Leech Lake

How big is Leech Lake?

How deep is Leech Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Leech Lake?

What are the closest cities to Leech Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Leech Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Leech Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Leech Lake East

Leech Lake West

Are there boat launches on Leech Lake?

Leech Lake area businesses:

Are there places to eat and drink near Leech Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Leech Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Leech Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Leech Lake?

Status of the Fishery (as of 3/1/2024)

Leech Lake is the third largest lake entirely within the boundaries of Minnesota and has approximately 112,000 surface acres. The lake has an irregular shape with a variety of large and small bays. The deepest area of the lake is located in Walker Bay where depths approach 160 feet deep. Approximately 80% of the lake is less than 35 feet deep. Walleye, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge are the primary predator species, while Yellow Perch and Tullibee (Cisco) serve as the principal forage. Leech Lake is well known among anglers as a tremendous multi-species fishery, and includes excellent fishing opportunities for Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish and Black Crappie.

The MN DNR convened a citizen input committee (Leech Lake Fisheries Input Group; LLFIG) comprised of 16 stakeholders representing local and statewide interests in Leech Lake management. This group assisted the MN DNR in developing a list of sportfish population goals, objectives, and management actions. These recommendations were incorporated into the DNR's 2016-2020 Fisheries Management Plan for Leech Lake and were updated with input from the group for 2021-2025.

The current Walleye regulation on Leech Lake is a 4 fish limit with no more than 1 Walleye over 20" allowed in possession which came into effect in 2019. The objectives of this regulation change at the time was to bring the number of female spawners into the optimal reproductive range for the lake and provide additional harvest opportunity to anglers. The regulation is evaluated annually and adjustments will be made based on management plan objectives and action items.

A crappie possession limit of 5 and Sunfish possession limit of 5 were proposed in 2020 with implementation in 2021 as part of a statewide Quality Sunfish Initiative. This regulation will also be evaluated utilizing future creel surveys and targeted spring sampling. The regulations are intended to reduce exploitation and maintain size structure and abundance of both species.

Updates on specific species are provided below:

Walleye: Since the current sampling plan that began being implemented in 1983, Walleye gillnet catch rates have ranged from 4.6 fish/net (1993) to 13.4 fish/net (1988). The 2023 catch rate was 9.9 fish/net which was within the management objective of 7-10 fish/net. Walleye sampled in gillnets ranged in length from 7 to 28 inches, and included a number of younger year classes that will be large enough to harvest this year. Sixteen percent of the Walleye in the 2023 sample were over 20 inches.

Northern Pike: The gillnet catch rate of Northern Pike was 3.4 fish/net. Northern Pike gillnet catch rates have remained relatively stable since 1983, ranging from 3.3 fish/net (2022) to 6.2 fish/net (1995) with an average of 4.6 fish/net. Northern Pike ranged in length from 13 to 36 inches. There is a 10 fish possession limit with none allowed from a 22-26" protected slot limit and only 2 over 26" allowed in possession.

Muskellunge: Since 2015, the MNDNR has worked with Muskellunge tournament participants on Leech Lake to collect creel information. In 2023, DNR staff were able to obtain creel interviews from Don's Portage Bay Classic and Frank Schneider Memorial participants. Information on hours fished as well as the number and size of fish that were caught is collected. Lengths of tournament Muskellunge caught on Leech ranged from 25 to 51 inches and the average time it took tournament anglers to catch a Muskellunge was 42 hours. There is a 54" minimum size limit with only 1 allowed in possession.

Yellow Perch: Gill net catch rates were 8.1 (fish/net) in 2023. Historical catch rates have ranged from 8.1 fish/net (2023) to 37.7 fish/net (1995). Yellow Perch sampled ranged from 4 to 14 inches with 27 percent of fish 8.0 inches or larger.

Tullibee (Cisco): The gill net catch rate was 0.6 fish/net, which was well below the long-term average (4.2 fish/net). Catch rates have ranged from 0.6 fish/net (2006, 2023) to 18.5 fish/net (1987). Tullibee sampled ranged from 7 to 18 inches. High summer water temperatures causing summer kills have potentially been the source of Tullibee catch rates remaining relatively low since 1995. However, no significant summer kill events have been observed since 2012. Within the Leech Lake Reservation the Whitefish limit is 25 and the Tullibee (Cisco) limit is 50, which is an exception to the statewide regulation. Daily and possession limits are the same.

Bass: A Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie assessment occurred during the springs of 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2022. The next assessment is scheduled for the spring on 2026. Catch rates for Largemouth Bass ? 15 inches were similar among years (range: 3 to 6 fish/hour). Lengths in 2022 ranged from 7 to 18 inches. Anglers can find quality bass fishing opportunities in the beds of mixed vegetation in most major bays. Their population density is low but catch rates have been steadily increasing in the most recent creel surveys.

Bluegill: Spring electrofishing catch rates for all Bluegill (67 fish/hour) in 2022 were higher than the 2018 (30 fish/hour) and 2015 (46 fish/hour) catch rates. Size quality is high with lengths sampled in 2022 ranging from 2 to 10 inches; 20 percent of the Bluegill sampled were over 8 inches.

Black Crappie: Spring electrofishing catch rates for all Black Crappie were 11 fish/hour in 2022, compared to 4 fish/hour in 2018. Lengths in 2022 ranged from 4 to 14 inches and 37 percent were 10 inches or longer.

Aquatic invasive species currently found in Leech Lake include Banded Mystery Snails, curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, Heterosporosis, purple loosestrife, Rusty Crayfish, starry stonewort and Zebra Mussels. Other aquatic invasive species such as Spiny Waterfleas are increasing in prevalence throughout Minnesota and pose a likely risk but have not been found in Leech Lake to date. Anglers and boaters alike are encouraged to review and adhere to rules requiring proper bait disposal, draining all water from bait containers, live wells, bilge, and the watercraft, and properly inspecting and removing all plants and animals from the watercraft, anchor, and trailer when leaving a lake. Information on invasive species issues and prevention can be found by searching MNDNR invasive species in your preferred internet search engine or by calling your local DNR office.

What is the average air temp for Leech Lake?

Are there any state parks near Leech Lake?