Fishing Report: Leech Lake – September 24, 2023
Chuck Hasse
Leisure Outdoor Adventures
855-LOA-HOOK
Cell: 218.289.1383
www.leisureoutdooradventures.com
https://www.facebook.com/leisureoutdooradventures
http://leisureoutdooradventures.blogspot.com
Fall is finally here. Unfortunately nobody told mother nature. Water temps in the mid 60’s have kept fish in their summer patterns as of late except earlier in the week. Recent daytime highs in the high 70’s or even 80’s 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. 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. Best areas have been the West Goose Flats area, Little Hardwoods, Stoney Point and also 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 also 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 top water 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 youd like to book a trip with us please give us a call at 855-LOA-HOOK and to plan your Leech Lake fall fishing adventure!
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