Leech Lake Fishing Report for April 22nd, 2026
April 23, 2026
Report from the Dock – Minnesota Fishing Conditions
This week’s Minnesota fishing report shows that while some ice remains in parts of northern Minnesota, none of it is safe for fishing. Even in the far north, shorelines have pulled away, and the remaining ice has quickly turned rotten. Strong winds last weekend and warmer temperatures early this week have accelerated the ice-out process across much of the state.
As open water fishing in Minnesota continues to develop, panfish and bass are moving in and out of shallow areas. During warm, sunny periods, fish are sliding into dark-bottom bays, channels, harbors, and culvert areas. When cold fronts move through, they tend to pull back slightly, staging just outside these shallow zones in 6 to 10 feet of water.
The most productive fishing windows have been in the afternoon and evening hours, when water temperatures are at their warmest. Overall activity has been steady, though detailed reports have been somewhat limited.
Leech Lake Fishing Report – Walker, MN
On Leech Lake near Walker, a large portion of the lake was still ice-covered early this week, but conditions are changing quickly.
The remaining ice is now black and deteriorating, and shorelines across Leech Lake are opening up more each day. With continued warm weather, ice-out on Leech Lake is progressing rapidly and should continue over the coming days.
For bait, gear, and local fishing insight near Leech Lake: