Devils lake vs Leech/Winnie

Planning a weekend trip for the weekend of July 6th, trying to decide between devils lake and leech/Winnie… What’s everyone’s opinions? I’m in Moorhead so it’s roughly the same distance to either. Walleyes are the target. Don’t really need to keep any since I’ve got enough in the freezer already from local lakes. I’m looking for a bigger body of water to pick apart, I’ve been beating them up on local lakes but want to try one of these big lakes to find some new structure. Both lakes look like fun to fish, I just can’t decide which one!

Devil’s would be my choice.

Equal distance I would choose Devils Lake. You can always find active fish there.

I’d go Devil’s. Endless water with 100 options to get out of the wind. Plus I’m guessing there’s a larger population of really big fish. You also have Pelican, Irvin, Alice, and Stump waters right there.

Devils. Fishing early July can be tough on Leech/Winne due to an abundance of food for the fish including a giant mayfly hatch the past few years.Can still catch fish, but it’s a grind.

Looks like Devils it is! I was leaning more towards devils, big lake with endless options!

Matt L wrote:

Devils. Fishing early July can be tough on Leech/Winne due to an abundance of food for the fish including a giant mayfly hatch the past few years.Can still catch fish, but it’s a grind.

Not “real” close by, I’m roofing on Ottertail right now, but the Mayflies are getting thick!

Between those two, Devils hands down. And I live in winnie/Leech country.

Pailofperch wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Matt L wrote:</div>
Devils. Fishing early July can be tough on Leech/Winne due to an abundance of food for the fish including a giant mayfly hatch the past few years.Can still catch fish, but it’s a grind.

Not “real” close by, I’m roofing on Ottertail right now, but the Mayflies are getting thick!

I fish around that area and Detroit Lakes 90% of the time! Good to know. Now to break out the tricks to make these finicky walleyes eat during the hatch!