Leech Lake Blog

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In front of Trappers Landing Lodge, the ice conditions are great on our roads, with 18+ inches of ice being reported both on and off the ice roads. The ice roads do not cross any large cracks or pressure ridges. We have expanded the ice roads for the upcoming weekend, we now go all the way up to Red Rocks/Pelican Island area and we also have a road up towards the Brevik narrows on the south side of Bear Island. Getting off the roads can be tricky with the 16+ inches of snow and some 2-foot drifts, so if you are venturing far off road make sure you have chains and shovels. We can plow you out a spot as well just call into schedule – 218-836-2500.

Walleye fishing has been fair to good on our end of the lake, with a majority of the anglers catching too many big fish, which is always a good problem to have. Most anglers have found their fish in the low light/ overnight times out near Variety Reef, Campbells, Huddles and Pelican Island areas, in 16-25 ft. You will want to find a break line, or transition zone to find fish. It has been about 50/50 on a jigging spoon or setline to catch most of these fish. If you are using a jigging spoon, glo green, orange and purple have been good colors to use, while a minnow on a plain hook or small glo jig below a bobber is working well too. Jig the fish into the area and if they do not hit the jigging spoon then they usually bite the minnow on the bobber or rattle wheel.

Perch fishing has kept most anglers busy during the day, but lots and lots of small fish are being reported, with very few jumbos being caught. Make sure you bring plenty of waxies while targeting perch, you will need to sort through a lot of small ones. Tullibee and whitefish have been biting out in the basins between Olson’s Reef and Diamond Point during the daytime. Northern Pike has also been on the prowl all over the lake, with some nice fish being reported in the Miller Bay area and off of Huddle’s Reef. Remember the new Northern Pike fishing regulations, 10 fish, 2 over 26”, while all fish 22”-26” must be released.

We are looking forward to another busy weekend on the lake. The restaurant will be open Thursday and Friday at 4 PM and on Saturday at 11 AM. We have a parking area set up on the lake in front of The Merit. Visit us for your evening meal or carry out is available too! For reservations for the Merit please call 218-836-2062. The Lodge will be open by 9 AM each day for Bait (Yes, we have shiners), tackle, snacks, and off-sale. If you need lodging, we still have some great cabins available for this weekend call in to book 218-836-2500. We hope to see you on the ice.

WALKER BAY ICE REPORT AND FISHING REPORT 01.03.19

Happy New Year!  Things are shaping up to be a great winter around the Walker area.  Ice conditions continue to improve throughout the lake and we have plenty of snow now for winter activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding and skiing.  If you look at the long range weather forecast we are in store for a great week of weather to enjoy the outdoors.

Ice conditions will vary around the Leech Lake area.  With the cold the last week conditions continue to improve.  We are seeing ice in Walker Bay vary from 11-14”.  People have been accessing the Sand Point area and seeing 12-14” of ice.  There are a few ridges between Sand and Cedar point so stick to plowed roads and use caution.  The bite has been good throughout the day around Sand Point.  People are finding perch during the day and walleyes closer to the low light and after dark hours.  Look in the 8-12′ during the day and 12-20′ in the evening.  Lindy Glow shot spoons, Northland Buckshot’s, Flashchamp Spoons and Rapala Jiggin Raps tipped with a minnow head or full rainbow or fathead have all been great lures to use.  The Walker Bay humps are also producing fish as well.  25-30′ seems to be the magic range.  Use caution in the middle of Walker Bay, there are still some spots with 10-12” of ice.  There are a few heaves that run west to east in the Bay as well. Check before you go is the best and safest bet.  There is a significant amount of snow on the lake so use your plowed roads and be careful when venturing off of them.  Snowmobile travel is still advised in the mid parts of Walker Bay.
Pine Point has also had a good bite this week.  After all the snow last week they have been able to get roads plowed back out in front of Pine and to the Goose Island area.  Very similar to Sand Point the daytime perch bite is pretty good.  Keep on the move until you find a school of them.  You will also find some nice daytime walleyes mixed in with the perch.  Get yourself set up for the evening walleye bite in 14-18′ of water.  With the warmer weather to come the walleyes should become more aggressive.

Make sure you stop in at Reeds in Walker or Trapper’s Landing on the South end of the Lake for your most up-to-date fishing and lake reports.  Ice continues to improve but still varies all over the lake so please use caution and check before you head off roads.  Both Reeds and Trapper’s Landing are fully stocked with your bait or tackle needs.  Stop in so we can mark a map and get you heading in the right direction.  Stay safe and enjoy the great week of weather that is to come.