Leech Lake Fishing Report for March 18th, 2026
March 19, 2026
Report from the Dock – Minnesota Fishing Conditions
The shine seems to have worn off this Minnesota ice fishing season, at least based on reports from the past week. Weather likely played a role, with snow, wind, and colder temperatures moving through the state last weekend, slowing overall angler activity.
That said, there is still plenty of good ice and solid fishing opportunities across much of northern Minnesota. The northern part of the state avoided the heavier snow totals, and with colder temperatures early this week, many shorelines, lake accesses, and main lake ice have firmed back up.
From areas around Brainerd and points north, ATVs and side-by-sides should remain viable travel options for at least another weekend. South of the Brainerd area, however, ice fishing opportunities are largely finished with only a few exceptions.
For anglers still getting out, bluegills, crappies, and perch across Minnesota are primarily relating to shallow weeds or mud flats. There have also been a few solid tullibee reports this week, while eelpout continue to remain active.
Leech Lake Fishing Report – Walker, MN
On Leech Lake near Walker, Boy Bay has started producing a mixed bag of crappies and bluegills in 7 to 10 feet of water.
Perch action has been strongest from Sand Point to the Narrows in 6 to 8 feet. Eelpout are being caught on main lake sand areas in 18 to 24 feet. For deeper water species, tullibees and whitefish are being found in the Paris Trench area over 37 to 40 feet.
Ice conditions on Leech Lake remain decent overall, but ATVs and side-by-sides are currently the best travel options for anglers heading out.