Leech Lake Walleye Opener Report

[Walleye #1]

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

 

[ClownColor]

Great report. 

My opener takes place starting tomorrow. I'll be fishing in different weather and boy does it appear great...well weather wise anyways.

I'll be ripping up the east side starting with spinner/minnow combo over some shallow rocks. 2nd stop is Lind rigging or jigging over sand. Pendind that I'll be hitting up the popular points after that. I'm hoping to get a meal for two then CPR. Then its off chase pike in the rivers!

And if that goes well, I'm looking at two lake lots for sale and one cabin. Love it up here and can't wait to be a lakeshore owner on leech...or Benedict!

Happy fishing!

Edited May 19, 2016 by ClownColor

[Neutz68]

15 hours ago, Walleye #1 said:

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

 

Looks like Trae had a good time!!!

[ClownColor]

Well...speed was key. Friday was slow during the day but consistant . 1 mph seemed to work during mid day. Once we figured out a litter faster speed triggered a bite we stayed consistent during the bright warm sun and no wind. Around 3-6pm when the wind picked up the bite was strong. CPRed a lot of fish during those hours but ONLY one keeper all day...no biggy. For us the sand in 10' was the best with a shinner on 4-6 foot Snell. Leech did alright as well. 6 different spots all required a different tactic...crazy...all on one lake!