Leech Lake is famous for being one of Minnesota’s premier walleye destinations. But it has much more than just walleyes to offer visiting anglers. Many people love to take advantage of the exceptional crappie and sunfish bite. Big black crappies can be found in the lake’s many wild rice lined bays. And if you’re looking for perch, check out the main lake shallow sand grass flats. Most anglers concentrate their efforts in the five to ten foot range.

Come opener the lake’s relatively-shallow flats, rocks, and points are high-probability spots offering plenty of eaters walleyes and good numbers of larger fish, too. For years Leech lake walleye anglers go-to presentation this time of year has been Shiner minnows, either jigging or rigging. But increasingly, artificials have come into play. Jigs with three or four inch paddle tails or shallow running cranks produce lots of fish. If there’s a good walleye chop this Opener, make sure to try shallow, I mean really shallow. Hungry walleyes will often chase baitfish up in the reeds and shallow rocks. We’re talking less than five feet of water.

> Leech Lake Maps/Spots (Fishidy)

Leech’s sleeper bite is definitely its incredible largemouth bass action. And for fans of scrappy bronzebacks, the catch rate has increased in resent years as the population seams to be expanding to new locations.

Looking ahead to the Minnesota Musky Opener on June 2nd, it’s hard to beat Leech for a shot at early season trophies.

Yes, no matter your favorite species, Leech Lake has it all.