Mid Winter Ice Fishing Update - Leech Lake

1/11/18

Leech Lake ice conditions have set-up nicely for vehicle travel in most areas. 12"-26" of ice is typical throughout the bays and main lake. As usual, caution should be used near the narrows (Walker, Agency, Kabekona etc.) and channels between the bays. Please, make no assumptions or educated guesses about ice. Check with a resort, bait shop, or set out on foot and check ice often when ice thickness is unknown. 

Perch activity has been low, likely due to the early cold fronts we have had. The best bet for active perch right now would be some of the deeper (12'-25') walleye spots. Covering water is key to contacting the larger specimens.

The Walleye bite has been a productive one, especially from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, and again from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Typical structures on the main-lake and bays in 12-25 f.o.w. have been the best. Burbot (aka Eelpout) have been starting to show up in these same areas, usually just after dark. Live Rainbow minnows or shiners on a weighted green-glow hook or 1/8-1/4 oz jigging spoons will work for both species.

Whitefish and Tullibees are another fun option during daytime hours. Soft-bottom depressions where bug hatches occur have been best for these scrappy fish. Small gold or silver flutter spoons tipped with waxworms, and worked up-and-down the water column are great for catching these fish. 

We have been utilizing snow machines to get away from the crowds and have been getting on some quality fish.

Crappie and bluegills continue to put smiles on our faces. I have been on several different area lakes, some for better action, and some for quality fish. 

Quality bluegills and crappies are to be had in the area. We have been putting most of the larger fish back to help sustain these fisheries.

These gentleman caught their limit and released many more, and that was all before 9:00 am!

On my "days off" I'm still out there looking for the best bites that Leech Lake can offer.

Cheers and hook-sets!

Captain Phil Bauerly- Leech Lake

icefishleech.com

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