Leech Lake water temps

Spent several hours on Leech lake yesterday breaking in the new boat. Brought along some fat heads to perch fish but only found walleyes in several spots. A couple of the larger fish appeared to be spawned out. Water temps are from 50 to 55 on the big lake. Look for water temps to be 60 or a bit above by opener which should make for some good walleye fishing.

Local bait dealer mentioned that as of present the shiner run has been sporadic at best. He does however expect to have plenty by opener. That said I caught a good number of fish in different locations with fat heads today without a miss. I will of course be using shiners if available but will have a mix in the bait well.

Tom Wilson wrote:

Spent several hours on Leech lake yesterday breaking in the new boat. Brought along some fat heads to perch fish but only found walleyes in several spots. A couple of the larger fish appeared to be spawned out. Water temps are from 50 to 55 on the big lake. Look for water temps to be 60 or a bit above by opener which should make for some good walleye fishing.

Local bait dealer mentioned that as of present the shiner run has been sporadic at best. He does however expect to have plenty by opener. That said I caught a good number of fish in different locations with fat heads today without a miss. I will of course be using shiners if available but will have a mix in the bait well.

Good report Tom!! My “shiner sources”–on the sunny days, are getting good amounts. They will load up in the next few days. Two weeks of warm stuff and most any live bait/leeches/crawlers will work –and cranks too…can’t wait!! Much easier to keep those cranks alive…

Went out exploring last night once the winds died down. It was 48 on the main lake right in front of the resort. In the Marina we had 50 degrees. On the southern side of Boy and Headquarters bay I had mid 50’s and the far north of Boy bay where the river dumps in I found a small section in a cut that was 58. I caught one crappie up there, a decent bass and a couple of perch. A lot of boats up there for a mid week night. I am sure they are waiting for the crappie bite to start up there. I know the shiners have not moved into the marina yet, usually when they move in the walleye sit right outside the marina. I am hoping the warm weather pushes them in this week. Should be another great opener on the lake. I know I am counting down the days to being busy again.

Trappers Landing Lodge wrote:

Went out exploring last night once the winds died down. It was 48 on the main lake right in front of the resort. In the Marina we had 50 degrees. On the southern side of Boy and Headquarters bay I had mid 50’s and the far north of Boy bay where the river dumps in I found a small section in a cut that was 58. I caught one crappie up there, a decent bass and a couple of perch. A lot of boats up there for a mid week night. I am sure they are waiting for the <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>crappie bite to start up there. I know the shiners have not moved into the marina yet, usually when they move in the <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>walleye sit right outside the marina. I am hoping the warm weather pushes them in this week. Should be another great opener on the lake. I know I am counting down the days to being busy again.

Great report Josh!
I’ll see you guys bright and early on the opener!