JULY TIPS and GUIDE possibilities??

A group of us our staying at Hiawatha Beach resort the 3rd week of July and was looking for some Leech Lake fishing tips for that time of year. What parts of the lake/structure should we target and tactics?

Also would like suggestions of a seasoned guide to take out the first day to give us some idea of starting points at that time?

thanks

Hello Joe,

Give me a call at 320-249-7026 about Leech and Guiding.

Dave

I’d check this guy out. If muskies is what your after he’s the guy. I’m sure he’s good on everything else as well but they specialize on muskies.

http://www.jackshriver.com/guide.htm

Joe –

Walleyes your main target this trip, or are you gonna break tradition and chase muskies?

Mike

I only have time to be obsessed with one species so walleyes it is.

Given that I am going on this trip as well, I am also wondering how to target the ‘eyes. Rigging, jigging, trolling, leadcore, boards…????

Hoping to shorten the learning curve a little… Since this is a family trip, we won’t have all day/every day to devote to fishing.

Also, are mid-summer perch a possibility? Similar locations to the walleyes, or different areas all together?

Thanks!

Mike

I would watch the water temps to stear my techniques. In July I have had good luck with spinner rigs and crankbaits. In June it usualy pays to use a jig and minnow or leech or lindy rig. You realy want to watch the wind on Leech and go to the wind blown structures. Hiring a guide the first day is a realy smart move.

Given that we will be staying at Hiawatha (near Minnesota island, north of Walker Bay), anyone know how the fishing generally is in on that side of the lake?

Is there generally more weeds on that side? (vs reefs, open water, etc??)

Thanks!!

I think you will be heading out of Steamboat bay and into either walker bay or thru the narrows in the big lake. The bay you are staying in can be good early but is shallow. If you are targeting bass you could fish in the bay.

You will notice a group of boats south of sand point in the evenings, they get walleyes there an hour or so before dark. During the day you can work the breaks in this area and do fine. From the point west you will find various weed beds that hold walleye in 12ft to 15ft that can be caught all day. This area can be really good with a south wind. The big lake schools of walleye will be broke up and scattered but it is a crank bait trollers bite for the most part. The big lake can get dependent on wind due to its shallowness. The are many more options then mentioned, if you have any experience walleye fishing you should do just fine.

You will want to use a lindy rig with a leech or crawler for walleyes, a jig and minnow will also work and you will pick up a few pike,,,,,,,and loose a few jigs.

Awesome, Tom, thanks for the info!

Mike

In July fishing will still be good 1/8oz jig and a minnow on the windy points and shore line Flats around Goose Island should be good as well as flats up by Pelican Island dont forget to lindy with a leech and crawler also with early ice out should be good. Trolling plugs at dark is a good bet shad raps off windy points.

As always Ill be using an 1/8oz jig green or gold with a big Rainbow from my pond. This year because of the early ice out Im also going to fish Lindy Rigs and a Leech. Good luck.

Pics of a Father and Son on Leech and one I caught. Just remember Leech is big if the wind comes up be alert. Wind is the key the Goose Island area is a good starting point, youll see boats.

Bob Auel
Leech Lake Guide
218-836-2014