Leech Lake is one of the top lakes in Minnesota for walleyes, which are the state fish. Located in north central Minnesota, Leech Lake is a productive fishery for multiple fish species, including walleyes, bass, northern pike and muskies. There are numerous public accesses on the lake where people can launch their boats.
Significance
Leech Lake spans more than 111,500 acres and is the third largest lake that is entirely within Minnesota. In certain places, the water reaches 150 feet deep in the lake; however, it averages about 15 feet deep. It contains a diverse fishery and is known as one of the top walleye-producing lakes in the state. It also is highly regarded as a muskie lake, producing fish that are longer than 50 inches. The wild rice in the various bays of the lake are especially productive for people who fish for largemouth bass.
Walleyes
Walleyes are the most sought-after fish on Leech Lake. Shortly after the season opens in the middle of May, the better walleye spots are in shallow water. The Walker Narrows, which separate Walker Bay and the main lake, are especially productive. As the summer wears on, Walker Bay itself offers good walleye fishing, as does the main lake. Focus on structure like points and reefs. A good way to locate walleyes is trolling a crankbait or live-bait rig tipped with a leech, minnow or nightcrawler along drop-offs.
Muskies
If you want a crack at catching a fish that might be longer than 4 feet, fish for muskies in Leech Lake. Portage Bay and Sucker Bay offer good muskie fishing around their vegetation. Some of the larger islands on the lake--including Pelican and Gull--also hold muskies. One of the best methods for taking muskies in Leech Lake is to cast topwater baits, including buzzbaits. Other anglers throw buzzbaits throughout the season. Yet another option is to tie on a big crankbait and just start trolling. Leech Lake has a good population of tullibees, which roam in a nomadic fashion throughout the lake. They are an oily, high-fat fish and muskies will follow these schools of forage fish around the lake.
Bass
Bass fishing in Leech Lake is relatively simple. Whereas in some lakes bass head deep during the summer, that is not the case at Leech. Bays including Boy, Headquarters and Steamboat are home to expansive beds of wild rice, and that's where you can find the bass. One of the best methods for catching largemouths on Leech is to tie on a weedless spoon and cast it in and around the rice. Even if a bass misses the spoon, which happens often, you can catch the fish by immediately casting a jig or worm to the spot.
Regulations
All anglers on Leech Lake must have a fishing license. Additionally, there are limits on the number of fish anglers can keep. Anglers can keep up to four walleyes per day, though all fish between 18 inches and 26 inches must be released immediately. Anglers also can keep 20 sunfish per day, 10 crappies per day, six bass per day, three pike per day and one muskie per day.
References
- Minnesota DNR Lake Information Report: Leech Lake
- "Leech Lake Area & Park Rapids Area Fishing Map Guide"; Jim Billig; 2006
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