2017 Leech Lake Muskellunge Forecast

How did your 2016 season measure up?

2016 was a great year on the muskie front, with solid catches coming in from every corner of Leech Lake. In fact, we saw more multi-fish days last season than any other year in recent memory, some 50+ inchers here-and-there added to the excitement. We found shallow action with big fish from July-November, with a good portion coming on our boat-side maneuvers. 

While I can't guarantee another great shallow bite this year, a healthy population of fish on this famous water will surely make it another great season of muskie action in 2017.

If you're an avid muskie angler just looking to improve on your catch rate, a 'bucket list' beginner, or somewhere in between, i'm confident I can help you dial-in on a big fish pattern in 2017. 

For more info, or to book an excursion visit outrightangling.com

Cheers and hook-sets! 

Captain Phil Bauerly- Leech Lake, MN

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

2016 Fishing In Pictures

All I can really say is that I am truly fortunate to be doing what I love, working in the outdoors. People who sport fish truly are some of the most down-to-earth, awesome people on the planet. In 2016, I have had the pleasure of sharing my boat, and frozen lakes with some really great folks. Guide photos are one of the big perks of this job, I really enjoy looking through them during these long winter nights. This slide show doesn't represent half of the highlights for 2016, but I will be working regardless in the next few weeks to condense this down. Please take a look at this version of Outright Angling's year in photos, and consider booking a trip for 2017 which promises to be just as great. Happy new year to all of the anglers out there!

Cheers and hook-sets in 2017!

Captain Phil Bauerly- Leech Lake
outrightangling.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

Vacation Fishing- Gulf of Mexico

 It was time for a getaway with the change in the weather

Any species would do, the bigger the better

Tackle was tested but Goliath was bested

Both were tired, and both rested

We went for gag grouper one day, and we got 'em

Once we trolled Rapalas over the hard bottom

Trolled or cast, king mackerel are a blast

 because they are sneaky strong and fast

Inshore is sweet when the fish are willing

But now it's time to get the augers drilling. 

Cheers and hook-sets!

outrightangling.com

icefishleech.com

Taking the Fall- Leech Lake Muskie and Walleye Fishing

Taking the Fall- An October Poem

Small details can make the difference between losing and winning

Between licking our wounds or gripping and grinning

Cooling water is no exception

We must be nuanced with our deception

Choose wise your color, speed and type of bait

The fish will not hesitate

Perhaps they will brunch your figure-of-eight

Fishing with bobbers will make you wonder

How many times will it go under?

Will the outcome make me a grinner?

Will I harvest fish for dinner?

So let's fish smart and have no regrets

I wish you many...cheers and hook-sets!

An August Poem- Leech Lake

Muskies often feed only when they choose

On other days, if it moves it's food

This fish ate a large flashy spinner

This guy caught his limit for dinner

Families fishing together and striking gold

Catching jumbos never gets old. 

Cheers and hook-sets!