Flipping & Pitching Fishing on Eagle River Chain of Lakes
Eagle River Chain of Lakes · Wisconsin · Midwest
This extensive chain of interconnected glacial lakes in Wisconsin features a varied aquatic landscape, ranging from shallow, weedy bays to deep, clear basins with abundant rock and timber. The system supports robust populations of both smallmouth and largemouth bass, providing diverse fishing opportunities in generally clear to moderately clear water conditions.
Flipping uses a shortened line for pendulum-style presentations within 15 feet. Pitching covers 15–40 feet with an underhand cast. Both deliver baits silently into docks, laydowns, and grass edges. Big bass in heavy cover are the target — this is where giants live.
Flipping & Pitching Setup for Eagle River Chain of Lakes
| Rod | 7'3"–7'6" heavy or extra-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1–8.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 50–65 lb braid or 20–25 lb fluorocarbon |
| Weight | 3/8–1 oz pegged tungsten, matched to cover density |
| Hook | 4/0–5/0 straight shank flipping hook |
Seasonal Tactics on Eagle River Chain of Lakes
Lake: As water temperatures rise, smallmouth bass stage on rocky points and flats adjacent to spawning areas, while largemouth move into shallow, warming bays. Jerkbaits and bladed jigs are often effective during this pre-spawn period.
Flipping & Pitching: Pitch to buck brush and flooded timber during pre-spawn. Jig or crawfish-colored creature bait.
Lake: During the warmer months, smallmouth relocate to deeper humps, main lake points, and thermocline edges, often schooling on baitfish. Largemouth inhabit dense weed beds, docks, and lily pads, responding well to topwaters and flipping presentations.
Flipping & Pitching: Punch through grass mats with 1–1.5 oz weights. Fish the shade under mats where big bass hide from heat.
Lake: Bass engage in an aggressive feeding period as water temperatures cool, with smallmouth often schooling heavily on deep main lake structures. Largemouth can be found relating to dying weeds and wood cover in transition areas.
Flipping & Pitching: Target dock ends and remaining grass. Fish move shallower as water cools.
Lake: Ice fishing dominates the winter, but in open water periods, deep suspending jerkbaits or blade baits can entice sluggish smallmouth positioned on significant structural features and channel swings.
Flipping & Pitching: Slow flip to deep docks and boat lifts. Swim the bait down slowly on the fall.
Best Conditions
Thick grass mats, laydowns, dock pilings, boat houses, flooded bushes; murky water; spawn and post-spawn; summer shade
Watch the line, not the water. Set the hook the instant the line twitches or moves sideways — bass in cover bite and spit fast.
More Techniques for Eagle River Chain of Lakes
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