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Fish Talk
"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 230 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
Release facts:
- 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 crankbaits for the night bite can be very good anytime of the season.
Leech Lake was arguably the hottest walleye lake in Minnesota in 2009. Strong stocking efforts the past several years have paid off big time in a huge population of eating-size fish, complimented by big numbers of over-size walleyes that are great fun to catch. Catching walleyes from 1 3" to 18" is not a problem, along with fish from 20" to 26". We're extremely excited for what is expected to be another hot bite in 2010. Don't miss it!
Leech Lake has attracted many national walleye tournaments over the years. The In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail has been here several times, along with the MWC and FLW circuits. Many walleye pros, including "Mr. Walleye" Gary Roach, stay at our resort and will attest to the fact that Leech Lake is a premier walleye fishery.

Coming in May 2010 is the Leech Lake Walleye Tournament. The LLWT is a local tournament destined to become one of the premier, independent non-profit tourneys in the country.
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 couple decades. The average size of a Leech Lake perch is over 9 inches, making it one of the highest in the state. Limits of jumbo perch from 10" to 13" are common during the hot fall bite in September, and some of the best areas for this fantastic action are very close of our resort. The fall perch bite is an annual 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.
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