May 6, 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
The opener of the walleye fishing season is shaping up to be excellent on Leech Lake. Consistant tempatures and slowly warming water tempatures are the formula for FINE FISHING!!!!
Guides all agree that fishing will be great come opening day of the Minnesota Walleye Season May 11th. It appears that the walleye’s spawn has completed and will have been completed for a number of days by Saturday. Therefore, numbers of Walleyes will be easy pickens. Smaller male walleyes in the 15-17″ range can be expected in great numbers on the shallow rocky points and shorelines of Leech Lake.
The question remains: Where will the big fish be?
Because fish spawn at slightly different time frames, they will recover from spawing at different times as well. So some larger fish will be caught in the shallow water, yet most will probably be in deeper water. Look for two presentations to produce walleyes this weekend.
As sure as the sun comes up in the morning a jig & minnow combo will catch the majority of the walleyes this weekend. The Lake favorite is the Northland Stand-up FireBall Jig tipped with a minnow. Shades of green/chartreuse are the place to start. Drifted or trolled through the shallow water this combo will catch fish! For the larger fish in the deeper water a Fire-Ball and minnow will work, yet usually a slower presentation for these recovering fish is best. A Roach-Rig (live-bait rig) using a 30-48″ snell, tipped with a minnow or crawler is the key. Slowly trolled along the breaklines near these hard bottom areas that hold the masses of boats and smaller walleyes will have you grabbing the net & posing for pictures.
Good Luck! Have Fun! Wear a lifejacket!
Leech Lake Guide Coalition