Leech lake in September

[Sakakawea]

Headin out to leech for the weekend in the middle of september. Not gonna have a lot of time to fish, but am gonna try and get out at least for a day or two. Whats the fishing generally like there that this time of year and where would be a good place to concentrate ones efforts (depth, baits, etc.) Never fished here before. not lookin for gps coords, just curious as to where a guy should start his efforts. thanks in advance

[JiMinneye]

You didn't say where on Leech you will be staying...if it is on the Walker end I would pick any of the points that have wind blowing into them such as Pine Point, Stoney Point, Ottertail Point, Goose Island, the Hardwoods. Last fall I fished mostly the East side of the lake near Federal Dam and did real well off of 5 Mile Point, Sugar Point, Battle Point and almost any shore that the wind was blowing into. As far as depths I would start as shallow as 6-7 feet depending on how much wind there is and work my way out until I contact fish and then start working that depth over real well. As for presentation I would say a jig and a shiner or chub is about as good as anything but I have also done well trolling #5 and #7 Shad Raps along the wind blown shore line. I have fished Leech almost exclusively this summer and it has been tremedous. The last time I was there I think you probably could have caught them on a bare hook. I don't know much about Walker Bay but it has some deep humps that might produce. I know there is a chance you could get caught in the fall turnover on Walker Bay especially this year but you don't have to worry about any turnover on the main lake as it does not have any thermocline due to the lack of depth. I guess you never know how fishing is going to go but I have been on Leech this year in some nasty weather and with one cold front after another and dispite the fronts and lousy weather the fishing has been great. If you will be near Walker stop at Reed's Sports and buy a few jigs and ask them how the fishing is they are a pretty good bunch of people who will not give you bad information. Good Luck, I know you'll have fun :-) Jim

[Sakakawea]

thanks for the info. We will be staying at The Chase for a wedding, so I am trying to decide if it's worth bringing the boat up. Never fished the area before, so I am just trying to get a clue to figure some fish out in a day and a half. Not sure if it will work, but we will see. Thanks for the great info!

[Suzuki]

Leech has been getting a lot of press this year. The fishing is said to be great again. Bring your boat.