pics I took at the ramp. See attached
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Ryder,
It is a great place for a kayak. We were in a tandem and despite the wind, it was perfect. I would definitely have an appropriate anchor if you decide to bait fish...maybe two.
As far as best spots of the lake, there are two spots we did well in. First - if you are coming from the boat launch, you will see a point off to the left where there is a tree growing out of the water. Fish that point up a 100 yards to a rock wall/cliff on the left side. You will see an area where cars park at the top and shore fishermen walk down a steep path to get to the water line. We just anchored in the middle of this area and casted all around us.
The second area we did well is by the dam. We saw lots of shore fishermen taking fish, but we caught a few holdovers (12+ inches) anchored not far from the dam. I think this is the deepest part of the lake we have found, maybe 20+ feet.
The campsites are some of the nicest I have seen as well.
[quote 07yzryder]been contemplating taking the kayak up there, the lake looks small enough a kayak would be fun. Any parts of the lake to hit that are better then others?[/quote]
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Thanks for the info, seems like i might grab the sleeping bags and head out that way if im on the yak.
[quote Gvec]Ryder,
It is a great place for a kayak. We were in a tandem and despite the wind, it was perfect. I would definitely have an appropriate anchor if you decide to bait fish...maybe two.
As far as best spots of the lake, there are two spots we did well in. First - if you are coming from the boat launch, you will see a point off to the left where there is a tree growing out of the water. Fish that point up a 100 yards to a rock wall/cliff on the left side. You will see an area where cars park at the top and shore fishermen walk down a steep path to get to the water line. We just anchored in the middle of this area and casted all around us.
The second area we did well is by the dam. We saw lots of shore fishermen taking fish, but we caught a few holdovers (12+ inches) anchored not far from the dam. I think this is the deepest part of the lake we have found, maybe 20+ feet.
The campsites are some of the nicest I have seen as well.
[quote 07yzryder]been contemplating taking the kayak up there, the lake looks small enough a kayak would be fun. Any parts of the lake to hit that are better then others?[/quote][/quote]
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There is a $50,000 tournament there next weekend I believe.
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Where do I sign up?
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We have done really well towards the north end of the reservoir, last outing caught and released about 40-50 trout. I have caught the biggest fish up on the fer end of the lake, before it starts to get shallow. drifting with power bait worked the best for us.
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Good report. I was up there in October for 3 days and it was non stop action as well. Great little lake for fast trout action. As far as species go... Eagle Valley has Rainbows, Browns, Tiger trout and a recent explosion of Largemouth Bass. I have caught all 4 species, so I know for sure they are in there... Bucket biologists in recent years are responsible for the current bass population.
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Thanks for the pics, G. Do you have a link or any further info on that tourney?
All my life I have neglected central NV. I need to get up there.
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$50,000 Fishing Event @ Spring Valley State Park
40 fish tagged with $100 tags and one of those fish is a $50,000 fish.
20 in Echo Reservior, 20 in Eagle Valley. Info on the flyer below.
I have also included some photos of Eagle Valley from last Fall.
We have been told that 300 people usually show for the event and that camping at the lakes and nearby campgrounds are full. They do have stream side camping without services if you are self contained.
Call Eagle Valley Resort for more info.
Good Luck!
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Hey James,
I'm just getting back into fishing and really enjoyed my trips to Eagle Valley.I fish from shore and have some questions.
I caught some bass there last fall on jigs w/ craw trailers,wacky-rigged roboworms,and crawlers.most weighed around 2#-21/2#.I've been told there are bigger bass in there but can I get them from shore,and how to? Should I fish deeper,upsize bait,etc.? Since the jig worked are there crayfish in there (I've never seen them or bluegill)--- the bass, I guess,are feeding on trout.
The fish in the pics were caught there --- are they all LM or some spots? I've been told they cross-breed and can have features of both.
I'm going to get up there in a couple of weeks and hope the water is warm enough for the bass to bite.
Lastly,the locals tell me that Echo Canyon is better for bass.I only caught one dink bass there and never tried again because Eagle always produced fish.Any ideas?
Thanks for any info/advice !
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[quote FerrariYak]$50,000 Fishing Event @ Spring Valley State Park
40 fish tagged with $100 tags and one of those fish is a $50,000 fish.
20 in Echo Reservior, 20 in Eagle Valley. Info on the flyer below.
I have also included some photos of Eagle Valley from last Fall.
We have been told that 300 people usually show for the event and that camping at the lakes and nearby campgrounds are full. They do have stream side camping without services if you are self contained.
Call Eagle Valley Resort for more info.
Good Luck![/quote]
Just got off the phone with the ranch, apparently its shoulder to shoulder and you can walk across the lake with the number of boats on the water.
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