Rigs
Mack's Lure Wedding Ring Spinner
Small spinners tipped with corn or maggots for kokanee and perch.
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One of Minnesota's largest lakes, with walleye and big muskies.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Leech Lake for yellow perch, walleye and muskellunge. The best months overall are Jun to Nov. In October, yellow perch, walleye and muskellunge are in season, and Suspending Jerkbait, Paddle-Tail Swimbait and Crappie Jig are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Shriver's Bait Co. in Walker, 9 mi away. Mille Lacs Lake is 72 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Jun to Nov
In October
Yellow Perch, Walleye, Muskellunge
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Leech Lake Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
6 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Muskellunge, Walleye · Big glide or jerkbaits in fall.
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureCrappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Yellow Perch
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Walleye, Yellow Perch
Nightcrawlers Whole or half
BaitLive Bait · Yellow Perch
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Yellow Perch
Spin / Cast 6 ft ultralight spinning rod or ice rod, 4 lb line, perch spreader or small jig.
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Muskellunge
Fly 9 ft 10 wt rod, intermediate or sinking line, big articulated flies, 80 lb bite tippet.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft heavy casting rod, 400 size reel, 80 lb braid, 130 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Leech Lake
Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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St. Croix Musky Casting Rod
A heavy, long casting rod for big bucktails, jerkbaits, and figure-eights.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo
Light enough to feel crappie bites and cast small spinners for trout.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Leech Lake
Bait & Tackle
Full Stringer Bait and Tackle
Longville, Minnesota· 14 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Longville, MN.
Bait & Tackle
Swanson's Bait & Tackle
Hackensack, Minnesota· 16 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Hackensack, MN.
Bait & Tackle
North Country Bait
Park Rapids, Minnesota· 27 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Park Rapids, MN.
Bait & Tackle
Fred's Live Bait and Tackle
Deer River, Minnesota· 31 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Deer River, MN.
Bait & Tackle
Gander Outdoors of Bemidji
Bemidji, Minnesota· 33 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Bemidji, MN.
Bait & Tackle
Northwoods Bait And Tackle
Bemidji, Minnesota· 35 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Bemidji, MN.
Make It a Trip