Fishing Reports for the week of July 4th
Trapper’s Landing Fishing Report
It looks like we are finally at an end for the multiple bug hatches we have had the last 2 weeks. The weather has turned warm, and we are starting to settle into the Summer Peak patterns for the fish on the lake. The walleye fishing has tapered off but you still can catch them, you just need to make full use of the storage in your boat. For most anglers, fishing at the resort, they have been using a mix of slip bobbers, pulling spinner rigs or trolling crankbaits. No specific order for the fishing techniques, pick your favorite and work from there. Good places to start are the deeper mid-lake structures such as Variety, Submarine, Mokey Reef and Big Rock reef. Some of these areas are shallow but have good deep water edges and flats that connect to them. Use your electronics to find the fish first on these spots and then fish. The most active fish seem to be in that 14”- 18” range and sliding up a little shallower during the low-light conditions. If you are looking for better action make sure you put in fishing time during the lowlight hours in the morning and evenings.
Musky action has started to pick up and we have seen a few walleye anglers packing the musky gear as the water temps go into the 70’s. On the main lake anglers have started to have a good number of fish chase top water lures and bigger bucktails on the mid-lake rock structures such as Pelican Island, Bear Island and Annex. The warmer weather predicted this week will start to warm those water temps into that magic number for Musky. The next full moon is July 8th so we should see a few more fish being caught in the next couple of days.
This is also prime time for the Large mouth bass in the lake. Almost any of your favorite techniques are working right now. Try topwater right in the early morning and then switch to a jig tipped with a craw or a worm that is rigged, to get into the weeds.
We are in full swing now at the resort and the lake is full of happy guests and many anglers. Stop by and visit us at Trappers Landing Lodge, we have all the gear you need to have a successful day out on the water and a great place to cook your catch at the end of the day. We hope to see you out on the water soon.
Outright Angling- Leech Lake Fishing Report for July 3rd 2017
Walleyes
Waters are warming back up and walleyes are being caught on typical summer patterns. Cabbage weeds, sand, and rocks have been best the past week, with jigs and leeches still being my top producer. Trolling deep-diving crankbaits in 15-25 feet of water has been productive as well. Typical for summer, early morning and evening fishing is your best-bet on sunny and calm days. Clouds or wind can keep walleyes biting all-day-long however.
Muskies
The muskie casting bite has yet to really take off, but any day now fish should show up on predictable summer locals. We have been catching some fish trolling in large basin areas, these fish are still relating to open-water whitefish and tullibees that can roam fairly shallow until the water warms. Once the surface water warms into the 70’s, tullibees will go deeper, and many muskies will migrate toward summer ambush spots where they key on forage that relates more to structure.
Bass and Panfish
July is a great time to take a break from walleye fishing during mid-day, and focus on the excellent bass and panfish opportunities that Leech Lake has to offer. Largemouth bass are found in very shallow wild rice, reeds, and lilly pads, and can be easily taken on top-water frogs and swim-jig combos. Smallmouth bass are found near rocky shorelines and points, and will take a variety of jigs or crankbait combos. Crappies and bluegills can be found now in weedy areas adjacent to classic spawning areas.
Cheers and hook-sets,
Captain Phil Bauerly- Leech Lake
http://www.outrightangling.com/home.html
Chuck Emery Fishing Report
The fish are still biting on Leech Lake but it has slowed down some. The cooler temperatures and the start of the bug hatch are likely the reason it’s gotten a little tougher.
Because of the cooler temperatures fishing slow has been best. Slowing down with Lindy Rigs has been best. Leeches and Crawlers are both working. Faster presentations like spinners and crankbaits should start working when the temperatures warm up in the coming days.
Fish have been in the rocks in a wide range of depths. On cloudy windy days they are as shallow as 8 feet. Calmer sunny days as deep as 22 feet.
Chuck Emery Guide Service
Chuckemeryproguides.com
