|
Fishing Leech Lake - The Fish
What will you find at the end of you line?
Leech Lake offers fantastic fishing throughout the seasons, and as with most things in life - timing is everything. Read on to learn about Leech Lake's most catchable fish: Muskie, Bass, Walleye, Northern PIke, Jumbo Perch and Crappies. Check out our Hot Tips section for tips on where to find them and how to hook'em! Leech Lake has a voluntary catch and release program.
Thank you to the Minnesota DNR MinnAqua Program Leader's Guide, Fishing: Get in the Habitat! for the use of these fish images. Visit them online at: http://www.mndnr.gov/minnaqua.
 |
Muskie
Leech Lake is known as one of the top Muskie lakes in the Midwest, and many believe a monster or two lurk below the surface. In fact, in recent history a 52lb Muskie – 2nd largest ever caught in MN, was pulled from the lake. The angler released the fish for future Muskie fans to find.
FISHING TIPS
Early Season:
Shallow Bays - Headwater, Sucker or Steamboat Bays.
Use Crank or Jerk Baits, reel slowly in/near weed beds
Mid-Season:
Rocks/Gravel Reefs - Pelican Reef, Submarine Island
Use top water baits
Late Season:
Deep weed edges/steep drop-offs.
Use deep-diving perch colored baits
|
|
 |
Walleye
>>
Status of Walleye in Leech Lake
Leech Lake is also known for an excellent Walleye population – many ranging from between 18-21” and a majority estimated in the 10lb range. Summer is the best time to hook one of these trophies.
FISHING TIPS:
Early Season:
Rock and gravel shoreline, South side of lake in 25-35 foot depths.
Use small jigs and minnows with a quiet approach
Mid-Season:
Sand/gravel points, weed beds, shoreline flats and rocky reefs.
Use bottom bouncers, lindy rigs with leeches.
Late Season:
Deep rock humps and bars.
Backtroll with a slip sinker
|
|
 |
Northern Pike
If it’s the fierce fight of the Northern Pike you’re after you’ll find many in the 5-10lb range in the shallow weeded areas.
FISHING TIPS
Early Season: Shallow Bays – Headwater, Sucker, Steamboat ,Boy, Brevik Narrows, Sheep Pasture, Stoney Point.
Use Crank or Jerk Baits, reeled slowly in weed beds.
Mid-Season: Weed Edges – Steamboat Bay.
Cast or troll spoons or crankbaits
|
|
 |
Largemouth Bass
One of the most fun fish to catch, the Largemouth Bass, can be found in Leech Lake – ranging up to 5lbs or slightly larger. Once you get on these fish – you’re arms will be sore from all the fightin’ and reelin’. These big boys like the weeds too – so stay close to shore.
FISHING TIPS:
Early Season: Shallow, weedy bays – Steamboat, Boy, Leech River
Use ¼ ounce spinners or 4-6 inch plastic worms
Mid-Season: Rice beds.
Use Weedless spoons
Late Season: When warm - look near rice beds and reeds.
Use Weedless spoons
|
|
 |
Crappies
Taking the kids out for a fishing trip – you’ll want to find a group of crappies and watch their eyes light up. Perfect for bobber fishing – but fun for free casting as well. These guys also serve up well on a dinner plate – so if you’re looking for a fun and a great meal, Crappies have you covered.
FISHING TIPS:
Early Season: Shallow bays just after ice out, near weeds, reeds, docks and shoreline.
Use slip bobbers with minnows.
Hot Tip: Fish the North end of Sucker and Portage Bays on warm sunny days
|
|
 |
Panfish
The kids will also find a variety of panfish to reel in in the shallow waters, especially by docks. In 1999 the state record Pumpkinseed was pulled from Leech, at 1lb 5.6oz |
|
 |
Perch
Perch in the lake serve mostly as food for the Walleye and Pike – but every once and while one will grow to be considered “Jumbo” . Many of these Jumbo perch hang-out with the Walleye’s (maybe they subscribe to the “If you can’t be eaten by them join them” mentality)
FISHING TIPS:
Early Season: Rock and Gravel shoreline.
Use small jigs and minnows, quiet approach
Mid-Season: Sand/gravel points, weed beds, shoreline flats and rock reefs.
Bottom bouncers, lindy rigs – with leeches
Hot Tip: West end of Steamboat Bay
Late Season: Deep rock humps and bars.
Try back trolling with at slip sinker. |
|
 |
Eelpout
The Cinderella’s ugly step sister of the freshwater world – these freshwater cod are often found with the Walleye in winter – and even with the right walleye bait most anglers will snag a few of these before they hook into a Walleye. They are a blast to catch in the winter and are so prominent in the lake – they’ve even created a festival for them.
FISHING TIPS:
Ice Fishing Season:
More active at night, near rock reefs and humps.
Use small jigs and minnows |
Which bay will you fish today? Learn about Leech Lake's geography.
|
