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Trying to figure out where to fish in Minnesota can be tough. Leech Lake is home to some of the best walleye, perch, and crappie fishing in all of Minnesota. We bring a thorough ice and fishing report each week so you can spend more time catching fish.  

Ice thickness and conditions are always changing, so please check with us each week for the best ice fishing updates on Leech Lake. 

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - May 29, 2025

Summer Bite Ignites

Memorial Day weekend marked the start of the summer bite on Leech Lake, delivering the best early-season action so far. Walleye are active lake-wide with multiple productive techniques and depths.

Walleye Update

Target 10–14 feet for most consistent action, especially around rock piles and rock-sand transitions. Use jigs tipped with minnows, leeches, or crawlers.

Midday, fish slide deeper to 14–22 feet, especially near Diamond Point and Bear Island. These deeper fish allow for effective vertical jigging.

This is a multi-technique bite—use forward-facing sonar, side imaging, or cast away from the boat to avoid spooking shallow fish.

Size class is strong, with many 17–19 inch walleyes being caught.

Reminder: Leech Lake walleye regulation is 4 fish in possession, only 1 over 20 inches.

Panfish Update

Bluegills and crappies remain active in shallow bays:

Sucker Bay, Headquarters Bay, Portage Bay

Look along shallow weed edges

Possession limit is 5 crappies and 5 bluegills per person.

Lodging & Support

Trappers Landing Lodge has lodging, boat rentals, and offers waypoints to help visiting anglers get on fish quickly.

Visit www.trapperslanding.com or call 218-836-2500 to reserve your spot.

Final Notes

Leech Lake is currently hosting one of the hottest walleye bites in Minnesota. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience top-tier fishing conditions!

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - May 22, 2025

Good morning from Trapper’s Landing Lodge on the scenic south shores of Leech Lake! Although we're a bit delayed in sharing this week’s fishing update due to cold and rainy weather, the outlook is bright with warming temperatures returning to seasonal averages.

Fishing Conditions & Report:
This past week brought cooler temperatures and windy conditions, which influenced fish movement and activity. Despite the drop in water temps, fishing has been productive:

  • Walleye Activity:
    Walleye are beginning their typical post-spawn transition, moving out to mid-lake structures. Productive areas include:

    • Pelican Island

    • Bear Island

    • Submarine Island (Annex/Sub Annex)

    • Huddle’s Reef and Hogar’s Reef

    • Campbell and other eastern structures

    Anglers had success with:

    • Deep Rigging: Long Lindy rigs with leeches and nightcrawlers

    • Shallow Techniques: On overcast, windy days, jig and minnow setups near Pelican Island saw excellent results

    Depths of 20–22 feet yielded good catches on reefs using rigs and sonar to target fish directly.

  • Technique Tips:

    • For anglers using forward-facing sonar: Slip bobbers and jigs are highly effective

    • Without sonar: Focus on drifting and rigging over deeper humps

Panfish Update:
Cooler weather pushed panfish out of the bays. However, with the forecasted warm-up, expect crappie and bluegill to return to shallow spawning areas soon.

Lodge & Availability Updates:

  • Restaurant Hours: Open Thursday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (bar open later)

  • Lodging: Last-minute availability still open for this and the following weekend

  • Note: Fishing on Leech Lake tends to improve significantly in June, so the best is yet to come.

From all of us at Trapper’s Landing Lodge, we wish you a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend — the unofficial start of summer. Tight lines and we look forward to seeing you on the water soon!

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - May 14, 2025

Weather & Conditions

Gorgeous weather has continued into the week following opener, with a slight pattern shift and NW winds expected Friday through Sunday—favorable for fishing the South Shore and in front of Trappers Landing Lodge.

 

Walleye Update

Walleye are active on weed edges and sand flats.

Key areas include: Brevic Narrows, Boy Bay, Headquarters Bay. Sand flats from Trappers Landing to Whipholt. Weedlines in Miller Bay.

Best techniques: Jig and shiner for weed areas. Jig and crawler for sand flats (walleyes chasing crayfish). Target 12–14 feet during the day, 8–12 feet in low-light/windy conditions

 

Perch, Panfish & Crappie

Perch are in shallow water (<8 ft) around Boy Bay, Walker Bay, and Narrows.

 

Crappies and bluegills are moving to spawning beds in shallow bays. Water temps are already 64–65°F.

Use jigs with minnows, plastics, or crawlers. Remember: 5-fish limit on bluegills, and release those 14+ inchers.

 

Smallmouth Bass

Catch-and-release season is on. Fish are moving up for pre-spawn in shallow beds—great time to target them.

 

Lodge Updates & Memorial Day Plans

Rooms available for Memorial Day weekend. Pool opens next weekend. Merit Restaurant will operate Thursday–Sunday with a new menu starting Memorial Day weekend.

 

Final Note

Fishing is strong and only getting better. Expect the peak walleye bite to arrive in the next couple weeks. See you out on the lake!

 

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - May 9, 2025

Season Kickoff & Conditions

It's the first open water report of the 2025 season at Trappers Landing Lodge. Warm weather with highs in the 80s promises one of the most favorable fishing openers in recent memory.

The marina and Merit Restaurant are open, boat rentals are available, and bait is fully stocked.

 

Walleye Strategy for Early Season

Expect warmer-than-usual water temps (upper 50s to low 60s). Walleyes are moving off spawning sites and into 8–12 feet of water along weed edges and sand flats.

Recommended areas: Miller Bay, Diamond Point, and the Brevik Narrows.

Best baits: slip bobbers with leeches or nightcrawlers, or shiners for reaction bites.

 

Panfish Opportunities

Excellent bluegill and crappie bite in shallow harbors and bays such as Boy Bay, Headquarters, Portage, and Sucker Bays.

Fish are suspended in 1–2 feet of water; try jigs with plastics, crappie minnows, or slip bobbers.

Great opportunity for kids and families.

 

Facility Hours & Access Info

Marina Hours: Friday & Saturday 8 AM–7 PM; Midweek 8 AM–5 PM

Merit Restaurant: Friday 4–9 PM, Saturday 11 AM–9 PM; Reopens next Thursday and runs Thursday–Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day

 

Final Notes

The lake has transitioned fast from ice to open water. With rising temps and active fish, it's shaping up to be an outstanding fishing opener. Trappers Landing looks forward to seeing anglers back on the water this season.

 

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - February 26, 2025

Ice Conditions & Travel Advisory

Ice thickness remains strong at 35+ inches, with at least one to two more weeks of vehicle access.
Snow on the ice is melting rapidly, making off-road travel easier, but cracks and old road banks are shifting—use caution.


Fishing Updates

Perch: Moving into 8–12 feet as runoff pushes baitfish into shallower water. Target weed edges and sand flats.
Tulibee & Whitefish: Strong bite in deep basins with mud-bottom areas being most productive.
Eelpout: Increasing daytime catches near steep breaks, though evening remains best.


Seasonal Notes

Walleye & Northern Pike season is now closed.
Trappers Landing Lodge will keep ice roads open for one more weekend.
Merit restaurant is closed for the season and will reopen for the Minnesota Fishing Opener!

Bait supply is limited.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - February 12, 2025

Ice Road Conditions & Season Countdown

The ice roads are being prepped for the weekend, ensuring smooth access for anglers.
Only two weekends remain for walleye fishing, with rental houses available through the first weekend of March for post walleye season trips.
Leech Lake 200 snowmobile race returns on February 21–22, providing a great opportunity for spectators.


Perch & Panfish Bite

The perch bite is strong across the lake, with fish moving into 12–18 feet in shallow bays and basins. Productive areas include Miller Bay and Rogers Point. A few perch are still holding deeper, but the shift to shallower zones is evident.


Walleye Update

Walleyes remain active during evening hours as the "dog days" of the season set in. Focus on reaction bites with rattle baits and jigging wraps.
Set lines with minnows are effective for fish hovering 2–3 feet off the bottom, but walleyes will still strike aggressively presented rattle baits.


Ice Conditions

Minimal snow coverage on the ice makes travel easy across the lake.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - February 9, 2025

Ice and Weather Conditions

Ice roads are in great shape, with minimal snow and increasing drifts. Cutout roads may be created soon.
The weekend featured clear weather, allowing for easier movement on the ice.


Fishing Highlights

Walleyes: The bite remains slow, with the best action in 18 to 25 feet during the evening. Jigging wraps, rattle baits, and set lines with full minnows are recommended.
Eelpout: Strong action reported, especially near Vipers Tooth and Rogers Point.
Perch: Excellent catches across the lake, with Miller Bay, Vipers Tooth, and Paris Trench being productive.


Additional Notes

Only two weekends remain for the walleye season, which closes on February 23rd. Onshore lodging is available.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - February 5, 2025

Ice and Weather Conditions

Ice thickness is 25+ inches; auger extensions are required.
A snowstorm is expected, with wind potentially creating drifts. Ice roads remain open, extending to Pelican Island, Vipers Tooth, H Bar, and Huddles Reef.


Fishing Highlights

Walleyes: Best results in 20+ feet, using set lines with full minnows, jigging wraps, and rattle baits.
Perch and Tulibee: Found in deep mud-sand transition zones, particularly around Miller Bay, Huddles Reef, and Diamond Point.


Additional Notes

The Merit bar and restaurant will be open Thursday through Saturday, with karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - January 29, 2025

Ice Conditions and Travel Updates

Ice thickness is 25+ inches, requiring auger extensions.
All ice roads are open, but avoid crossing the main road bank; follow marked cutouts instead.


Fishing Highlights

Walleyes: Best bite is in 22 to 25 feet, particularly on sand-mud transitions. Active jigging with rattle baits draws them in, while set lines with full minnows seal the bite.
Perch and Tulibee: Found in deeper basins, requiring sorting through smaller fish. Tungsten jigs and waxworms are effective.


Additional Notes

Weekend ice road access costs $20 per day or $50 for a weekend pass.
Lodging and restaurant services, including Saturday karaoke, are available at Trappers Landing Lodge.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - January 23, 2025

Ice and Travel Conditions

Ice thickness ranges from 22 to 28 inches; bring auger extensions. Wide ice roads are open to all vehicles, with off-road travel possible, but watch for drifts and cracks.


Fishing Highlights

Walleyes: Best in 18 to 23 feet, using jigging spoons with minnow heads and set lines with full minnows.
Perch: Found in deeper mud-sand transitions, requiring sorting through smaller fish. Tungsten jigs and waxworms work well.
Eelpout: Strong activity reported in walleye areas, favoring set lines.


Additional Notes

Minimal snow on the ice eases mobility. A cabin rental for up to six anglers is available, and the restaurant is open for the weekend.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - January 15, 2025

Ice Conditions

Ice thickness exceeds 20 inches, enabling access for all vehicle sizes. Roads to Huddles Reef, Pelican Island, and Diamond Point are wide and open for travel.


Walleye and Perch Activity

Walleyes are biting overnight in depths of 14–16 feet, with set lines using full minnows and jigging spoons performing best.
Perch are active in deeper waters over 18 feet, but anglers need to sort through smaller fish to find keepers.


Seasonal Notes

The bite is described as quality over quantity, with many walleyes measuring over 20 inches. Clear ice and minimal snow make mobility on the lake easy without additional plowing.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - January 1, 2025

Improved Ice Conditions

Ice thickness ranges from 16 to 18 inches, with consistent measurements across most areas. This allows vehicles like gas trucks up to 34 gallons to access the lake safely.


Walleye Fishing Overview

Walleye bites are best during evening and low-light hours, with recommended depths between 16 and 25 feet. Target steep break lines and deeper rock bars using jigging spoons with minnow heads or set minnows on bobber rods.


Daytime Perch Fishing Tips

For perch, focus on depths of 20 to 25 feet, particularly in sand-mud transition zones. Although smaller perch are prevalent, patient anglers can catch larger, keeper-sized fish.


Crappie and Bluegill Movement

These species have shifted to basin areas in smaller lakes. Employ tools like LiveScope or drill numerous holes to locate schools. Caution is advised on these lakes due to inconsistent ice thickness.


Availability and Cautions

A sleeper ice house is available at Trappers Landing Lodge for immediate booking. Exercise caution when driving between stakes and consult updated ice maps for safety.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - December 23, 2024

Current Ice Conditions

Ice thickness ranges from 13 to 15 inches, with some areas reaching 16 to 17 inches. Caution is still advised for heavier vehicles.


Perch Fishing Success

Perch activity is high during the day, particularly in 20 to 25 feet near mud-sand transitions. Jigging spoons with minnow heads in colors like orange, gold, or blue are effective.


Walleye Fishing Tips

The walleye bite remains steady across the lake, especially during low-light hours. During the day, fish deeper areas (20–25 feet), and transition to 10–16 feet near rock-sand zones in the evening.


Upcoming Access and Amenities

Lake access opens for half-ton vehicles and single-axle ice houses starting December 26th. The on-site restaurant will also open with limited hours for food and drinks.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - December 18, 2024

Ice Conditions and Safety Notes

Ice thickness ranges between 12 to 13 inches, with cracks and heaves reported around key areas like Pelican Island and Huddles Reef. Expect 1–3 inches of snow, with some forecasts predicting up to 6 inches. Snow may conceal dangerous areas.


Fishing Updates

Walleye fishing is steady, with low-light and evening hours proving most successful. Anglers are advised to fish in depths of 10–16 feet near rock-sand transitions. Jigging spoons and set lines with minnows are recommended.


Access and Facility Availability

Access opens for half-ton trucks and single-axle ice houses starting December 26th. Limited amenities, including the restaurant, will be available with adjusted hours.


Lake Variations

Smaller and deeper lakes, including Walker Bay, have significantly thinner ice (3–5 inches) and should be approached with extreme caution.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - December 12, 2024

Ice Thickness Updates

Ice measurements show 7 to 10 inches, with 7–8 inches being the average in most areas. Walker Bay just froze over, and parts of smaller lakes still have only 3–5 inches.


Safety Reminders

Fatalities have been reported due to insufficient ice; all travelers are urged to test ice thickness frequently. ATV, UTV, and snowmobile travel is safer, but even these require precautions.


Fishing Highlights

The walleye bite is strongest during low-light conditions in depths ranging from 6 to 25 feet. Anglers report quality catches of walleye over 25 inches. Perch and crappie fishing is productive in shallow bays like Sucker Bay and Boy Bay.


Upcoming Access and Rentals

Trappers Landing Lodge opens for public ice road access on December 26th, with sleeper houses available for rental.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - November 27, 2024

Ice Formation Updates

Main basin of Leech Lake remains open, with shallow bays like Miller Bay, Boy Bay, and Sucker Bay starting to freeze. Smaller lakes and ponds in the area are also beginning to form ice.


Weather Forecast and Expectations

Single-digit and subzero temperatures are predicted, which should accelerate ice formation. However, strong winds may delay ice formation over larger areas.


Fishing Opportunities and Ice Packages

Fall walleye bite has been exceptional, setting high expectations for the season. New packages combining cabin rentals with sleeper ice houses are available, starting at $550 per night for up to 8 anglers.


Facility and Access Details

Ice roads and facilities open on December 26th. Free onshore and ice parking will be provided, with additional seasonal and weekend access passes available.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - October 12, 2024

Walleye Fishing Update

The walleye bite is currently at its peak, with productive depths ranging from 10 to 15 feet. Key areas include Bear Island, Battle Point, and Diamond Point. Use jigging minnows with colors like green glow or watermelon for the best results.


Musky Activity

Musky are transitioning with water temperatures in the mid-50s. They are concentrated around secondary breaks (12–25 feet) near sand and gravel transitions. Use slower-moving baits such as rubber lures in colors mimicking whitefish or perch.


Seasonal and Weather Insights

Cooling temperatures and wind direction significantly influence fish behavior. Windblown points and calm conditions call for varied approaches. The fall bite is expected to remain strong with upcoming cooler weather.


Family-Friendly Opportunities

Dock fishing with slip bobbers or pitching jigs is a fun activity for families. Specials on lodging offer extended stays for anglers planning weekend trips.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - August 23, 2024

Bass Fishing Highlights

Smallmouth bass are being caught in 6 to 12 feet near sand-rock and weed-sand transitions. Effective lures include Ned rigs and drop shots with dark colors (e.g., black, purple, and green).
Largemouth bass are active in Boy Bay and Headquarters Bay, with frogs performing well in thick vegetation.


Walleye Fishing Insights

Walleye activity is best during overnight hours and in low light at depths of 12 to 15 feet, extending to 18 to 23 feet during sunny, calm days. Shad-style baits in perch and blue-silver colors are effective.


Perch and Seasonal Fishing

Perch are active in Boy Bay and Walker Bay, favoring sand patches within weeds. Jig and minnow setups are recommended.


Seasonal Events

The Bassmaster Open is underway, showcasing competitive fishing on Leech Lake. Lodging specials are available for Labor Day weekend.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - August 2, 2024

Walleye Fishing Highlights

Walleyes are active in 12 to 15 feet, particularly near Diamond Point, Pelican Island, and Huddles Reef. Techniques like jigging wraps, slip bobbers, and trolling crankbaits are effective.
Clear water calls for bright, flashy crankbait colors. Adjust lure depth to keep it 2–4 feet off the bottom.


Smallmouth Bass Update

Smallmouth are thriving in the same 12 to 15 feet depth, favoring rock and boulder structures. Topwater baits are effective during low-light periods, while Ned rigs and drop shots mimic crayfish well during the day.


Musky Activity

Muskies are transitioning from deeper areas to sand and rock zones. Smaller baits are more successful, with anglers reporting consistent follows and occasional hookups.


Seasonal Trends and Events

Cooler weather next week is expected to enhance fishing. Openings are available at Trappers Landing Lodge for anglers targeting the late-summer bite.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - June 28, 2024

Walleye Fishing Highlights

Walleyes are being caught in 14 to 25 feet, with most activity near Rogers Point, Diamond Point, and Bear Island. Key techniques include using slip bobbers, jigging wraps, crankbaits, and spinners. Covering water and switching techniques is crucial due to varying fish activity.


Panfish and Musky Activity

Bluegills and crappies are active in shallow weed pockets, particularly in Boy Bay and Headquarters Bay.
Muskies remain active in bays near weed lines, such as Miller Bay. Anglers should focus on smaller baits for consistent results.


Seasonal Impact and Mayfly Hatch

Recent mayfly hatch and cooler water temperatures require anglers to adjust strategies. Overcast conditions favor fishing shallower weed lines, while sunny days call for deeper water exploration.


Additional Highlights

Lodging and dining are available at Trappers Landing Lodge, with live music scheduled for the weekend. Upcoming cooler weather is expected to enhance fishing conditions further.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - June 21, 2024

Walleye Fishing Highlights

Anglers are finding walleyes in 16 to 22 feet of water near Diamond Point, Bungy Bay, and Bear Island. Successful techniques include trolling bottom bouncers with spinners, using slip bobbers with leeches, and pitching jigs with nightcrawlers.
Low-light and windy conditions allow walleyes to move shallower, into less than 12 feet near weed beds and transition zones.


Smallmouth Bass Update

Smallmouth bass are active in 10 to 15 feet, with topwater baits proving effective during mornings and evenings. Tube jigs and drop shots also perform well near rock bars and wind-blown areas.


Musky and Seasonal Insights

Muskies remain near weed edges in bays, as water temperatures are not yet warm enough for their full transition to rock structures. Cooler weather and rain are helping delay mayfly hatches, maintaining favorable fishing conditions.


Additional Highlights

Lodging and dining are available at Trappers Landing Lodge, including live music events during the weekend. Families are encouraged to explore fishing opportunities with their children.

Trappers Landing Lodge - Leech Lake Fishing Report - June 14, 2024

Walleye Fishing Insights

Walleyes are transitioning to summer patterns. Best depths range from 18 to 25 feet during sunny days and 6 to 10 feet in weed edges during overcast or windy conditions.
Effective techniques include slip bobbers with leeches or nightcrawlers, bottom bouncers with spinners, and jig setups.


Panfish and Musky Updates

Crappies and bluegills are active in Boy Bay, with a daily limit of five fish per person.
Muskies remain in shallow sand and weedy areas, favoring smaller, slower-moving lures during this transitional phase.


Seasonal Trends

A slight mayfly hatch has started but hasn’t significantly impacted fishing. Water clarity and longer lead setups are critical for success.
With Father’s Day weekend approaching, it’s an excellent time to introduce kids to fishing opportunities on Leech Lake.