leech lake Downrigging on Leech

[slammer]

Anyone ever do it?  It looks like there is some large areas of flats with 20-30 ft depths that would be good areas to try.  Have never fished the lake so not sure if it would be worth the effort?

[leechlake]

kind of cool you are thinking outside of the box.  In my thoughts I wouldn't try to recreate the wheel though on fishing Leech.   First thought is that even though you've identified those flats are the fish there and why?  Maybe give it a try but  as somewhat of an experiment and not as your focused tactic.  LOTW's fish are there for a different reason because it's a different lake and that's why it works there.

[slammer]

Thanks for the reply.  I d/rig on LOTW a lot and was just wondering if anyone has tried on Leech.  I realize the lakes are totally different with the stained water vs clear and probably a lot more structure and bottom makeup at Leech?  I like to fish raps a lot and have pretty good luck with them.  If I ever do get over there I would maybe try to hit that 20 ft range if fish show on sonar.  I think it would be fun and interesting to try.  I'm guessing the fish go a bit deeper as the water warms and hangout on reefs or points?

[MattL]

I've caught alot of walleyes on Leech pulling leadcore in mid to late summer in those depth ranges.  I don't know much about the pros and cons of downrigging compared to leadcore but I don't see why it wouldn't work. 

[fishgutz77]

I've been down rigging on leech for many yrs. Best baits have been minnow raps run 70-80 back and 25 down. every year I fish it for 9 solid days at the end of august with a lot of the pigs deep and we get'em. we always pull 4 colors of lead with big reefrunners on them as well. most of the action is in Walker bay. We try to target fish above the 35 ft mark not to cause them harm. the problem is lots of big northerns down there as well and they will run up 15 ft to slam you. Some time we pull big baits to target muskies as well. best producers are the big grandma lures and large bagley bang o b's. once in while you will find a nice school of eaters deep and then we use stick baits and #5 shad raps. good luck see you on the water.

[slammer]

Thanks fishgutz.  Thats just what I wanted to hear.  Now I need a place to stay.  Any suggestions?

[fishgutz77]

I like  Baileys on Kabekona  bay. reasonable rates and marina. if it gets really rough on leech you can still fish.

[HuskerTornado]

I have stayed at Brindley's Harbor for years.  Great people and being in Trader's Bay, you are centrally located and can access any part of the lake quickly.  Covered slips in the harbor are really nice to have as well

[slammer]

Been looking online at places to stay.  There are a lot of them.  A little surprised at the prices they charge.  A bit higher than LOW resorts but not bad.