Different fisheries go through different cycles. For whatever reasons, sometimes for a couple of years in a row, fishing is either cycling up or cycling down in some bodies of water.

Leech Lake, found in the north central part of Minnesota, experienced a down cycle in its walleye population a few years ago. Instead of waiting for Mother Nature to straighten things out, the folks around Leech and the Minnesota DNR got involved to do what they thought was necessary to re-establish Leech as the outstanding walleye fishery that it had been.

Were they successful? A resounding “Yes”!

Is Leech Lake the same fishery it was before the downturn? Absolutely not! It’s better! Much better!

If you’re looking for walleyes to put on the table, Leech has’em.

If you’re looking for walleyes of a really nice average size to stretch your string, Leech has those too.

This historic body of water has an eighteen to twenty six inch protected slot limit for walleyes, meaning any walleye between those lengths must be released. When you visit Leech Lake, you will no doubt be putting some fish back. You’ll be able to find plenty of fish to eat, and you’ll also find plenty of big ones. That’s a great situation!

Leech Lake isn’t just about walleyes. There are lots of perch, and they’re great on the table. Some of the bays are home to slab crappies.

In different areas of the lake you’ll find hawg largemouth bass and world-class muskies. Leech Lake truly is a multi-species angler’s dream come true.

But more about the walleyes. The walleyes on Leech seem to be very wind-oriented. Find an area that the wind has been blowing into for a few hours and you’ll find hungry walleyes.

In mid-June of last year, the Fishing the Midwest crew shot an episode of Fishing the Midwest on Leech. Bob Jensen joined Leech Lake experts Al Maas and Dana Pitt for an afternoon of walleye action. The action was fast, with walleyes of different sizes coming over the side of the boat. There were plenty of eating size walleyes along with jumbo perch, but the trio of anglers also took a bunch of walleyes in the slot. Nothing but a good time!! The fish were scattered in nine to twelve feet of water on a flat of emerging sandgrass. Boat control wasn’t difficult and didn’t need to be precise: The walleyes were everywhere. The guys started a drift in twelve feet of water, let the wind push them into eight or nine feet of water, then they reeled in and started a new drift. Almost every drift produced fish. This is relaxing fishing, but also very exciting and productive.

Leech Lake is right on the shores of the town of Walker. Walker has a great Main Street with a true Northwoods flavor. It’s lined with shops and restaurants: Just the sort of stuff that fishing trips are made of.

And the action isn’t just in town. There are nearly thirty resorts around the lake that offer a variety of activities. Whatever you’re looking for in lodging accommodations, you can find them somewhere around the lake.