Leech Lake Trip Countdown…

Hey folks,

I’m brand new to the InDepthOutdoors community. I can’t say how much I love watching the videos and picking up a few tips here and there.

I’m taking my dad and son up to Leech Lake Jan 2-6 to knock off one of my dad’s bucket list items. He’s always wanted to spend the night on the ice fishing in a sleeper house. Camping on the ice!!!! I’ve done it once before for 1 night, but this is going to be an awesome experience for 4 nights. We’re from the Chicago suburbs and I have amazing memories of ice fishing with my dad when I was a kid. I’ve taken my son out with a few of his buddies ice fishing, but they easily get distracted. Hopefully this won’t be the case on this trip. 8.5 hour drive should be worth it if we get on some good Walleyes and Perch.

We’re gonna be in Walker Bay if anyone has any tips or insights how to fish that area. We’ve never been on Leech so any help would be appreciated. If anyone is going to be on Leech in this area the 2nd – 6th, I’ll have a beer ready for ya!

I’m getting more and more excited by the minute!!!

Tight Lines!

Joe

Although I’ve never fished Walker Bay although I’ve fished the south basin. All my Walleye came after dark due to the super clear water, with some in the 5 to 6 pound range. Got a few whitefish during the day never did find the perch.
I’m sure the rental place will put you on Fish and offer some good advice. They know the area and latest information. Have a great trip.

For me it really seems to come down to the weather. During a cold front the fish really turn off. With the right weather I’ve had really good nights, 10-12 walleyes throughout the course of the night. I would say typically we catch 3 to 6 walleyes on rattle reels per night. But it’s definitely a low light bite. I have never caught a walleye during the day.

Thanks Tbone and cgriff!

Welcome to IDO and soon to Northern MN! Leech is an amazing lake with trophy fish of a lot of species, but it can be tricky to ice fish. You generally have to stay on the move during the day to continue catching, and I’d bet your sleeper house is going to be setup in a spot for good fishing during primetime (sunrise/sunset). So I’d strongly recommend getting a guide early in the trip to learn a few spots and techniques. Phil Bauerly from OutrightAngling.com (or Facebook Outright Angling) has been on IDO a few times, and is an excellent guide who has been posting some really nice fish this winter!