December 9, 2002
FROM: Leech Lake Guide Coalition
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 517, Walker, MN 56484
SUBJECT: Leech Lake Area Fishing Report
PHONE: 218.547.3212
WEB: http://www.leechlakeguides.com
Ice conditions in the Leech Lake Area are excellent. Many portions of Leech Lake have 10-14” of ice and we are beginning to see small vehicles traveling on the ice. There is also quite a bit of ATV & snowmobile travel as well. These great ice conditions are allowing anglers great mobility and ability to get to their favorite hot spots.
Much of the ice fishing action right not is taking place in Steamboat Bay, Boy Bay and off Pine Point. Typical early season areas. Perch, walleyes and pike are dominating the interest. Perch have been catch able yet on the small size off Pine Point in 8-11 ft of water. Some better jumbo size perch being caught in Traders Bay in depths of 13-15 ft. Most anglers choosing to use small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head for the jumbo perch. Northern Pike action from Steamboat Bay and Boy Bay has been good with a 35” pike reported this past week. That fish was caught on a sucker minnow and quick strike rig in 7’ of water over a cabbage bed in Steamboat Bay. Walleyes are the great interest here now and being caught occasionally in the Grand View Flats area off Pine Point, the channel near walker narrows in Steamboat Bay, Boy Bay and on the humps of Walker Bay. The ice in Walker Bay is the narrowest ice on the lake, travel cautiously here as only 4-8” of ice on most of the bay. However, the humps here are putting out numbers of walleyes, especially over the weekend with 22-25” fish caught and released. Walleyes are responding to the Northland Fire-Eye Minnow spoon tipped with a minnow head jigged aggressively over humps topping out in the 22-26’ depth range. Other walleyes are biting shiner minnows on a chartreuse Super-Glo #4 hook by Northland Tackle under a bobber. These presentations worked very well over the last couple days in Boy Bay for walleyes.
All small lakes in the area reporting excellent ice conditions. Travel on the area lakes with ATV’s is common. Welsh Lake north of Walker reporting crappie action on the south end of the lake in 16’ of water.
The Leech Lake Area Fishing Guides wish you a happy fish filled Holiday!!
Leech Lake Guide Coalition
http://www.leechlakeguides.com
218-547-3212