12/20 Ice Report

Everywhere I have checked in Walker bay I have found 5"-9" of ice, but it's a little too variable to be confident, so we are checking as we go. There are a few active cracks, one from First Point over to the city park, and one from Sand Point heading south to about 2nd Point. The bite has been good on the humps in 20-28 f.o.w.

The main lake really varies too. The southeast corner of the lake near Whipholt and Trapper's Landing Lodge probably has the best ice on the lake with a fairly consistent 10"-12". I have noted some thinner ice between Pine Point and Goose Island (3"-5") and off of Stony Point access. I have also heard reports of thinner ice to watch out for between Battle Point and Bear Island. Fishing has been slow for me on the main lake, but we haven't come close to exploring all of our options out there.

Smaller lakes appear to be about where they have been for the past few weeks. Most lakes have 6"-10" but much thinner ice is scattered throughout the region, so extreme caution should be used when venturing out.

Cheers and hook-sets!
Captain Phil Bauerly- Leech Lake
icefishleech.com

Midwinter Rundown - Leech Lake

With a bit of a late start this year, we have quickly made up for it. Ice conditions are very good right now with 14"-20" most places. Snowmobiles are still my conveyance of choice, but truck travel is good in many areas as well. 

The perch bite has been very good, with most of the bigger fish showing up shallow, and way off of the beaten path. Smaller fish are everywhere in Leech lake but finding the bigger specimens is the fun challenge that I really enjoy accepting. 

There is still a very good "happy hour bite" (4-6:00 pm) for walleyes when you can get on some untouched schools of fish.

Chasing perch during mid-day and then switching to walleyes in the evening is a smart way to stay in consistent action. 

It's typical to land a nice bonus burbot or two after the sun sets on our walleye spots.

The crappie action seems to be pretty good, though I will start scouting and fishing for these slabs more in February and March once the walleye bite slows down. 

Contrary to popular belief, larger yellow perch can be quite moody, but persistent anglers who are willing to try a few different techniques can usually fool these colorful favorites. 

Another overlooked bonus fish on Leech Lake is the lake whitefish. Cousins of the tullibee, they are much tastier, and are excellent eaten fresh. It's a real blast seeing these aggressive and curious fish on our electronics chasing a spoon from the bottom to the ice layer, often several times before biting. 

There is a lot more winter left to enjoy so let's get out there!

Cheers and hook-sets!

icefishleech.com | outrightangling.com | otteroutdoors.com

It's About Time- Ice Fish Leech Lake

If you consider outdoor activities beneficial to your health and overall well-being, make sure to make some time for ice fishing this winter. Winter in Minnesota can be an absolutely beautiful time to be outside in nature, one just needs to make a plan and then execute. Thriving in conditions that some would consider harsh can be an empowering and invigorating experience. Most of all, ice fishing can be a great hiatus from the daily fast-paced grind.

Fresh air, exercise, peace and quite are just a few reasons to work in an ice fishing outing or two this winter. With the help of my guest anglers, each season seems to out-do the last here on Leech Lake. 

I have been checking for safe ice and scouting for fish daily, I have put some nice crappies top-side. 

The "main lake" of Leech is just about ready for snowmobile travel, I have had a few great afternoons of walleye fishing already. 

Cheers and hook-sets!

outrightangling.com
icefishleech.com

Minnesota N' Ice

I recall being in my early twenties and rolling my eyes at the subject of local culture. I suppose that young people everywhere, thinking the grass is greener, believe that their surroundings are tacky or boring. Fast forward a decade and and half or so and to me; pac boots, hot dish and ice fishing are some of the best things about living here in the north woods. 

                                          B.Y.O.H.D = Bring Your Own Hot Dish!

                                                      Cheers and hook-sets!

Early December Scouting and Fishing Leech Lake Area

Scouting ice and fishing the past week has been going really well with Walleyes coming from most of my usual locals and presentations. I'm catching Walleyes in all depths from 8'-28'. The main part of Leech as well as Walker Bay have fishable ice but we must be safe and check as we go. A decent number of guide trips are scheduled now and I will continue to scout on my days off.

                            Oh yeah, I have been able to locate some really nice Crappies too.

My 2-up snowmobiles are tuned up and ready to go for custom portable-house excursions and I should be able to get my day house out by next week for rental as well. Please contact me if you are interested in experiencing what the Leech lake area has to offer. See info at the bottom of the page.

                                                         Cheers and hook-sets!

The Gales of November Came Early

...so it's time to get out the short rods and ice some fish! We have fish-able ice available in the 2-1-8 and it's not even Thanksgiving. Use caution when checking out those honey holes so you don't end up in an ice water mansion.

                                                        Cheers and hook-sets!