Federal Dam

[teamtingler]

I am fishing Leech on opener for the first time and I am camping at Federal Dam (aka Leech Lake Recreational area). Does anyone out there fish that side of the lake and if so where should a guy start out? I have a map but I don't know where to start...help!

[Guest]

5 mile point, Sugar Point, the area between Battle point and Bear Island, as well as the west side of Bear Island over to Pelican Reef and Red Rocks are all popular spring walleye spots. Usually a jig and a minnow is the ticket. Any color as long as it's green <P>How long will you be up there for? I will be up on Monday a.m. Have to let the crowds disperse a little <P>------------------<BR>Paul<BR> [email protected]

[teamtingler]

Thanks for the tip Paul. I am heading up to Cross Lake tonight to meet my fishing partner and tomorrow we will do some crappie fishing in Cross Lake and then head up to Leech in the afternoon. I will only be there until Sunday and then I have to head back to buy my wife a gift for mothers day (whoops). Do you know if you can leave your boat in the water at Federal Dam or do you have to trailer each time you come in? Also, is the West side as good as the east side or is it a toss up?

[Guest]

I have always taken my boat out of the water up there as they don't have any lifts. You just pull it up on shore. Also a lot of traffic going by and I don't want anything to vanish. <P>IMHO early in the year the east side is better, as summer progresses walleye seem to migrate towards the west side and the deeper water that is found there.<P>------------------<BR>Paul<BR> [email protected]

[teamtingler]

I hear the day bite is good enough that it isn't worth going out at night. Any thoughts?

[Guest]

I've never fished it at night. The day bite can be very good.<P>------------------<BR>Paul<BR> [email protected]

[Guest]

Unless you want to, you really wouldn't have to leave Portage Bay. You've got a lot of good water right there -- especially off 5-mile point that Paul mentioned.<P>Watch yourself if you head for Submarine or the areas around Pelican and Red Rocks. Some hazards are marked, but there are many surprises. Be careful.

[walleyewizard]

We've even had good luck on the sand flats between Federal Dam and 5-mile. In front of the church camp where you come out of Federal Dam can be good, and don't forget 2-points. We have to try a different part of the lake this year since our resort was sold. Looking forward to searching for new walleye grounds though. Good luck everyone!