"Nowhere else in North America can you get this kind of quality fishing for walleyes, muskies, largemouth, northerns, crappies, bluegills and perch in one area. This area boasts better quality in numbers than anyplace in the country and we have more fish now than we've ever had."
-AL LINDNER, In-Fisherman founder and host of Lindner's Angling Edge TV show

Thousands of acres of Leech Lake's most productive and diverse waters are readily available to you; with the best areas depending on the season and the species you're after. In addition to Kabekona Bay, our guests typically fish Walker Bay, Steamboat Bay and the western portion of the main body of Leech, all of which are minutes away by boat.

LEECH LAKE FACTS:

• 112,000 acres with 180 miles of shoreline
• 150+ feet maximum depth in Walker Bay
• Nearly 1000 acres in Kabekona Bay
• 90+ feet maximum depth in Kabekona Bay
• Average depth of <35', much of the lake <15'.
• Major species: walleye, muskie, northern, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, rock bass, bullhead, suckers, whitefish, tulibee
• Major forage: perch, lake shiners, crayfish, ciscos

• All walleyes between 18 and 26 must be released
• 60% of northern pike over 24 inches are released
• 85% of largemouth over 15 inches are released
• 99% of all muskies are released

Bailey's promotes catch and release of larger fish to help maintain our excellent fishing for future generations. Bring your camera!!!

WALLEYES

The great thing about Leech Lake walleyes is that they can be caught in many types of habitat with a variety of techniques. May through early June is generally a peak time for shallow water walleye action. They typically go on another shallow feeding binge in late August through September. Jigs and minnows are definitely hot when the fish are shallow. However, mid-summer mornings and evenings can produce a hot walleye bite for anglers searching the deeper humps and weedlines. Livebait rigs, spinners/bottom bouncers, slip bobbers and crankbaits will all produce. And trolling Rapalas for the night bite can be very good anytime of the season.

The main body of Leech Lake has gone through some changes the past few years. Some of you may have heard of the recent large population on cormorants (fish-eating birds) on the main lake. This has lead to a lack of smaller fish out there. The MN DNR has implemented a plan to correct this. In 2005 they began reducing the cormorant population by up to 90%. They also stocked the lake with over 38 million walleye fry since 2005 and have committed to continue stocking. These measures are bringing the lake back in a big way! The lake now has a great population of walleyes from 12" to 18", along with strong numbers of 20" to 26" fish.

Leech Lake has attracted national walleye tournaments over the years. The In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail has been here several times, along with the MWC and RCL circuits. The walleye pros will attest to the fact that Leech Lake is still a great walleye fishery.

MUSKIES:

Walleyes may be the most sought after fish on Leech, but muskies are what made this lake famous back in July of 1955 when the muskies went on an incredible two week feeding binge. Today the muskie population is as strong as it's ever been due in large part to almost total catch and release of these trophy fish. The average size of a Leech Lake muskie is 43 inches and 50+ inchers are common here.

Just a few years ago, a 52 lb. 4 oz. giant was caught and RELEASED making it the second largest muskie ever caught in Minnesota. 

Giant muskies of 57 inches / 50 lbs and a 54 inches / 44 lbs were both caught and released near our resort in the past few years.

Leech Lake continues to be one the world's premier muskie fisheries and the deeper waters of Walker and Kabekona Bays hold some of the largest fish.

PERCH:

Once known mainly to the locals, the perch fishery on Leech has literally exploded over the past decade or so. The average size of a Leech Lake perch is over 9 inches, making it one of the highest in the state. The huge numbers jumbo perch have become very popular, particularly in September, and some of the best areas for this fantastic action are very close of our resort. The fall perch bite has become a tradition for many of our guests. And best of all, perch fillets are about the finest you'll ever taste.

Fish cleaning is available for 35 cents per fish. Bailey's is also a licensed fish packer. We will be happy to wrap and stamp your fish for legal transportation home at no charge.