Water temps on Leech Lake are currently in the mid to high 70’s. What does that mean? It means everything you have in your tackle box is now in play.
Walleyes have been active throughout the day in shallow rocks using leeches under slip bobbers. A crayfish molt is happening so colors such as orange, green or purple have been best. If there is wind, depths in the 9-11ft range have been best. Calm days try fishing just off of rock structures in 13-17ft. Reaction baits such as jigging raps, Northland Puppet minnows, or Acme Hyper Glides will work as well to trigger a reaction bite from neutral fish.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are finally off of beds and actively feeding. Largies are finally showing up in their mid summer haunts in areas of wild rice, cabbage and coontail in bays such as Steamboat, Boy and Shingobee. Smallies are now set up on mid lake rock structures such as Huddles, Variety and Big Rock Reef. Basically any area of Leech Lake that has giant rock boulders you can find smallmouth in the general vacinity.
Panfish can now be found in areas of Steamboat, Sucker and Boy Bay off the edge of green weeds that taper in to deeper water. Small plasctic octopus tubes on 1/16oz jigs should be sufficient for both species. Early mornings and right before sunset have provided the best results.
Muskie reports have been coming in hot and heavy. This might be the best early summer Musky season we have seen on Leech Lake in quite some time. Fish are being found in all depths from 5 to 30ft. Rocks, Weeds, Sand or Mud, there seems to be a population of fish in all of these areas. Smaller bucktails or tube baits seem to be triggering most bites.
Chuck Hasse
Leisure Outdoors Adventures
https://leisureoutdooradventures.com/