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We want to see what you've caught on Leif Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Leif Lake, MN
- How big is Leif Lake?
- How deep is Leif Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Leif Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Leif Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Leif Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Leif Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Leif Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Leif Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Leif Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Leif Lake?
How big is Leif Lake?
How deep is Leif Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Leif Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Leif Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Leif Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Leif Lake?
Are there boat launches on Leif Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Leif Lake?
What aquatic invasive species are found in Leif Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Leif Lake is primarily suited for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish and these are generally the fish species most anglers target in this lake. Walleyes are present in the fishery, as well. Northern Pike and Walleye catch rates were at their historical highs for Leif Lake in 2013. Walleyes sampled in 2013 were primarily the result of stocking, which was resumed in 2006 when the public access was constructed. The current management plan calls for annual Walleye stocking to continue. Walleyes sampled in test nets in 2013 averaged 14.4 inches in length with an average weight of 1.2 pounds. Walleyes do not grow rapidly in this lake, likely because of the historically low numbers of Yellow Perch. Yellow Perch are a primary forage for Walleye, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass in most Minnesota lakes and an important part of the fish community.
Bluegills and other sunfishes remained relatively strong in number compared to other similar lakes, but Bluegill catch rates were historically low for this lake at 20.7 per trap net. The average length of sampled Bluegills was 5.7 inches in 2013 and, for the first time since 1998, a few fish over eight inches were found. Interestingly, over half the Bluegills sampled in 1967 (the initial survey) were longer than eight inches. Fishing harvest is likely responsible for the recent decline in Bluegill sizes. Anglers tend to keep Bluegills longer than 6.5 to 7.0 inches and throw back smaller ones. This would explain the sharp cutoff of larger Bluegills in Leif Lake. It takes about eight or nine years for Bluegills to reach lengths over eight inches in Leif Lake.
Largemouth Bass and Black Crappies were also found in moderate numbers in 2013. Crappies were generally small and young.
Like most Minnesota lakes, Leif Lake's shoreline has been subject to heavy development during recent years. Increasing shoreline development has been shown to put added pressure on a lake's fishery and its water quality which also affects shoreline property values. Shoreline and watershed property owners are encouraged to use best management practices on their land. Shoreline buffer zones and emergent vegetation stands are particularly important to the lake's water quality and fish populations. Anglers are encouraged to keep smaller fish for eating and release larger ones to promote a healthy and balanced fishery. Anglers are encouraged to release Northern Pike 24-inches or longer and Bluegills longer than seven inches.
What is the average air temp for Leif Lake?
Are there any state parks near Leif Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Leif Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Little Cormorant Lake | 1.5 mi | 1,067 | 34 ft |
Ellison Lake | 1.8 mi | 52 | 24 ft |
Peach Lake | 1.9 mi | 65 | 14 ft |
Bergerson Lake | 2.2 mi | 46 | 37 ft |
Big Cormorant Lake | 2.4 mi | 3,657 | 75 ft |
Gourd Lake | 2.4 mi | 117 | 8 ft |
Marshall Lake | 2.9 mi | 191 | 21 ft |
Forget-Me-Not Lake | 3.4 mi | 361 | 7 ft |
Rossman Lake | 3.5 mi | 273 | 20 ft |
Nelson Lake | 3.6 mi | 241 | 16 ft |