What has changed on Leech Lake in the past 30 yrs?

[Larbo]

I summered vacationed and then worked a couple years at Brindley's Harbor Resort on Leech back when Bob & Millie Swan owned it 30 years ago. The green box had been out a few years. (depth finder) I would find Mokey Reef by lining up points. No or few house's were in Sucker and Portage Bay. I haven't been back to the lake since then. I was wondering how the lake has changed? Does all the shoreline have new cabins, homes and condo's built on it. I have heard of combat fishing stories on opening day with lack of fishing morals. I was also told it's now a great largemouth bass fishery with small walleyes everywhere and alot of pressure on the musky population.

What is the lake like now?

Thanks, Larry

[REW]

Larbo,
Leech is in as good shape as it has been in many years due to great efforts by everyone that lives there, fishes there and reasonably intelligent management of the resources.

Come up and enjoy.

REW

[walleyedmike]

The casino at the "Y" went from a shoebox to a sprawling megaplex!

[Suzuki]

When I fished it several times about 20 years ago the fishing seemed poor. I have heard nothing but good things about the fishing there in recent years though I have not been back.

[ffishman]

For the last 30 years I have fished Cass, 21miles north of Leech. Not all that many years ago, Cass was overloaded with fisherman. A guide I used to know that lived up there told me leech was not producing walleye and all these guys were now driving to Cass to fish. Seems the Cormorant desimated the fish in Leech. I have heard they have controlled the cormornats, and the fishing is making a rapid comeback. There have been good reports coming out of there now.

[Phil T]

Many of the resorts have closed, and the land went to "executive" houses. Others have changed ownership. After the crash of '08, some of those executive houses didn't get built. Steamboat Bay has an impressive looking lodge.
The hotel at the city docks has been refurbished and now has a nice bar/dining room. (Chaseonthelake.com)
I remember Portage Bay being choked with weeds that emerged at depths less than 6 feet or so. Last time I was there rusty crayfish had grazed it bare.
Jeff Arnold doesn't manage Reed's anymore, due to health reasons. It's now run by his son(s). It's not the same.

[JiMinneye]

It was a very tough fishery for a few years and the resorts and tourism were really hurting but with a 4 fish limit and a 18" slot and the D.N.R. shooting cormorants, and a massive stocking effort, the lake has now come along way back. Maybe even better than it use to be. 2009 was an great year. There were days that were so good that I wondered if I missed a turn and ended up in Canada.
I haven't fished it yet this year but will start hitting it hard now that the weather is improving. I love the lake, there are so many spots that hold fish and there are so many presentations that work from trolling cranks on the windblown rocky shores to a jig and shiner all year round that it is just a great place to stay,fish and vacation at. You also can't ask for a more diverse fishery. Although I'm not a Bass fisherman the people that I know who do fish it for bass say it might have the best numbers and size for largemouth bass anywhere in the midwest. It also has some monster slab crappies and if Muskie is your thing...well that just goes without saying a thing... Jim

[fishnutbob]

Phil T. Jeff Arnold doesn't manage Reed's anymore, due to health reasons. It's now run by his son(s). It's not the same. Quote

Your post is not true I live in walker and know the family his son's do run Reeds but Jeff is still working taking phone calls. Try calling after six Jeff will answer. I guide on leech lake out of Chase On The lake

The lake is great with many fish being caught look at some of my posts about leech. Great area for a vacation. I see outstate people from all over from Florida to Colorado. Also we have many lakes close to drive and fish. And the Casino to enjoy some fun. Northern lights

www.leisureoutdooradventure4s.com

[Phil T]

When I last talked to his son, he told me Jeff's back was making his life miserable. He said his dad had trouble either sitting or standing for more than 15 minutes at a time. I hope my back never gets that bad, but it's working on it.

[Dave in Walker]

Leech is still a wonderful lake, gorgeous, still great amounts of undeveloped shoreline, and will stay that way, lots of federal land and native land , most of the resorts from days gone bye are now gone. After some poor walleye years it has rebounded, thanks to a lot of help. This year has been tougher for "keeper" eyes but lots of bigger fish, I'll never complain about releasing too big fish. Walker is an amazing town, they do a good job of promoting it, lots of events, and Reeds is still number 1 in my book. I retired up here in "99" been coming to the area since the 50"s with my family.