Stay, Play, B.L.A. - a blog

By Chuck Hasse, Leech Lake Fishing Guide with Leisure Outdoor Adventures

Fall is finally here.

Unfortunately, nobody told Mother Nature, Water temps in the mid-60s have kept fish in their summer patterns as of late except earlier in the week. Recent daytime highs in the high 70s or even 80s have warmed water temps back up as of right now.  Given the forecast, water temps should slowly start to decrease again throughout the next 10 days and hopefully activate the attitudes of fish on Leech Lake.

As of now, the best tactics for catching almost all fish are the same as you would have used a month ago.  For Walleyes, reaction baits such as a #7 Rapala Shad rap or a Berkley Flicker Shad trolled over flats in 8-10 ft of water is a good go-to right now for most anglers during morning or evening hours. The best colors have been anything that resembles a perch or a crayfish.  Other reaction baits such as a Rapala Jigging rap or Northland Puppet Minnow have produced fish as well once those fish have been narrowed down to smaller certain areas.  Do not rule out a nightcrawler or leech (if you can find them) as well on a live bait rig long lined away from the boat.  The best areas have been the West Goose Flats area, Little Hardwoods, Stoney Point and Sand and Cedar Point in Walker Bay. 

Perch fishing is just getting started.  Most keeper size perch are coming from a simple jig and minnow setup.  Depths range from 4-8 ft for the best results in the Walker Narrows, Cedar Point, Moores Point, the west side of Portage Bay, and Traders Bay. Finding areas close to the last remaining green weeds of the year has been key.  As water temps drop below the 60-degree mark, numbers of bigger perch will start to school together and numbers of bigger perch should increase.  

Muskie fishing has been fantastic as of late.  Most fish being caught are shallow in areas of pencil reeds or areas of weed/sand transition.  Shallow rocks have also produced a few fish as of late.  Smaller bucktails or topwater baits have been the lures of choice.  Larger sucker minnows should come in to play in the next week or so. We are truly entering the best time of the year to fish.

If you'd like to book a guided fishing trip, give Chuck a call at 855-LOA-HOOK to plan your Leech Lake fall fishing adventure!

Lodging on the Shores of Leech Lake

Book a stay at a premier Woods to Water Vacation Home to enhance your trip Up North — and check out our blog: "How to Spend a Day in Walker, MN" for even more recommendations on what to do while you're here. 

Oak Haven 

5 BED | 7 BATH | SLEEPS 18 GUESTS

When you're done fishing, cozy up near the fireplace in the lakeside great room, mix up a cocktail in the basement bar, or walk down the dock and enjoy the beauty of Leech Lake. This north woods estate is fully-equipped to host your next northern getaway. See more of Oak Haven here. 

Woodhaven

5 BED | 7 BATH | SLEEPS 14 GUESTS

This private lakeside lodge sits along 2,500 feet of shoreline on Leech Lake and includes 40+ acres of pristine Minnesota Northwoods. This thoughtfully designed up north retreat boasts 5 bedrooms, and 7 bathrooms, including 4 ensuites, two kitchens, huge lakeside living room with gas fireplace, a game/rec room, an outdoor hot tub, a sauna, and a lakeside gazebo. BONUS: Bring your ATVs and explore countless trails throughout the property. See more of Woodhaven here.

Have more questions on booking a weekend fishing package on Leech Lake? Reach out to us.