September 4, 2008 on Leech Lake

Today Joe and I went fishing on two separate occasions. The first time we were on the lake from 1:30 p.m to 5:00 p.m. The temperature was a cool 66 degrees, the wind was light at 5-8 mph out of the east and the water temperature was 69 degrees -- the first time the water had dropped below 70 degrees since mid-June.

Since the wind was coming from the east, that meant it would blow the boat from the shoreline toward the middle of the lake. With that in mind, Joe and I positioned the boat in only 6 feet of water in front of the Birches with the knowledge that the wind would push the boat into deeper water, right over the weeds, and hopefully, right into the schooling perch, crappie and bluegill.

Joe and each caught a few perch, crappie and bluegill, but nothing significant. We did, however, keep the one jumbo perch that we managed to boat. Since the panfishing action wasn't all that hot, we decided to switch tactics and troll in 10-12 feet of water along the weed line for walleye. We used our customary Rapala Minnow Raps and got down to business.

We boated a couple of nice sized northern pike, which are fun to catch, but not a fish we elect to keep. I know many people who say they love the taste northern pike, but in my opinion, perch and walleye are a far superior tasting fish.

Later that evening, Joe and I again went trolling for walleye. We were on the water from 8:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m., and made several passes from south of Second Duck Point to past the Malay's cabin in 9-12 feet of water. Again, we were using Minnow Raps -- Joe used one in a purpledescent color, while I used my favorite color, hot steal.

The winds had shifted throughout the day, and were now blowing at 8-12 mph out of the SE. The slight increase in wind created a perfect "walleye chop" on the lake, and it proved effective. Joe caught three nice walleyes -- 18", 21" and 21 1/2". I was came up empty, but that was fine with me. Joe, unfortunately, will be flying back to California in just a few days, and I was happy he had a chance to boat some beautiful Leech Lake walleye before departing.