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Well the 2016 Minnesota Walleye Opener is in the books. I think many of us were confused whether we were prepping for the Deer Opener or Walleye Opener because of Mother Nature’s decision to give us below freezing temps and bitter winds. What we as anglers were feeling the walleyes were not. Leech Lake once again proved to have a bountiful and sustainable walleye population this past weekend. In regards to the fishing report, walleyes were scattered throughout the lake and in various depths. Some of our best fishing was in 6-7 feet of water, but also many fish, especially males were caught in 10-12 feet of water. Once catching a walleye, it was very important to pay attention to the depth, straying away often time meant mixed results where as dialing in on that certain depth meant more hook sets. Perch and pike were mixed in when catching fish. A couple different bites and locations worked best. Any where you could find green cabbage meant finding hungry walleyes, as well as working sand flats and sand grass edges. The traditional wind blown points such as Pine, Stoney, Duck, Ottertail, Oak, Star, etc. all produced fish as well, but saw alot of boat traffic and pressure. On the West side of Lake, West Goose Flats, Hardwoods, and Mounds points produced solid results. On the East and South end of the Lake, Five Mile, Portage Bay, Battle Point, Partridge Point, Diamond, and Rogers also saw quality fishing. When working these areas key in on speed and jig cadence. Finding what the walleyes are wanting is the key. This can mean switching out jig colors, jig profiles, or changing your speed and going faster or slowing down. At times during the afternoon or when fishing a pressured area, walleyes were wanting a 1/4oz or 1/8oz jigged dragged through the sand, but when you found a less pressured area snap jigging and going faster mean putting the net under more fish. Leech Lake is off to a great start and the upcoming weekends and warmer temps should continue to help the bite. Be sure to be safe, use proper etiquette, and protect our great fishery! Until next week Tight Lines! Jason Freed Leisure Outdoor Adventures