No Leeches

[dirtman44]

I came up to my seasonal on Lake Minnewaska today and stopped at the bait store to grab a couple lures a some bait. Got my minnows then walked over to the cooler to grab some crawlers and leeches and all they had was crawlers. I asked where the leeches where and he told me they are gone for the year. Anybody else seeing their bait stores not carrying leeches anymore for the season already? Seems kind of early to me. I don't remember them ever being unavailable this early in the year.

[walleyedude2001]

You should check out the bait shop just out of town to the east by the Airport. It's on the left side of the road going east, all by itself. I can't remember the name on the outside, but it's a "self-serve" place. they typically have crawlers and leechs there. Their minnows are second to none, very healthy and better than average size. A very conveinent place since it's open 24/7. Have spoken to the guy that runs it, very nice people. He does it to help the locals, don't abuse the "self-serve" or it could ruin it for all. it's a close option you might want to look into.

[jeffbilodeau]

From what the bait shop guys are saying there will be an early end to the leeches this year. Drought and heat related causes are the assumption. Typically right around Labor day is the end around here. If you find any after that they are usually really small. I heard there are some shops around Mille Lacs that still have jumbos but obviously they were stockpiled. You can keep leeches for a month or more if you keep them in aerated and relatively clean water. (note to self for next year.....)

[fetchwillie]

Just stocked up on a few thing at my local bait shop and they are out of leeches, called my local Scheels and they have been out for a month

[Tim Ellis]

Originally Posted by walleyedude2001

You should check out the bait shop just out of town to the east by the Airport. It's on the left side of the road going east, all by itself. I can't remember the name on the outside, but it's a "self-serve" place. they typically have crawlers and leechs there. Their minnows are second to none, very healthy and better than average size. A very conveinent place since it's open 24/7. Have spoken to the guy that runs it, very nice people. He does it to help the locals, don't abuse the "self-serve" or it could ruin it for all. it's a close option you might want to look into.

I've been to this location and would recommend trying it out. They are bait wholesalers who also sell retail via "self serve". Cool place and nice people too!

[Larry Mac]

Originally Posted by jeffbilodeau

From what the bait shop guys are saying there will be an early end to the leeches this year. Drought and heat related causes are the assumption. Typically right around Labor day is the end around here. If you find any after that they are usually really small. I heard there are some shops around Mille Lacs that still have jumbos but obviously they were stockpiled. You can keep leeches for a month or more if you keep them in aerated and relatively clean water. (note to self for next year.....)

We were told the same thing and was fortunate to get our Canadian order in before they ran out. Ours will be waiting for us when we get there. we were told they no longer can get any as stated above. Have a great year

Thank you,
Larry Mac

[GreatWhiteNorth517]

Originally Posted by dirtman44

I came up to my seasonal on Lake Minnewaska today and stopped at the bait store to grab a couple lures a some bait. Got my minnows then walked over to the cooler to grab some crawlers and leeches and all they had was crawlers. I asked where the leeches where and he told me they are gone for the year. Anybody else seeing their bait stores not carrying leeches anymore for the season already? Seems kind of early to me. I don't remember them ever being unavailable this early in the year.

Fished Minnewaska on 8/15 and Cedar had leeches. They were labeled medium-I would have called them small. But they were there.
But yeah, it's bad a bad leech year.

[Lund1993]

Went to the bait store by big marine lake and they were out. But luckily my friend gave me 4 dozen jumbos yesterday so i should be able to make them last for a couple weeks.