View Full Version : FYI: Avalability of Leech's ND/MN
Backwater Eddy
08-03-2008, 06:01 AM
FYI: Leech's are going to start to dry up very fast guys and galls. Word from the trappers is we are about done, too tough to get. So...if you wish Jumbo's into the next couple of months best stock up soon...like now.
I ordered as many lbs of Jumbos as I can find. Larges are already in tough shape, and hard to find.
I just got in the 5 case's of Frabill Leech Bedding so If you wish leechs down the line, I would grab what leech's you can and bed them up. They last months in it and often get even healthier, great stuff, easy to maintain, no water to change.
They are getting pretty hard to come by in Colorado too...
Jimmy Jig
08-04-2008, 02:33 PM
:laugh:Eddy, I suppose that you refrigerate this bedding the same as water? I have never used it but it sounds good not to change the water ofton.
Backwater Eddy
08-05-2008, 09:51 PM
Yup, pack the leech's and bedding in a Styrofoam container and keep in the firdge. They keep so much better in the bedding than in straight water, it's no work fuss to it at all. It's reusable too, just rehydrate. Just be sure there are no bad ones when you pack them.
no1son
08-07-2008, 04:36 AM
One local baitshop had recent trouble getting suckers and fatheads, too, this past week. Is it just leeches that are going into short supply?
Backwater Eddy
08-07-2008, 06:11 AM
Smaller suckers are in very short supply now, larger suckers will be gone soon.
The spawned suckers on rearing ponds did not take well this season and supplies will run down quickly.
Creek Chubs, very low in availability in ND and MN. New restrictions on importation from out of state makes it worse yet for ND vendors. I have not been able to find any in ND.
Again, leech supplies are drying up very fast.
pdryan0225
08-07-2008, 06:57 AM
Are you talking for the season of forever?
Why the shortage?
I always though leeches were reared in ponds in a somewhat controlled environment.
Has anybody used Gulp Alive! below slipbobbers?
Backwater Eddy
08-07-2008, 08:30 AM
Suckers and chubs short term, I hope. Suckers may be long term, as in tell next spring, if stocks are not replenished before ice-up.
Leech's are seasonal and for the most part are trapped by individuals in the wild. As the season progresses the ability to trap is diminished and the quality also suffers. It is a normal cycle, and varies from year to year.
no1son
08-08-2008, 12:38 PM
The late ice-out and the long cold spring messed up spawning cycles pretty badly and not just for fish. Around here in the Twin Cities duck and goose nesting had very poor success, too.
That should make for an active bite as gamefish start to feed up for winter and they find less forage than normal. Game fish spawning will probably be off next spring as a result, however.
Like Eddy says this is cyclical.
Backwater Eddy
08-08-2008, 09:45 PM
Not looking good at all for any substantial amounts of quality leech's. None available this week and only a glimmer of hope to get more Jumbo's this season.
Larges were is very tough shape so I passed on getting them. With luck may be getting 20 more pounds or so in next week, and that is iffy at best.
Word is no leeches West of Fargo anywhere at this time. The window is shutting fast on leeches for the season if it has not closed already.
For the guys who wish a change of pace. I have located a nice suppy of 4 - 5" Waterdogs. They have been very hot of catfish regionaly but they are walleye candy in many situations too. Especially for larger fish when rigging late summer and fall. ;)
no1son
08-09-2008, 11:33 AM
You know anybody who ever stocks mudpuppies in the Twin Cities?
I aint goin' all the way to the Red just fer bait, but I have been curious about 'em for quite a while.
Backwater Eddy
08-09-2008, 08:51 PM
I would find a area bait trapper, or large bait shop, and ask them if they are around. They do not keep them on hand unless there is a demand. If they know you wish them they would likely round up some for you.
There is a resurgence in interest in them this season so they may find it worth while to get a few gallons and see how they go. On the rivers and backwaters of the rivers near the Twin City's, they should do very well for them. At times they are better than Willowcats and fill in a notch when they are hard to find.