Fishing Leech Lake

AKA: Leech Reservoir

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, bowfin, muskie and northern pike at Leech Lake in Minnesota.

Rich history, natural beauty and great fishing make Leech Lake a very desirable destination. Great for a fishing trip or extended family vacation, the area is packed with campgrounds, lodging, restaurants and everything you need to enhance your stay. But the real draw is the fishing.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Video

Leech Lake, located in northern Minnesota, is renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities and diverse fish species. Anglers from far and wide flock to this iconic lake to test their skills and reel in some of Minnesota's most sought-after fish.

Bass fishing is a major draw on Leech Lake, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass thriving in its waters. Anglers can target largemouth bass in the lake's weed beds, submerged vegetation, and around structure, while smallmouth bass can be found near rocky shorelines and points. Leech Lake offers fantastic bass fishing throughout the season, and anglers can experience the thrill of battling these hard-fighting fish.

Walleye, the state fish of Minnesota, is another popular species in Leech Lake. The lake boasts a healthy walleye population, attracting anglers looking for a rewarding catch. Whether you're trolling along the expansive flats or jigging near underwater structures, Leech Lake offers ample opportunities to hook into walleye. Anglers often find success during the early morning and evening hours when walleye are most active.

Yellow perch are abundant in Leech Lake and provide a fun and delicious angling experience. These schooling fish can be found near weed beds, drop-offs, and other areas of structure. Anglers can target perch using small jigs tipped with live bait or using finesse techniques. Catching a mess of yellow perch is a great way to enjoy a day on the water and take home a tasty meal.

Bluegill and black crappie are popular panfish species in Leech Lake. Anglers can target these fish near weed edges, submerged vegetation, or brush piles. Whether you're fishing from a boat or casting from shore, bluegill and crappie fishing in Leech Lake is sure to provide hours of angling enjoyment.

Leech Lake is also renowned for its trophy-sized muskie and northern pike. Anglers seeking the ultimate challenge can target these apex predators using large lures, such as bucktails or topwater baits. Casting along weed lines, rock structures, and points can yield exciting encounters with these elusive and powerful fish.

With its variety of popular fish species, incredible scenic beauty, and recreational amenities, Leech Lake stands as one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations. Whether you're chasing bass, walleye, perch, panfish, muskie, or pike, Leech Lake offers an unforgettable fishing experience in a picturesque and tranquil setting.

Although the lake is known as a top walleye fishing lake, anglers can also pursue bass, crappie, sunfish, perch, bowfin, muskie and pike year round. Leech Lake is a 111,000-acre lake in the north-central part of the state, at Walker. When bass, walleye and other species spend time shallow, they have about 200 miles of shoreline to inhabit. Big pike and muskie roam the lake and the chance of catching a monster is realistic on every cast. Once the ice is safe in winter, most all the fish species can be caught through the ice. Boat owners have multiple choices for boat launch ramps around the lake, and there are rental boats available during the season at marinas and recreation areas. At much of the public area and campgrounds there is easy access for fishing from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Leech Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Leech Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Leech Lake, with numerous access points and marinas available for anglers to explore its vast waters. Anglers can enjoy cruising the lake's scenic shorelines, searching for productive fishing spots or simply taking in the breathtaking views. Camping facilities along the lake provide opportunities for anglers to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

J & K Marine
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
218 847-1060

Shores of Leech Lake
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
218 547-1819

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Erickson's Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off State Route 200, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Leech Lake River, Hwy 8 Boat Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off County Road 8 NE, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Shingobee Island Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Shingobee Road NW, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Stony Point Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Stony Point Camp Road NW, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sucker Bay Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off N Shore Drive NW, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Walker City Park Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Railroad Avenue W, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Whipolt Wayside Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Maple Leaf Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Click here for a Minnesota Fishing License.