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 - 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.
