Report from the Dock
Some parts of the state received quite a bit of snow since last week, up to 10 inches in some locations, but the ice has held up well. While there is now some slush to deal with in certain areas, lake conditions have held up nicely, and ice depths have improved. Avoid those snow drifts, that’s where slush is the deepest, and you should be able to get around on most lakes. At the very least, foot travel is an option, but small machines were being utilized in more areas this week than last. The statewide walleye bite is still a bit off, although more of those primary walleye spots are just starting to be reached with the improving ice conditions. In addition, last weekend’s cold kept most people off the lakes, but it did help build the ice. Panfish seem to be cooperating more consistently, with bluegills being weed-related (shallow and deep), while crappies are now being found suspended over deep water and are most active during low-light periods.
Leech Lake Fishing Report
There hasn’t been much activity on the lake, but some resorts have started marking and plowing roads, and anticipate more activity on the lake this weekend. There have been a few anglers off the first break, 11 to 14 feet, around Pine Point and the GrandVu Flat area, and they’re catching some walleyes during the evening hours. There’s 8 to 12 inches of ice on most of the main lake with pockets of slush. Walker Bay has less ice and a lot of slush underneath the snow, so you need to use caution on it.