Leech Lake Northern Pike Slot Limit
'Winter anglers on Mille Lacs Lake will enjoy a walleye harvest this winter for the fifth season in a row. Starting Tuesday, Dec. 1, anglers will be allowed to keep one walleye between 21-23 inches or one fish longer than 28 inches. This is the same regulation as the last two winter seasons.
Leech is located in Cass County, Minnesota. This lake is 110,310 acres in size. It is approximately 150 feet deep at its deepest point. When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed. To ensure the lake’s popular walleye fishery remains productive in the future, the state instituted a 20- to 26-inch protected slot limit in 2014. One walleye longer than 26 inches, however, may be part of an angler’s 4-fish daily bag. Options for winter walleyes abound on Leech.
“It’s good news that anglers will be able to harvest walleye again this winter,” said Sarah Strommen, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Conservative management continues to sustain good fishing on Mille Lacs.”
Mille Lacs was a popular ice fishing destination during the winter of 2019-2020, in part due to poor ice conditions on other large Minnesota lakes. Anglers put in a record of more than 3 million fishing hours on the lake last winter. In each of the previous three winters, anglers spent about 2 million hours fishing on Mille Lacs.
“We want to provide anglers the opportunity to catch and keep some fish when the walleye population can support it,” said Brad Parsons, DNR fisheries section manager. “As in recent winters, we’re confident that the walleye population is abundant enough to support some harvest.”
Winter regulations are set after the DNR completes its annual fall netting assessment. The DNR’s 2020 assessment found that the walleye population has remained relatively stable over the past four years, having rebounded from population lows seen from 2012 to 2016.
Harvest from the winter of 2020-21 will be counted toward the state’s annual share of walleye from Mille Lacs under the 1837 treaty. State anglers share harvest with eight Ojibwe tribes that have fishing rights under the treaty.
The state’s allowable harvest for the coming year will be set in early 2021 through discussions between the state and the tribes. The DNR will set open water fishing regulations in March 2021 following discussions with the tribes and the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee and after the conclusion of winter fishing.
Conservative fishing regulations in response to population lows have contributed to the recovery, allowing the DNR to offer anglers a harvest opportunity in recent winters and in May 2019 during the open water fishing season.
Insights from fall assessments
While encouraged by the rebound in walleye abundance, the DNR is taking a cautious approach to managing Mille Lacs’ walleye fishery. Survival of walleye to age 3 and older has been inconsistent in recent years.
The 2013 year class – that is, fish born in 2013 -- continues to be the most abundant class of fish. These fish are mainly 17-21 inches long, with faster growing individuals exceeding 21 inches. Year classes from 2009 to 2012 were weak, and had low numbers grow to adults, while those produced since 2013 have had more fish survive to adulthood.
The 2014 year class is below average compared with those from the last 15 years. The 2015 and 2016 year classes appear close to average, and the 2017 year class is well above average. Since 2008, only the 2013 and 2017 year classes have been above average.
“We are encouraged to see additional year classes that will be contributing to the fishery,” Parsons said. “Having multiple year classes approaching maturity makes us comfortable with continuing to harvest some of the 2013 year class under this winter’s regulation.”
The assessment also looks at food abundance and walleye health. Perch and tullibee are the primary food source for Mille Lacs’ walleye. Perch and tullibee from 0 to 2 years old were caught in moderate numbers.
Walleye condition, often referred to as plumpness, remained lower than recent averages. The relatively thin condition of fish suggest that forage was limited during parts of this year.
That lack of food contributed to the high catch rates in Mille Lacs early this summer. But that rate dropped in August and September, suggesting that the availability of forage improved later in the summer as fish hatched in 2020 grew and became a part of walleye diets.
“A lower catch rate in the late summer can sometimes carry over into the winter if forage is abundant,” Parsons said. “But predators also can reduce available forage later in the winter, possibly leading to an improved bite.”
Information about Mille Lacs Lake, including complete fishing regulations, is available on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/millelacslake.'
Leech Lake, Minnesota - Fishing Info
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| About Leech Lake |
Leech Lake is the third largest lake in Minnesota, the fertile waters harbor some of the best muskie and walleye fishing in the Midwest. It is the source of the Leech Lake strain of spotted muskie which has been stocked throughout Minnesota.
Most of the lake is within the boundaries of both the Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Indian Reservation.
A voluntary catch and release program is in effect and is aimed at preserving quality walleye fishing . It is sponsored by the Leech Lake Chamber of Commerce, North Star Sportsmen’s Club. Leech Lake Association. Leach Lake Reservation Business Committee and the Minnesota DNR.
Size & Depth
112,835 acres with a maximum depth of 156 feet in Walker Bay. The main basin east of Walker Narrows has a maximum depth of 40 feet and an average depth of 20 feet. Nearly 80 percent of the lake is less than 35 feet deep.
Water Source
Drainage lake: There are a total of 19 inlets, including Steamboat River, Kebekona River, Benedict River, Shingobee River, Boy River, Sucker Creek and Crooked Creek. The Leech Lake River outlets at the dam on the northeast side and is a tributary of the Mississippi River.
There is an annual winter drawdown of about 1 foot to accommodate spring run-off.
Shoreline
Primarily upland along the south and west sides. Large areas of bog, swamp and marsh dominate much of the north and east sides. Most upland areas are moderately developed. There are 195 miles of shoreline. Of that total, approximately 78 miles of rock/gravel/boulder shorelines are considered walleye spawning habitat.
Bottom - Glacial action created three distance areas within Leech Lake.The bays on the north and east sides (Sucker, Portage, Boy and Headquarters) are generally shallow and have gradual shoreline drop-offs. Sand and muck are the primary bottom materials. The main basin of Leech Lake contains most of the major rock reefs and bars. Areas of coarse gravel and rubble are common and provide significant walleye spawning habitat. Walker and Kebekona bays have steep drop-offs to deep water. Gravel, rubble and boulders are the significant bottom components.
Water
Fertile with moderate clarity. However, due to the lake’s irregular shape and diverse basin configuration, water clarity and temperature/oxygen profiles vary considerably from Kebekona and Agency bays can be almost twice as deep as in the main basin, Portage Bay, Sucker Bay and Trading Post Bay. these shallow bays are exposed to more wind and wave action making the water more turbid. Secchi disc readings range from 5 to 13 feet throughout the lake.
The depth of the thermocline ranges from 30 to 48 feet. However, the shallow windswept bays do not stratify. They remain well mixed, having nearly uniform temperature and oxygen levels from top to bottom. Leech Lake is classified as a hard-water walleye lake by the MDNR and the main basin is considered to be mesotrophic.
Cover
Vegetation is abundant in sheltered bays or on shorelines protected from the prevailing westerly winds. Submerged varieties include large-leaf pondweed (cabbage), coontail, milfoil and sandgrass. Several species of emergent vegetation are present around much of the shoreline. Bulrush, bur reed, wild rice and cattails are the common types.
Forage
Perch are the primary walleye and northern pike forage. Biologists believe that juvenile perch comprise 90 percent of the prey fish consumed by walleye until age two. After that, perch account for 70 percent of the fish in the walleye diet. Additionally, cisco (tullibec) are an important forage for trophy northern pike, muskie and large walleye.
Spottail shiner, mimic shiner, darters, and logperch are common. Insects, such as mayfly and midge larvae, also provide an important food source. Rusty crayfish are present as an established population.
Stocking
The Leech Lake Reservation Hatchery operates a whitefish rearing and stocking program. Currently, tribal biologists are stocking approximately 50,000 whitefish fingerling annually to augment natural reproduction. Additionally, modest state stocking of muskie fingerling occurs as a plant-back for egg taking activities.
| About The Fish |
Muskie
Leech Lake is noted throughout the Midwest for its world class muskie fishery. Excellent natural reproduction and good growth rates have produced numbers of fish in the 40 inch range. Recently, a 52 pound class muskie was caught and released. This trophy was recognized as the second largest ever recorded in the state. Many anglers believe that Leech has the potential to produce a world record. Catch-and-release is strongly encouraged to protect this exceptional fishery.
Muskie Fishing Tips
Early season muskie action is best in the shallow bays that develop submergent and emergent weed growth. Headquarters, Boy, Sucker and Steamboat bays are all excellent early season choices. Small twitch baits, crankbaits or jerkbaits slowly retrieved over the developing cabbage and coontail beds are effective at this time of year. If the action is slow on the submergent vegetation, move to the shoreline reed beds and work the reed pockets and points with surface baits, such as the small Mud Puppy, Hawg Wobbler or Jackpot.
Areas of submergent vegetation and the rock/gravel reefs offer the most consistent muskie action from mid-July through August. Shallow rocks on the windward side of a reef can be particularly good for large fish. Top water baits are suggested to effectively work the shallow rocks. Pelican Reef, Submarine Island and the reef complex around Pelican Island always hold good numbers of fish. Lush growths of submergent vegetation are found in Portage, Sucker, Agency and Walker bays. Tandem spinnerbaits (Marv’s, M&G) and black bucktails with prism blades, such as Mepps Giant Killers and Buchertails, are local favorites.
Fishing pressure for muskie during fall is extremely light, although it is considered by many anglers as the best time to land a trophy. At this time slowly troll deep-diving cisco or perch colored crankbaits along the deep weed edges. Weighted jerkbaits and live suckers on quick-strike rigs also produce when fished along the deep cabbage. By late fall, the steep drop-offs and deep weedbeds in Walker Bay are the top muskie locations.
Walleye
Walleye are the dominant predator and continue to exhibit excellent growth rates and outstanding natural reproduction. while year class production varies, Leech typically exhibits above average reproduction, avoiding the “boom or bust” years typical of most famous walleye fisheries. Many of the fish are in the 18-21 inch range, and Leech offers a good chance at boating a 10 pound trophy. The lake has been recognized as Minnesota’s most consistent walleye fishery. Exceptional year class production in the mid-to-late-90’s is adding to the lake’s walleye reputation. In fact, Minnesota biologists have recognized that one of these walleye year classes is the largest on record.
Walleye Fishing Tips
Walleye are found tight to the rock and gravel shorelines in early spring. Concentrate on windswept stretches and cast small (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) jigs and fathead minnows. Long casts and a quiet approach are suggested when working the clear, shallow water. Local experts often note that walleye live bait rigging begins and ends with shiner minnows until early-to-mid June, depending on the warmth of the spring season. Jig color suggestions start with fluorescent green, lime green, and green/orange bi-colors.
By early summer, walleye leave the shoreline zones and move to sand/gravel points, weedbeds, shoreline flats and rock reefs. Slowly backtroll a Lindy or Roach rig tipped with a leech along the weed edges and drop-offs. Additionally, bottom bouncer rigs are locally popular. If the fish are difficult to locate, try trolling perch-colored Shad Raps along the first major break to find active fish. Again, always fish the windward side of points, islands and reefs.
The deep rock humps and bars of Walker Bay turn on during fall. Slowly backtrolling with big redtail chubs on a slip sinker rig is a recommended method for taking a late-season trophy.
The lack of wind or “walleye chop” makes Leech Lake walleye fishing difficult, especially if those conditions continue unabated for several days. Local experts often turn to evening fishing on becalmed days. Trolling crankbaits - Shad Raps Rapalas, Rogues - along shallow shoreline breaks after dark will often take fish that are virtually impossible to catch during the daylight hours.
Ice fishing for walleyes and perch is popular in Walker Bay, Walker Narrows and Agency Bay. Walleye are generally active during low-light periods, while perch bite well throughout the day. The majority of walleye and perch are taken on jigging spoons and jigs tipped with minnows. Light jigging poles with small spinning reels are used by a growing number of anglers. Jigging Rapalas and Swedish Pimples work best on active fish. If fishing is slow, switch to a plain jig and minnow.
Northern Pike
Northern pike display excellent growth rates and natural reproduction. Average size is very good and numerous 5 to 10 pounders are caught each year. Northern up to 15 pounds are still available. Catch-and-release is important to maintaining this fishery.
Northern Pike Fishing Tips
In spring, northern pike are caught in many of the same areas that hold early season muskie. Most of the shallow weed areas, such as Headquarters Bay, Boy Bay, Steamboat Bay, Sucker Bay, Brevik Narrows and the Sheep Pasture, yield good numbers of fish throughout the year. During summer, cast or troll spoons, in-line spinners (No. 5 Mepps), perch-colored crankbaits or large tandem spinnerbaits on the weed edges. If they fail to respond to artificial, switch to a 4-6 inch sucker suspended below a bobber.
Largemouth Bass
Leech Lake supports an outstanding and expanding population of largemouth bass which has grown in angling and tournament popularity in recent years. Quality size bass are present, with fish in the 3-5 pound range considered common. Sheltered bays with abundant weed growth, such as Boy and Steamboat, contain the greatest concentrations of fish. Catch-and-release is significant to this bass population, with estimates ranging as high as 90% release rate. Leech Lake bass are often concentrated and vulnerable to overharvest. Smallmouth bass are present in minor numbers, but don’t represent a viable fishery.
Largemouth Bass Fishing Tips
Bass in Leech are concentrated in the shallow, weedy bays. Steamboat, Boy Headquarters and Leech River bays all provide the needed habitat to hold good numbers of fish. During spring cast 1/4-ounce white spinnerbaits or 4-to 6-inch Texas rigged plastic worms into the developing vegetation. As the weeds become thicker, bass move into the “slop” and wild rice beds. Weedless spoons, such as Moss Bosses or Jaw-Breakers, should be worked through the heavy cover. Flipping or pitching a 6-inch plastic worm or a jig n’ pig into weed openings can also produce.
As water temperatures drop in fall, bass stay in the rice and reeds and can become very active during periods of warm, stable weather.
Crappie
Crappie are present in modest numbers, but display above average growth rates and exceptional average size. Fishing n the 2 pound class are available. Most crappie fishing occurs in early spring before the walleye season opens. Portage, Sucker and Steamboat Bays provide excellent early season action.
Crappie Fishing Tips
Early spring crappie are attracted to the shallow bays soon after ice-out. Slip bobber rigs baited with small fathead minnows should be worked over the developing weeds or tight to reeds, docks and shoreline cover. By late spring, crappie leave the shallows and move to deep water. During this period they can be difficult to locate and are ignored by most anglers.
Perch
Perch abundance has increased due to several years of above-average reproduction and recruitment in the mid-to-late 90’s. Perch over 8 inches are common and fish up to 14 inches are available.
Panfish
Recent creel surveys indicate that bluegill and pumpkinseed angling popularity is increasing, despite relatively small populations of both species. However, recent surveys indicate these panfish populations seem to be maintaining themselves even with the increase in angling attention.
During the winter season, anglers have discovered an excellent cisco fishery. The average fish harvested is 14.1 inches long and weighs 1.1 pounds.
Eelpout
Leech is noted for its large and abundant eelpout. This freshwater cod is targeted in winter during their spawning period. Fish in the 7- to 10- pound range are considered average.
Eelpout Fising Tips
Leech Lake Northern Pike Slot Limit Report
Leech Lake is widely known for its winter eelpout fishery. This freshwater cod is often caught accidentally by walleye fishermen. The techniques and locations that produce walleye are also suggested for “pout”. These fish are most active after dark when they move onto the rock reefs and humps to spawn.
Leech Lake Northern Pike Slot Limits
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