The temperature today was again 85 degrees, but the winds had shifted and increased dramatically in speed. The wind today was out of the SW at 20-30 mph. The lake was covered in 4- to 5-foot swells and white caps.
I stayed on shore today, but later in the evening I did clean the fish for tomorrow's fish fry.
No fishing on Leech Lake today.
Friday, April 17, 2009
August 20, 2008 on Leech Lake
With Kathleen's mother and sister visiting us (me, Kathleen and Joe), if we were going to have a fish fry I needed to catch a few more fish. So I hit the water's of Leech Lake today at 2:00 p.m. with the goal of catching several jumbo perch or a couple of eater-sized walleyes.
The weather today was almost identical to yesterday -- a temperature of 85 degrees, winds varying from calm to 8-10 mph out of the NW, mostly sunny skies and a water temperature of 77 degrees.
With the weather identical to yesterday, and since yesterday was one of the best days I've had on Leech Lake fishing for panfish, I decided to employ the same tactics in the same location. And once again it paid off.
I started fishing in 12" of water in front of Schiebe's cabin and drifted SE along the weed line toward our cabin. I used the same 1/16 oz. yellow Northland Neon-tone Gum-Ball jig tipped with a variety of 2" lime-green Gulp grubs, 2 1/2" Gulp minnows in smelt or shiner color, and 3" Gulp Alive! minnows in an emerald shiner color.
I caught dozens upon dozens of perch, including numerous jumbos, lots of pound-plus sized crappies and a few big bluegill. I kept only what I needed for a nice dinner for five -- 3 jumbo perch. Along with the two jumbos and the walleye from yesterday, I had just enough for a fish fry.
At 4:45 p.m., with my mission accomplished, I headed for shore. One small note: upon reviewing the size of the 5 perch in my basket, I decided to let one of them go. The four jumbo perch and 16 1/2" walleye would be more than enough food for the five of us. No sense wasting fish.
Here's an example of the jumbo perch I was catching.
The weather today was almost identical to yesterday -- a temperature of 85 degrees, winds varying from calm to 8-10 mph out of the NW, mostly sunny skies and a water temperature of 77 degrees.
With the weather identical to yesterday, and since yesterday was one of the best days I've had on Leech Lake fishing for panfish, I decided to employ the same tactics in the same location. And once again it paid off.
I started fishing in 12" of water in front of Schiebe's cabin and drifted SE along the weed line toward our cabin. I used the same 1/16 oz. yellow Northland Neon-tone Gum-Ball jig tipped with a variety of 2" lime-green Gulp grubs, 2 1/2" Gulp minnows in smelt or shiner color, and 3" Gulp Alive! minnows in an emerald shiner color.
I caught dozens upon dozens of perch, including numerous jumbos, lots of pound-plus sized crappies and a few big bluegill. I kept only what I needed for a nice dinner for five -- 3 jumbo perch. Along with the two jumbos and the walleye from yesterday, I had just enough for a fish fry.
At 4:45 p.m., with my mission accomplished, I headed for shore. One small note: upon reviewing the size of the 5 perch in my basket, I decided to let one of them go. The four jumbo perch and 16 1/2" walleye would be more than enough food for the five of us. No sense wasting fish.
Here's an example of the jumbo perch I was catching.
August 19, 2008 on Leech Lake
I spent nearly five hours fishing today, although I love being on Leech Lake so much, that the time went so quickly that if you had asked me, I probably would have guessed I was fishing for no more than an hour and a half.
I left the cabin at 12:30 p.m. under mostly sunny skies, variable winds from near calm to 8-10 mph out of the NW, a temperature of 85 degrees or warmer and a water temperature of 77 degrees.
I again started my fishing in 12 feet of water in front of Schiebe's cabin and drifted SE toward our cabin along the weed line, a distance of roughly 3/4 of a mile.
Like yesterday, I used the 1/16 oz. yellow Northland Gum-Ball jig, tipped with either lime-green 2" Gulp grubs, 2 1/2" Gulp minnows in smelt or shiner color, or 3" Gulp Alive! minnows in the emerald shiner color.
I caught one nice eater-sized walleye (about 16 1/2 inches), more perch than I can count, upwards of 75, including several large jumbos, lots of bluegill, and a number of pound-plus slab crappies. The panfish bite has been outstanding for the past 7-10 days, but today was by far the best action of the lot. I decided to keep the walleye and two of the jumbo perch for a later fish fry.
I finally headed home at 5:00 p.m., even though I would have sworn it couldn't have been later than 2:30 p.m. Another fantastic day of fishing on Leech Lake.
Upon my arrival at the cabin, I found that Kathleen's mother and Kathleen's sister, Margaret, had arrived. I knew they were coming for visit, but figured they wouldn't arrive until later that evening. It was nice to see both of them again, and I promised them a fish dinner with the walleye and perch I caught today. Although I thought to myself that we'll need a few more jumbo perch or a nice walleye to ensure we have enough fish for all of us (I guess I'll have to fishing again tomorrow). Everyone loves a fresh fish fry when visiting Leech Lake.
I left the cabin at 12:30 p.m. under mostly sunny skies, variable winds from near calm to 8-10 mph out of the NW, a temperature of 85 degrees or warmer and a water temperature of 77 degrees.
I again started my fishing in 12 feet of water in front of Schiebe's cabin and drifted SE toward our cabin along the weed line, a distance of roughly 3/4 of a mile.
Like yesterday, I used the 1/16 oz. yellow Northland Gum-Ball jig, tipped with either lime-green 2" Gulp grubs, 2 1/2" Gulp minnows in smelt or shiner color, or 3" Gulp Alive! minnows in the emerald shiner color.
I caught one nice eater-sized walleye (about 16 1/2 inches), more perch than I can count, upwards of 75, including several large jumbos, lots of bluegill, and a number of pound-plus slab crappies. The panfish bite has been outstanding for the past 7-10 days, but today was by far the best action of the lot. I decided to keep the walleye and two of the jumbo perch for a later fish fry.
I finally headed home at 5:00 p.m., even though I would have sworn it couldn't have been later than 2:30 p.m. Another fantastic day of fishing on Leech Lake.
Upon my arrival at the cabin, I found that Kathleen's mother and Kathleen's sister, Margaret, had arrived. I knew they were coming for visit, but figured they wouldn't arrive until later that evening. It was nice to see both of them again, and I promised them a fish dinner with the walleye and perch I caught today. Although I thought to myself that we'll need a few more jumbo perch or a nice walleye to ensure we have enough fish for all of us (I guess I'll have to fishing again tomorrow). Everyone loves a fresh fish fry when visiting Leech Lake.
August 18, 2008 on Leech Lake
Under partly cloudy skies, a temperature of 82 degrees and winds out of the NW at 8-17 mph, I again continued my week long hunt for trophy panfish on Leech Lake. I left the boat lift at 3:00 p.m. and had to battle some pretty big waves and white caps as a result of the stiff wind. The water temperature, I noted, had increased to 77 degrees due to the 80+ degree temps we've had for the past several days.
My fishing location today was in 8-11 feet of water from in front of Schiebe's cabin drifting SE toward our cabin along the weed line.
Despite the wind, I decided to try a smaller jig than I've used for the past several days. Today I tied on a 1/16 oz. yellow Northland Gum-Ball jig, and tipped it with either lime-green 2" Gulp grubs or 3" Gulp Alive! minnows in smelt color. I caught numerous perch, including some nice jumbos, a number of beautiful slab black crappie and a few nice bluegills.
Around 5:00 p.m. I headed back to shore. On my way I noticed a boat with an Illinois license and saw they had a bag full of fish off the back. Typical FIB meat hunters.
My fishing location today was in 8-11 feet of water from in front of Schiebe's cabin drifting SE toward our cabin along the weed line.
Despite the wind, I decided to try a smaller jig than I've used for the past several days. Today I tied on a 1/16 oz. yellow Northland Gum-Ball jig, and tipped it with either lime-green 2" Gulp grubs or 3" Gulp Alive! minnows in smelt color. I caught numerous perch, including some nice jumbos, a number of beautiful slab black crappie and a few nice bluegills.
Around 5:00 p.m. I headed back to shore. On my way I noticed a boat with an Illinois license and saw they had a bag full of fish off the back. Typical FIB meat hunters.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
August 17, 2008
The temperature today was 85 degrees, the hottest it's been all summer. But like yesterday, the wind was blowing very hard, today out of SW at 15-20 mph, covering the lake with large white caps. I only saw one or two boats out on the water all day, and neither of them was me. No fishing today on Leech Lake.
August 16, 2008
Today is Melissa's last full day at Leech Lake. Tomorrow, Kathleen will drive Melissa to St. Cloud to see Grandma Coyle, then the next day it's on to the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport so Melissa can fly home to San Jose.
Today was a very windy day, with the winds initially coming from the SW at 12-18 mph, but shifting throughout the day until finally blowing at near 15 mph out of the WNW. The lake was very choppy and covered in white caps, so we decided to hang out on shore and spend time together. The temperature was a very pleasant 80 degrees, although with the wind it felt cooler. As the day wore on, the winds died down, but since it was Melissa's day at the lake, we decided to stay on shore and skip an evening of trolling for walleye.
We had BBQ chicken for dinner, one of Melissa's favorites, and then built a roaring fire in the fire pit at the cabin. We made s'mores, played ping pong and pinball in the game room, listened to the jukebox and enjoyed one more night of all of us -- Melissa, Joe, Kathleen and I -- being together at Leech Lake.
The Sucker Bay sunset as we made our way to the fire pit at the cabin.
Today was a very windy day, with the winds initially coming from the SW at 12-18 mph, but shifting throughout the day until finally blowing at near 15 mph out of the WNW. The lake was very choppy and covered in white caps, so we decided to hang out on shore and spend time together. The temperature was a very pleasant 80 degrees, although with the wind it felt cooler. As the day wore on, the winds died down, but since it was Melissa's day at the lake, we decided to stay on shore and skip an evening of trolling for walleye.
We had BBQ chicken for dinner, one of Melissa's favorites, and then built a roaring fire in the fire pit at the cabin. We made s'mores, played ping pong and pinball in the game room, listened to the jukebox and enjoyed one more night of all of us -- Melissa, Joe, Kathleen and I -- being together at Leech Lake.
The Sucker Bay sunset as we made our way to the fire pit at the cabin.
August 15, 2008 on Leech Lake
The temperature today was near 80 degrees, the sky was clear blue, the wind was nearly calm and the water temperature was between 74-75 degrees.
For the past several days the panfishing has been fantastic so I thought I'd use the exact same tactics and try to boat some perch, crappie and bluegill.
I have noticed for the past several weeks that the lack of rain has really dropped the water level of Leech Lake. I once was told by a member of the Army Corps of Engineers stationed at the Federal Dam on the far east side of Leech Lake, that on sunny days the water evaporation rate can be as high as 1/4 per day. If you figure we haven't had rain in several weeks, couple that with sunny skies and a steady wind, it's no surprise that the lake level has dropped a full 12" from early June.
The panfish bite today was much slower than it's been. I caught several small- to medium-sized perch, but no crappie or bluegill. So after fishing from 12:30 p.m to 3:00 p.m., I decided to call it a day.
For the past several days the panfishing has been fantastic so I thought I'd use the exact same tactics and try to boat some perch, crappie and bluegill.
I have noticed for the past several weeks that the lack of rain has really dropped the water level of Leech Lake. I once was told by a member of the Army Corps of Engineers stationed at the Federal Dam on the far east side of Leech Lake, that on sunny days the water evaporation rate can be as high as 1/4 per day. If you figure we haven't had rain in several weeks, couple that with sunny skies and a steady wind, it's no surprise that the lake level has dropped a full 12" from early June.
The panfish bite today was much slower than it's been. I caught several small- to medium-sized perch, but no crappie or bluegill. So after fishing from 12:30 p.m to 3:00 p.m., I decided to call it a day.
August 14, 2008 on Leech Lake
For the past several days the perch, crappie and bluegill bite has been fantastic. So again today I decided to work the weed line between our cabin and the Birches in 8-12 feet of water.
The temperature today was near 80 degrees, the skies were clear, the wind, however, had shifted, and was now blowing from the SE at 8-12 mph, a complete 180 degrees from where it was blowing yesterday. The water temperature had dropped a half a degree to 74 degrees.
I started fishing right at noon, and for the next 3 1/2 hours I let the warm summer breeze gently drift my boat from our cabin all the way to the Birches. I used the same set up that I have for the past few days, which included my Shimano Saros 1000F spinning reel, St. Croix Premier 5'6" fast action rod, and 6lb. Fireline Crystal line. On the terminal end of the set up, I had a 1/8 oz. Northland Neon-tone Gum-Ball jig tipped with either a 2" orange Gulp grub or 3" Gulp silver pearl minnow.
This set up led to the same results I'd had for the past several days -- numerous perch, including some jumbos, big slab crappies and plenty of bluegill, including some real bulls. With all of the great summertime panfishing going on, I've almost forgot about the walleyes that roam Leech Lake. Almost, but not quite.
The temperature today was near 80 degrees, the skies were clear, the wind, however, had shifted, and was now blowing from the SE at 8-12 mph, a complete 180 degrees from where it was blowing yesterday. The water temperature had dropped a half a degree to 74 degrees.
I started fishing right at noon, and for the next 3 1/2 hours I let the warm summer breeze gently drift my boat from our cabin all the way to the Birches. I used the same set up that I have for the past few days, which included my Shimano Saros 1000F spinning reel, St. Croix Premier 5'6" fast action rod, and 6lb. Fireline Crystal line. On the terminal end of the set up, I had a 1/8 oz. Northland Neon-tone Gum-Ball jig tipped with either a 2" orange Gulp grub or 3" Gulp silver pearl minnow.
This set up led to the same results I'd had for the past several days -- numerous perch, including some jumbos, big slab crappies and plenty of bluegill, including some real bulls. With all of the great summertime panfishing going on, I've almost forgot about the walleyes that roam Leech Lake. Almost, but not quite.
August 13, 2008 on Leech Lake
Today I went fishing on two separate occasions, first, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., then later from 8:15 to 10:00 p.m.
The temperature today was warmer than it's been the past several days, hitting a high of 78 degrees. The winds were from the NW at 5-8 mph and the water temperature was 74.5 degrees.
In the afternoon I took advantage of the gentle breeze to drift from in front of Schiebe's cabin south toward Norm's cabin. I started in roughly 11 feet of water, which meant I would drift along the weed line. I used a Northland Neon-tone Gum-Ball jig tipped with either a 2" orange Gulp grub or a 3" pearl silver Gulp minnow. Just as yesterday, I caught numerous perch, crappie, and bluegill. A great afternoon of fishing for panfish on Leech Lake.
For my evening trip, I used my trusty trolling methodology. Using a baitcasting reel spooled with 15lb. Fireline Crystal, I tied on my favorite walleye lure the Rapala Minnow Rap in hot steel color. Trolling in 8-12 feet of water from Malay's to past Second Duck Point, I caught two nice walleye -- one 14" and the other 18 1/4". Both were released back into Leech Lake unharmed.
The temperature today was warmer than it's been the past several days, hitting a high of 78 degrees. The winds were from the NW at 5-8 mph and the water temperature was 74.5 degrees.
In the afternoon I took advantage of the gentle breeze to drift from in front of Schiebe's cabin south toward Norm's cabin. I started in roughly 11 feet of water, which meant I would drift along the weed line. I used a Northland Neon-tone Gum-Ball jig tipped with either a 2" orange Gulp grub or a 3" pearl silver Gulp minnow. Just as yesterday, I caught numerous perch, crappie, and bluegill. A great afternoon of fishing for panfish on Leech Lake.
For my evening trip, I used my trusty trolling methodology. Using a baitcasting reel spooled with 15lb. Fireline Crystal, I tied on my favorite walleye lure the Rapala Minnow Rap in hot steel color. Trolling in 8-12 feet of water from Malay's to past Second Duck Point, I caught two nice walleye -- one 14" and the other 18 1/4". Both were released back into Leech Lake unharmed.
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