Leech lake vs. Winnie/MN

[drewski]

I have heard from several people both here and in person that Leech consistently produces better than Winnie for numbers, but Winnie has bigger fish. Any truth? Who knows both lakes and can shed some light on the subject? I fished Winnie for the first time and got mainly perch and a few northerns. Only got 14 'eyes for 6 guys in 3 hard days. I would like to know where to make plans for next year's opener.
Thx

[REW]

It depends on what part of each lake you are fishing.

I suspect that in general - the opposite is true. In fact - that is part of the reason that the DNR has placed a slot limt on Winni this year. i.e. to increase the overall average size average on Winni.

Be in the right spot at the right time on either lake - and you will catch all the fish you want in both numbers and size.

Be in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong bait - and you will go fishless on either lake.

A year ago - I made 50 casts on Winni and caught 49 nice walleyes.

On the other hand - a year ago, on leech I fished for 3 hours and ended up with a 5 and a couple of threess.

Enjoy the lakes they are both wonderful.

Take care

REW

[Phil T.]

Leech is commercially netted, Winnie isn't.

[Fin Addict]

The following is form the '98 MN DNR lake survey for each lake.

Winni had 5.6 walleyes/gill net lift with an average weight of 1.3 lbs.
1:6-8" 14:9-11" 52:12-14" 50:15-19" 11:20-24" 1:25-29"

Leeech had 11.6 walleyes /gill net lift w/ an average weight of .87 lb.
27:6-8" 154:9-11" 106:12-14" 118:15-19" 11:20-24" 3:25-29"

These reports are not bad for seeing what is in a lake. They can be skewed by when and where the nets were set.

[Murph!]

Leech Lake is not commercially fished. Whitefish, Cisco's, and suckers are the only fish that can be sold. There are a few nets but the lake is not commercially netted for walleyes.
Good luck, Murph!