Leech

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. Walleye, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge are the primary predator species, and Yellow Perch and Tullibee (Cisco) serve as the principal forage base. Leech Lake is well known among anglers as a tremendous multi-species fishery, and includes excellent angling opportunities for Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Eelpout (Burbot), Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Cisco (Tullibee), Sunfish, and Black Crappie. Starting in June of 2025, a group of 16 individuals, known as the Leech Lake Fisheries Input Group (LLFIG) met monthly through December to update the Leech Lake Fisheries Management Plan. The LLFIG represents local and statewide interests in Fisheries Management on Leech Lake. The group was led by staff from the MN DNR Walker Fisheries Office. The Leech Lake Fisheries Management Plan synthesizes sampling data from the Large Lake Program to outline objectives and actions to achieve fish resource goals. The current Walleye regulation on Leech Lake is a 4 fish limit with no more than 1 Walleye over 20" allowed in possession which went into effect in 2019. This regulation change was made with the objective to bring down the number of female spawners into the optimal reproductive range for the lake and provide additional harvest opportunity to anglers. It is also intended to provide relief to the prey base and allow time for the Yellow Perch population to recover following a decade of repressed abundance. The regulation is evaluated annually and adjustments will be made based on management plan objectives and action items. A Black Crappie possession limit of 5 and Sunfish possession limit of 5 went into effect in 2021 as part of the statewide Quality Panfish Initiative. This regulation will be evaluated utilizing future creel surveys and targeted spring sampling. The regulations are intended to reduce exploitation and maintain quality size structure of both species. Updates on specific species are provided below: Walleye: Since standardized sampling began in 1983, Walleye gill net catch rates have ranged from 4.6 fish/net (1993) to 13.4 fish/net (1988). The 2025 catch rate was 5.8 fish/net. Walleye abundance is being driven by the historically large 2021-year class, now measuring 17 - 21 inches, and the 2023-year class, now measuring 13 - 16 inches. Walleye sampled in gill nets ranged in length from 8 to 26.5 inches and included several year classes that are large enough to harvest. Twenty-four percent of the Walleye in the 2025 sample were over 20 inches. Northern Pike: The gill net catch rate of Northern Pike was 3.3 fish/net. Northern Pike gill net 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 15 to 31 inches. There is a 10 fish possession limit on Northern Pike, with a 22-26" protected slot limit and only 2 over 26" allowed in possession. There is an exception for the protected slot allowing one fish within the slot taken by spearing in the winter. Muskellunge: Leech Lake possesses a premier muskellunge fishery known for its trophy size potential. Identification of the Leech Lake Proper genetic strain in 1989 earned its use for statewide rearing. A spawn take operation is done every four years on Leech Lake to introduce new genetics into brood source lakes. The most recent operation was completed in 2025. Muskellunge sampled ranged in length from 25 to 52 inches. Yellow Perch: Gill net catch rate was 13.5 (fish/net) in 2025. Historical catch rates have ranged from 8.1 fish/net (2023) to 37.7 fish/net (1995). Yellow Perch sampled ranged from 5 to 13 inches with 46 percent of perch 8 inches or larger. Tullibee (Cisco): The 2025 gill net catch rate was 2.2 fish/net. Catch rates have ranged from 0.6 fish/net (2006, 2023) to 18.5 fish/net (1987). Tullibee sampled ranged from 8 to 16 inches. 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 targeted panfish and bass assessment were completed in 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2022. The next assessment is scheduled for the spring of 2026. Catch rates of Largemouth Bass larger than 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. Bluegill: The spring electrofishing catch rate for Bluegill (67 fish/hour) in 2022 was higher than in 2018 (30 fish/hour) and 2015 (46 fish/hour). Lengths sampled in 2022 ranging from 2 to 10 inches; 20 percent of the Bluegill sampled were over 8 inches long. 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 Water flea 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 and prevention can be found by searching MN DNR invasive species in your preferred internet search engine or by calling your local DNR office.

Status of the Fishery (as of 4/1/2025) 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, Burbot (Eelpout), 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. It is also intended to provide some relief to the prey base and allow it time to recover. 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 2024 catch rate was 9.0 fish/net which was within the management objective of 7-10 fish/net. Walleye sampled in gillnets ranged in length from 7 to 27 inches, and included several year classes that are large enough to harvest this year. Fourteen percent of the Walleye in the 2024 sample were over 20 inches. Northern Pike: The gillnet catch rate of Northern Pike was 3.7 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 4.7 fish/net. Northern Pike ranged in length from 12 to 34 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. There is an exception for the protected slot allowing one fish within the slot taken by spearing in the winter. Muskellunge: Since 2015, the MNDNR has worked with Muskellunge tournament participants on Leech Lake to collect creel information. In 2024, 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 24 to 51 inches and the average time it took tournament anglers to catch a Muskellunge was 49 hours. There is a 54" minimum size limit with only 1 allowed in possession. Yellow Perch: Gill net catch rates were 14.6 (fish/net) in 2024. Historical catch rates have ranged from 8.1 fish/net (2023) to 37.7 fish/net (1995). Yellow Perch sampled ranged from 3 to 13 inches with 34 percent of fish 8.0 inches or larger. Tullibee (Cisco): The gill net catch rate was 1.3 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 14 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 of 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.

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.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Muskellunge, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass in Leech. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Leech. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Leech has a maximum depth of 150 feet and a mean depth of 18.5 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Leech is from 2025.

Yes — Leech has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.