Leeches on Leech Lake?

[Bobfest]

Want to book a family vacation on Leech Lake. My wife is concerned that their are leeches all over the place. The resort owner I talked to said their are none of the little "bloodsuckers" but there are mud leeches in the deeper water. My wife is concerned about swimming or waterskiing and getting attacked. Anyone have any info? Our decision to go on this trip hangs in the balance.

[CORSEC]

I was up there in 84'. There were leeches swimming around in the lake then, not that many though. We went swimming several times and never had a leech try to attach itself. Best advise I can give is to go up relax and have a blast. Leeches aren't that big a problem even if they do attach themselves to you, just squeeze the sides of the sucker together to break the seal on the skin and they come right off. No harm done.

[Dave in Walker]

Not an issue, come and have fun, beautiful beaches, how the lake got that name is unknown to me, but its not because of all the leeches swimming around, rarely seen and then almost always in deep water.

[Mike]

My wife and I go to Leech every year for a week long fishing trip,yet to have any leeches attach to either of us or the kids.Go have a fun and relaxing time.

[Atomic Eye]

Buy her a hot pink, 3-mm neoprene wetsuit from Performance Diver. No leeches, no cold, no sunburn, and very cool looking.

Atomic Eye -- "Gone Fission!"

[mnjimcarp]

it is risky, however; not as risky as fishing and vacationing at Serpent Lake. Has she ever seen a serpent?

[REW]

The things that your wife is concerned with is "bloodsuckers".
In general the type of leeches, either the ribbon or tiger leeches are not of the "blood sucking type."

That is why, if you happen to get blood suckers - they really don't make good walleye bait.

I have fished Leech for many years, and - Yes - from time to time I do see some leeches, and often some very large leeches swimming in the water. However, neither myself nor any of my friends or family have ever experienced a blood sucker bite, or any attachment at all with a leech.

This is a beautiful lake with lots to do and enjoy.

As they say in the ads - come on up and enjoy the wonderment of the beautiful north country.

Take care

REW

[Dodge1]

REW covered it all.

My wife and I have been going up to Leech for a number of years and have yet to hear of anyone getting attacked by a leech.

[Schnauzer]

Leech Lake has to have the worst name ever. Especially considering what a nice lake it is. There are no more (or less) leeches per acre in that lake than any other, it just happens to be saddled with that horrible name.

Having a leech (or more likely a blood sucker) latch on is possible but unlikely in most lakes - including Leech Lake.

[Chuck Pederson MN]

Just north of there is Lake Winnibigoshish, It is a good lake to fish but those Winnibigoshishs can leave a mark. Keep you toes out of the water.

[bluelund]

Been to Leech lake many times, it is a beautiful area, never seen a leech except for in the bait bucket. However, I have a place on Lake of the Woods and you should see the leeches that hang out around there, most of them being related to me one way or another. LOL

Take care and good fishing,

Bob M

[Esox7]

I have been to Leech several times, the first trip my wife & daughters" had to have"a pool for self-preservation from the AQUATICS-was there 10 days,they never used the pool.Couldn't get them out of the lake!! Enjoy the trip. Esox7.

[Borch]

What few leeches you'll see swimming in the water are bull leeches(the big ones). They are absolutely harmless. My kids pick them out of the water all the time(in the water they look solid but out of it they have a gellatin consistency). Tell her she will absolutely love the lake and the scenery. Some of the most beautiful sunsets around.

[almosthaddabite]

Having sailed on Leech Lake for 20 years I've seen many leeches 14" and longer. Usually you see them at night if you anchor out. As stated before they are harmless, however, if your wife and small children should be brushing their teeth an shine a light into the water...it could give them a start and another great story.