Everything You Need to Know About Ice Fishing on Leech Lake

February 13, 2023

winter fishing on ice. fisherman or angler hooking the fish

One great thing about Minnesota is that we’ve learned not to let winter stop us from enjoying the great outdoors. One way we accomplish this is with ice fishing! Leech Lake is a great spot to try out whether you’ve never gone or are an avid fisher. From fantastic fishing spots to the perfect lodging, Walker, MN, is a must-explore traveling destination to enjoy winter.

Keep reading to learn more about ice fishing on Leech Lake!

Ice fishing on Leech Lake in Walker, MN

Leech Lake is one of the most popular fishing destinations in Minnesota. To be better prepared for ice fishing with us, we’ve curated a list of need-to-know information for you to go through before planning your trip:

1. Ice fishing tips

Unlike fishing out of the side of a boat, ice fishing is a little bit less flexible in that you can’t just cast a line in another direction or move your boat to a different spot. There are a few things you can do, though, to increase your fishing chances! One way you can do this is by switching between a vertical jig and a horizontal jig. Another thing you can try is to change from moving your line up and down to twisting the line between your fingers to regain the fish’s attention.

Additionally, you can try switching from small to large jigs (and vice versa) to attract fish of varying sizes. You can also use heavier jigs to get you all the way to the bottom where fish like Perch love to hang out. To get more ice fishing tips for beginners, check out this link!

Other tips for fishing in the winter include:

Dress warmly – wear a lot of layers
Make sure you wear warm boots and socks
Know the fishing regulations for the lake you’re on
Fish early in the morning or later in the evening as this is when fish are most active

Find more here.

2. Fish found in Leech Lake

Knowing what you’re fishing for will help you decide which techniques previously listed you want to use while fishing on Leech Lake. Depending on when and where you go, you will find Northern Pike, Walleye, Muskie, Bass, Perch, and more.

For more fish facts, check out this article!

3. Guided ice fishing in Walker, MN

Not everyone is an expert ice fisher. That’s why there are several businesses in and around Walker, MN that provide guided ice fishing tours to anyone interested in learning more about the sport and participating in it. Some of our favorite ice fishing guides include Outright Angling and Leisure Outdoor Adventures.

Check out additional ice fishing guides available here!

4. Where to rent fish houses in Walker, MN

Renting an ice house is a great option to look into, especially if you’re going on a trip with a larger group of people. There are tons of ice house rental businesses scattered throughout Walker and Leech Lake, so we’re confident you’ll be able to find one that can accommodate you!

Some businesses we recommend you check out include Leech Lake Guide Service, Shriver’s Bait Co., and Leech Lake Adventure Rentals.

5. Best winter lodging on Leech Lake

There are endless lodging options that you can find in and around Walker, MN. However, we do have some favorites for the wintertime. If you’re planning a trip to Leech Lake and still need a place to stay, we recommend checking out:

Anderson’s Horseshoe Bay Lodge
Bayside Resort
Trapper’s Landing Lodge
Oak Point Resort
Shores of Leech Lake

And more!

The bottom line

Traveling to northern Minnesota doesn’t need to wait until winter is finally over. In addition to shopping, dining, snowmobiling, hiking, and skiing, Walker, MN and Leech Lake are the perfect destination for an ice fishing trip with friends and family. With so many options available for ice fishers of all skill levels, there’s fun to be had for everyone in our destination lake town!