February 18, 2002
FROM: Leech Lake Guide Coalition
SUBJECT: Leech Lake Area Report
PHONE: 218.547.3212
The anglers fishing the Eel Pout Festival on Leech Lake this past weekend reported that they had problems with the numbers or ROUGH FISH, walleyes they were catching. So Leech Lake ended this walleye season with numbers of fish being caught.
Perch anglers are working hard and finding some fish in a few areas of Leech Lake. The numbers of perch are good, yet overall size has been small. Anglers looking to acquire keep some perch are doing lots of choosing. It seems you will catch twenty some fish an hour yet only 4-5 will be over 9″ or so. Plan on putting in some time to catch enough to have a fish fry.
Some areas that are producing include the shallows near Sand Point, 6-8’ of water. Big Hardwoods point in Sucker bay and the Meadows. Larger presentations are catching the jumbos. Jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head is the best presentation. Preferred jig is the Northland Forage Minnow Spoon in the 1/8 or 1/4 oz size.
For ice anglers who did not get their fill of “pout” this past weekend. Can anticipate the Eel Pout bite getting better and better the next couple weeks as the fish begin to move onto the humps in Walker bay for pre-spawn.
Other opportunities await anglers in our area such as spring ice fishing for Tullibee, Whitefish, and panfish.
It is best to get out and enjoy the great ice fishing weather we have now, rather than regret it when harsh winter conditions return… You think winters over……This is Minnesota.
Leech Lake Guide Coalition
218-547-3212