Leech Lake Blog

0

The bugs are starting to subside on the main part of the lake. It was a late hatch for the mayflies this year and they were numerous. Walleye fishing has slowed for most anglers right now, but we still have some fish being caught. With the slower fishing due to the mayflies, you will have to pick and choose your times to go fishing. Fishing during the low light periods such as sunrise, sunset and overnight hours will increase your odds. The best technique right now is trolling crankbaits during these prime hours along the weed lines in Miller Bay, Boy Bay and Walker bay or the mid-lake structure around Pelican Island, Submarine reef or Mokey’s Reef in 12- 18 ft of water. Most fishermen are using #5 or # 7 Rapala Shad Raps or Berkeley Flicker Minnows. The best colors to use right now would be Orange, Purple or Blue. Trolling at a good speed of 2- 2.5 mph will get you the most strikes.

Musky action has been picking up on the South Shore this past week. Most anglers are having luck on the sand/weed transitions in Miller Bay, Pipe Island, and Whipholt Beach areas. Make sure you downsize and slow down the baits for the most action. Smaller spinner baits or inline spinners in a black/orange or blue/chartreuse combination are working best. Make sure you are hitting those major and minor times or if you did see a fish that did not hit, go back to that fish during a major and hopefully you will get a hookup.

Bass action has filled the time in-between the peak walleye times during the day. Smallmouth can be found on the rock reefs near Diamond Point and Huddle’s Reef. Use a jig/craw combination or tube jig in 10-15 ft of water to catch these bronzed back beauties. Largemouth bass can be found in Sucker, Steamboat and Boy Bay along the wild rice. Using frogs through the thick grass or a Carolina rig with your favorite plastic worm will catch some good-sized bass.

We still have some great last minute lodging availability for this upcoming weekend and some great weather for fishing, call for reservations 218-836-2500. Our on-site restaurant, The Merit, has great dinner specials this upcoming week and this Friday, Bemidji Brewing sponsors our patio happy hour. We look forward to hopefully seeing you at The Merit and look forward to the many guests coming on-site this upcoming week. As always be safe on all your outdoor adventures and we hope to see you on the water.