Leech Lake Blog

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Fishing Report:
The cold weather looks like it is here to stay finally. We have not had that first frost yet but it has been getting down into the 40’s lately which is starting to cool the water down and get those fish back to putting on some weight for the winter time. Most surface temps across the lake are averaging in the Mid to High 60’s right now. Walleye fishing is picking up for most anglers and guides on the lake. The best bite is shallow along the remaining cabbage weed lines, or on the wind blown rocky points or mid-lake structures in 3’-10′ of water. Most anglers are using either a jig/minnow combination and fancasting these areas or using a slip bobber and letting the wind take their bait into the shallows. Good places to look for the shallow jig/minnow bite is the Hardwoods, West Bar, Battle Point, Pine Point and the Entrance to the Trappers Landing Lodge Marina. If you do not have a boat, now is the time to fish off shore on our new docks, bring some lighted slip bobbers and fish in the evening. We have had some guests catch some nice walleye from shore this past week and it should continue into October.

Musky Action continues to be great across the lake. Grab your favorite bucktails, or top water for some great action. The fish are still hanging in the cabbage beds, reed beds and sandy flats adjacent to those areas. Make sure you are playing the winds and getting out during the day when the water warms up a little bit. Good fish have been taken off of Pipe Island, Miller Bay, Huddle’s Reef and around the Pelican Island Complex.

The fall perch bite has started in on the lake as well up shallow in the weedy bays. Slip bobbers, small jigs with night crawlers or crappie minnows are producing fish. Look for good pockets in the weeds and fish those areas. Agency Bay, Miller Bay, Deadhead bay and Sand Point are producing good numbers of keeper fish and good action.

This weekend also marked small game opener which means grouse season is upon us. We had a few guests this past weekend travel into the woods but with the heavy leaf cover it did make it hard to see the flushes. Survey counts in the area are favorable for a great grouse season this year and we should see more birds as the leaves start to fall. The Minnesota Waterfowl season will be open next Saturday and there are a good number of Mallards, Wood ducks and ringers flying around the lake. The cooler temps are here, but not cold enough yet to push out the teal or wood ducks.

If you are guest staying with us, we have all the rods, reels and lures ready in our Pro Shop for you to use to chase your favorite fin. We will mark a map for you with some of the latest fishing spots and we have all your favorite snacks for a day on the lake.

Just out fishing Leech Lake? The Merit is open Thursday & Friday 4pm – Close and  Saturday 11am – Close. Our Marina has gas, bait & ice too!