District 5 fisheries biologist Doug Keller surveyed the lake in May of 2003, discovering a tremendous population of largemouth bass. Using electroshocking methods, Keller brought in nets full of trophy bass, with one fish spanning more than 21 inches and weighing around 9 pounds. Two nights of sampling netted 325 bass. Nearly half of those were longer than the legal size of 14 inches; 22 percent were longer than 16 inches, and 8 percent exceeded 18 inches.

Keller says the numbers of gizzard shad, the primary bass forage source, are down as the result of winter die-offs and walleye predation. He says this could make fishing even better. “With fewer groceries in the lake, predators will not be swimming around with full tummies,” Keller said. “They may be more likely to chase after an angler’s bait.”

Shad-shaped silver and black crankbaits and rattle baits are effective for catching big bucketmouths. Also, try shad-bodied soft plastics fished on a 1/4-ounce jig over stump- beds.

A creel survey, conducted in 1998, showed more than 86 percent of Eagle Creek anglers are from Marion County. More than 99 percent of the interviewed anglers indicated that they are satisfied with the Eagle Creek Reservoir fishery. According to the survey, anglers release 95 percent of the legal-sized largemouth bass that they catch.

A fee is charged for boat launching at Eagle Creek and ample shoreline fishing is available. There is a 10-horsepower limit on outboard motors.

GEIST RESERVOIR

Another suburban reservoir that supplies water to the Indianapolis area, Geist (1,800 acres) in Marion and Hamilton counties, boasts an excellent population of largemouth bass, with fish in the 3- to 5-pound range caught routinely and 6- to 7- pound fish caught frequently.

Geist is surrounded by homes that take away much of the natural bank. It is a reasonably shallow lake. Above the second bridge (at the Oleo Road Ramp) it is very shallow with channel markers. There is abundant weed growth, but no standing timber and few laydowns or brush. There are numerous coves and points that hold bass. Also, abundant boat docks and artificial sea walls made of concrete or riprap nearly always hold good numbers of bass.

In a small club tournament in June 2004, nine anglers weighed 22 bass totaling 41.81 pounds. A five-bass limit of 11.4 pounds won the tournament. The winning bag also included big bass — 3.9 pounds.

The winner caught two keepers on a buzzbait east of the Oleo Road bridge, one keeper close to the first gravel pit west of Oleo Road, one bass on a tube jig along the bridge supports and another at the bridge on a crankbait. Most of the bass were caught by fishing parallel to the grass.

Another angler suggests fishing a series of old gravel roadbeds by Geist Marina, just south of Salt Creek Road. There are bridge abutments on either side of the submerged bed of Fall Creek. The spot is marked with a set of buoys to warn of the danger. In about 17 feet of water, the old bridge pilings lie just 3 feet below the surface during normal water levels.

From April through October, all motorized boats must use the new ramp on Oleo Road. This is a three-lane concrete ramp with adequate parking. From October to April, all boats must use the old Geist Marina ramp. This is also a three-lane concrete ramp. On weekdays, there is a $10 launch fee. On weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the fee is $25.

You can receive a $10 refund by showing your receipt when you check out by 10 a.m. on weekends.