Leech Lake Fishing
Cass County, 103,444 acres, 150 feet deep.
Pick for walleyePiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo: DashaSalt, CC BY-SA 3.0
Leech Lake, the Minnesota rundown
LakeFinder puts Leech Lake, a lake in Cass County, at 103,444 acres. Maximum depth is 150 feet, with an average of 18.5 feet. The littoral zone, water under 15 feet, takes in 57,994 acres (56%). Walker is the nearest city on the Census list, roughly 9 miles off. The DNR fisheries office in Walker manages it. DNR records count it among muskie lakes (native).
The species list from DNR surveys starts with walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. Boaters have 12 public water accesses, 11 of them trailer launches. The last DNR large lake survey ran on May 14, 2025. Walleye catch rates sat within normal: 5.78 per gill net against 3.3-14.8. Open water typically returns near April 27, per 223 DNR records.
For the walleye herePiscifun AlumiX spinning reel46% OFFSale $64.99 What the DNR nets turned up on Leech Lake
The large lake survey of May 14, 2025 supplied these counts; the DNR normal range shows what similar lakes produce.
| Species | Gear | Caught | Per set | Normal range | Avg lb | Normal lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Standard gill nets | 208 | 5.78 | 3.3-14.8 | 2.15 | 0.9-1.5 |
| Walleye | Fall electrofishing | 60 | 16.36 | |||
| Northern pike | Standard gill nets | 119 | 3.31 | 0.9-4.3 | 2.31 | 2.4-4.3 |
| Northern pike | Standard trawling | 2 | 0.1 | 3.34 | ||
| Yellow perch | Standard gill nets | 487 | 13.53 | 9.9-57.1 | 0.25 | 0.2-0.3 |
| Yellow perch | Survey seining | 1,535 | 153.5 | |||
| Black crappie | Standard gill nets | 12 | 0.33 | 0.1-0.7 | 0.74 | 0.2-0.5 |
| Black crappie | Standard trawling | 3 | 0.15 | |||
| Bluegill | Standard gill nets | 39 | 1.08 | 0.15 | ||
| Bluegill | Survey seining | 3 | 0.3 | 0.02 | ||
| Largemouth bass | Standard gill nets | 6 | 0.17 | 0.0-0.1 | 0.43 | 0.2-1.0 |
| Largemouth bass | Survey seining | 48 | 4.8 |
Leech Lake gill net counts
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder lake survey data, survey report. Checked October 2026.
Status of the fishery on Leech Lake
“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 in Walker Bay where depths approach 160 feet.”
“Approximately 80% of the lake is less than 35 feet deep.”
Quoted from the DNR status of the fishery for Leech Lake (report). Checked October 2026.
Landings around Leech Lake
- Leech Lake River, Federal Dam Access2 ramps, 1 dock, toilet, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Leech Lake River, Hwy 8 Access2 ramps, 62 trailer stalls, 2 docks, toilet, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Leech Lake, Battle Point Access2 ramps, 30 trailer stalls, 3 docks, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Leech Lake, Erickson's Landing Access2 ramps, 30 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Leech Lake, Stony Point Access2 ramps, 16 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, U.S. Forest Service
- Leech Lake, Sucker Bay Access2 ramps, 15 trailer stalls, 2 docks, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Leech Lake, Walker City Park Access2 ramps, 50 trailer stalls, 5 docks, toilet, City of Walker
- Leech Lake River, 1st Ave Access1 ramp, 4 trailer stalls, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Leech Lake, Brevik Access1 ramp, 4 trailer stalls, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Leech Lake, Shingobee Island Access1 ramp, 11 trailer stalls, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Leech Lake, Whipholt Wayside Access1 ramp, 10 trailer stalls, MNDOT
- Leech Lake, Two Points Accesscarry-in access, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
Docks for anglers at Leech Lake
- Leech Lake, Shingobee Island Fishing Pierfishing pier, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
How the DNR splits Leech Lake
- Leech (Ah-Gwah-Chin)DNR 11020303
- Leech (Kabekona Bay)DNR 11020302
- Leech (Main Basin)DNR 11020301
- Leech (Shingobee Bay)DNR 11020304
Water accesses near Leech Lake
- Welsh Lake AccessWelch, 8 miles northwest
- Jack Lake AccessJack, 8 miles south
- Thirteen Lake AccessThirteen, 10 miles northwest
- Lower Sucker Lake AccessLower Sucker, 10 miles north
- Long Lake, Walker AccessLong, 11 miles southwest
- Hovde Lake AccessHovde, 11 miles south
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Public Fishing Sites layers and LakeFinder, checked October 2026.
Leech Lake basin shape
Volunteers and DNR staff have logged 304 Secchi readings on Leech Lake since 2007.
On Leech Lake, recorded ice-out dates run from April 2, 2012 to May 23, 1950.
DNR LakeFinder morphology and water clarity, DNR ice-out records (ice-out data), checked October 2026.
Water level on Leech Lake
| USGS gauge | Latest reading | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Leech Lake At Sugar Point Near Federal Dam, Mn | 94.28 ft gage height | Oct 19 7:30 pm |
US Geological Survey provisional data, retrieved Oct 19, 2026 8:33 pm ET. Provisional readings can be revised.
US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District (CWMS), reading for Oct 16, 2026. Retrieved Oct 19, 2026 8:33 pm ET. Not updated since Oct 16, 2026.
USACE St. Paul District series Leech Lake at Sugar Point Near Federal Dam, MN, Leech Lake level (lake gauge, Mississippi Headwaters project); datum NGVD-29. Reading on file 1,294.27 ft on 2026-10-19.
US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District (CWMS), reading for Oct 16, 2026. Retrieved Oct 19, 2026 8:33 pm ET. Not updated since Oct 16, 2026.
USACE St. Paul District series Leech Lake Dam, Leech Lake Dam pool; datum NGVD-29. Reading on file 1,294.19 ft on 2026-10-19.
DNR gauge readers record Leech Lake by hand; the last entry is dated.
DNR lake level record (datum NGVD 29).
Fish found in Leech Lake
Every species shown for Leech Lake turned up in a DNR survey or holds a record here.
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder species list and survey catch.
Limits that apply on Leech Lake
Leech Lake carries special regulations, and they override the statewide rows below for those species.
| Species | Regulation | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Crappie, Sunfish | Daily limit five. | |
| Walleye | Possession limit four, only one over 20" allowed in possession. | |
| Cisco | Possession limit 50. | On Leech Lake Indian Reservation |
| Whitefish | Possession limit 25. | On Leech Lake Indian Reservation |
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
Leech Lake sits in the North-central Zone by map position, which sets the pike and bass rows.
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations and LakeFinder special regulations, checked October 2026. All Minnesota limits.
Heaviest fish from Leech Lake
| Species | Weight | Date | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkinseed Sunfish | 1 lb 5 oz | 1999-06-06 | certified weight |
Minnesota DNR state records; angler names left out. All records.
Leech Lake as a tournament water
Event dates on Leech Lake are on its tournament page.
Sizing up Leech Lake against nearby water
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Accesses | Walleye per gill net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leech Lake | 103,444 | 150 | 12 | 5.78 | |
| Deep Lake, Cass County | 7 miles south | 24 | 62 | 0 | |
| Crooked Lake, Cass County | 8 miles northwest | 582 | 74 | 0 | 7.22 |
| Jack Lake, Cass County | 8 miles south | 142 | 110 | 1 | 0.17 |
| Welch Lake | 8 miles northwest | 196 | 59 | 1 | 2.33 |
| Turtle Lake, Cass County | 8 miles south | 75 | 23 | 0 |
DNR LakeFinder morphology, access layer and latest survey per lake.
Beyond the shore of Leech Lake
More Minnesota lakes near Leech Lake
- Deep Lake, Cass County7 miles south
- Crooked Lake, Cass County8 miles northwest
- Jack Lake, Cass County8 miles south
- Welch Lake8 miles northwest
- Turtle Lake, Cass County8 miles south
Minnow buckets filled near Leech Lake
- City Docksmarina, Cass, 8 miles
- Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters, 522 Minnesota Avenue Westsporting goods store, Walker, 8 miles
- Shriver's Bait Co.bait and tackle shop, Walker, 8 miles
- Walker Marinemarina, Cass, 9 miles
- Action Fly Cofly shop, Walker, 9 miles
- Dean's Baitbait and tackle shop, Cass, 9 miles
Guides working Leech Lake
- Grant's Leech Lake Guidefishing guide (season not stated), Leech Lake, Walker, (218) 536-9242
- Leech Lake Guide Team LLCfishing guide (season not stated), Leech Lake, Walker, (218) 507-0779
- Leech Lake Fish House Rentalsice fishing outfitter / fish house rental, Leech Lake, Akeley, (218) 820-3640
- Trapper's Landing Lodge on Leech Lakeice fishing outfitter / fish house rental, Leech Lake, Walker, (218) 836-2500
Towns within an easy drive of Leech Lake
- Walker9 miles
- Whipholt10 miles
- Federal Dam12 miles
Counties that Leech Lake reaches
- Cass Countyseat: Walker
Four Piscifun picks for Leech Lake
Piscifun and Amazon links are affiliate links; the site earns a commission on qualifying purchases.
Fish to look for at Leech Lake
Photo: Engbretson, Eric / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
Photo: Georg Mittenecker, CC BY-SA 2.5
Photo: Fizzishin, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 3.0
Handy answers on Leech Lake
Which DNR office covers Leech Lake?
In Cass County, managed from the Walker fisheries office, about 9 miles from Walker.
What is the maximum depth of Leech Lake?
The DNR record gives 103,444 acres, 150 feet at the deepest.
Is there a boat launch on Leech Lake?
12 public accesses, with Leech Lake, Erickson's Landing Access listed first.
Which species has the DNR recorded in Leech Lake?
Expect walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.
When did the DNR last survey Leech Lake?
May 14, 2025, in a large lake survey. walleye ran 5.78 per gill net.
Are there size limits on Leech Lake?
Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.; Walleye: Possession limit four, only one over 20" allowed in possession.
Do kids need a license on Leech Lake?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
How clear is Leech Lake?
The record gives April 27 as the median and April 26, 2026 as the latest.
Where are minnows sold near Leech Lake?
Drive 8 miles to reach City Docks.
Plan a lake day on Leech Lake
Minnesota license costs and limits are one click away.