Eau Claire chain

[BKB]

Heading to the Eau Claire chain this coming week for a few days to meet up with some old friends (I grew up in Wi. but never fished this chain) any info on what to fish for and where to start would be a big help. We are staying on Middle Eau Claire but I don't know exactly where the cabin is located, a few miles from the Cabin store I guess. Would they have a decent map of the lake at that store? Thanks! GO PACKERS!!!

[Jim Hudson]

BKB

I fish the Eau Claire Chain almost exclusively for muskies, but each of the lakes hold plenty of other species for an angler to target.

For Middle in particular, the fishing hot spots map is hard to beat to get started on the lake. And as you study the map and then get on the lake, you will see it is a relatively deep lake with very clear water. There is a good population of both bass species (with some size to these critters), a good number of pike, a healthy perch population, and for panfish.... they seem to be limited in numbers. Oh and of course, some big musky!!!

For largemouth, concentrait on the large bay that is connected closest to the public access. If you do a little searching during low light periods, you should get hooked up on some bucketmouths along with some pike and maybe a musky. Also to note, there are some walleyes that relate to the deep weed edges and in the weeds themselves in this part of the lake. A lot of perch move in and out the weed pockets, holding the 'eyes in this area throughout the year. For all species, I would search any type of edge cover in this area during low light conditions and in the weeds if the sun is shining bright.

As you exit this bay area, it will open up into the main lake. The whole main lake region is pretty weedless to speak about and struture is key to finding fish. Out here, walleyes, small mouth, and musky can be found. There are some great humps in the middle of the lake for smallies and the deeper edges hold walleyes on hard to soft bottom transitions. Check other main shoreline structure and don't be afraid to check deep water for walleyes. But if you plan on fishing deep, remember most walleyes wont survive a release from water 30 feet or deeper. And this time of year, most 'eyes will be relating to deep water on Middle.

All in all, it is a good fishery with some better then average fish swimming in it. But on the other hand it can be a bear to fish at times because of water clarity!!

Good luck and let us know how you did.

[BKB]

Jim, thanks for the info, do you know where I could pick up a map? We will be coming down 27 from Duluth, any idea who would have one not too far off the path and where would be the best place to get bait in the area? I appreciate the help!

[Jim Hudson]

Jim's Bait is on 27 just north of the public landing to Middle. I am sure they would have a map and enough bait to suit your needs. Neat little store.

If they are out of stuff, Hayward isnt too far of a run down 27. There you can stop at Pastikas and they will set you up.

[BKB]

Thank you for the info Jim, looking forward to being back in Badgerland for a few days, not that I don't enjoy Mn but there's nothing like going home to see the boys!! Appreciate the help!