Leech Lake Fishing Report for January 17th, 2024
January 18, 2024
Report from the Dock
The first extended stretch of cold air of the season has improved ice depths across the state. Unfortunately, this past week has been so cold and windy that it’s prevented most people from getting out and fishing. There were many more reports indicating that snowmobiles, ATVs, and side-by-sides are now being used. In some northern parts of the state, trucks, and wheelhouses have also started showing up on some lakes. Expect that to be more of an option in some areas by this weekend. The recent cold front also seems to have slowed walleye activity. There were plenty of reports of lethargic walleyes providing short windows of activity during low-light periods and after dark, and dead sticks seem to be more productive than spoons. The inland trout season kicked off last Saturday with many reports of active lake trout and stream trout in certain parts of the state. With better weather expected next week, fishing should only continue to improve.
Leech Lake Report
There have been some perch caught off Pine Point and Agency Bay in 9 to 12 feet or off the reefs in 15 to 20 feet. Walleye activity has been somewhat slow. There have been some nice fish caught, just not big numbers, with most coming out of 15 to 22 feet during low-light periods. Anglers are finding tullibees, pike, and eelpout mixed in on those walleye spots during the day. Much of the lake now has 11 to 15 inches of ice, with a bit less in certain areas, but trucks and smaller wheelhouses are being allowed through several resorts. ATVs are good to go in most areas at this point.