Report from the Dock
Trucks and bigger fish houses are starting to show up in many parts of Minnesota. Even with it not being extremely cold over the past week, ice depths have improved enough to start being used in many more areas. There are still spots that ATVs or side-by-sides need to be used, along with some cracks and heaves that you need to be aware of and avoid. Crappie reports were very good this week, and some of the best action for bigger crappies is now taking place at night. Look for suspended fish over deep basin areas to become active once the sun goes down. The same is true with many walleye catches; anglers willing to fish early and stay late are doing much better than those trying to coax midday walleyes into biting. Bluegills are being caught, but there are still not a lot of people fishing for them. Most people seem to be chasing walleyes and crappies more aggressively.
Leech Lake Fishing Report
Daytime walleye action has been relatively slow on Leech Lake, but there are fish being caught at night along the 12- to 14-foot weed edges of 16- to 20-foot structure. Eelpout are also hitting in these areas at night, while perch are being found around the 10- to 15-foot weeds during the day. You’ll find perch and tullibees off the points and mud in 22 to 25 feet. Main lake ice is excellent, with 16 to 19 inches being found. Check out our top fishing tips on Leech Lake in Minnesota!