Leech Lake Fishing Guide Report
Well our Leisure Outdoor Adventures Fishing Guide crew is starting to get out on Leech Lake, in the Brainerd Lakes, and other areas looking for active fish to pass the time until Fishing Opener. Here are your Leech Lake and Brainerd Lakes Area Spring Fishing Reports.
With the ice now off the area lakes, a few anglers are starting to trickle out in hopes of finding panfish on area lakes. Over the weekend, I was able to get out in search of some early season crappies and perch on Leech Lake. Surface temps (which can fluctuate rapidly this time of year) were already in the high 40's and even 50 in a few places.
Leech Lake Jumbo Perch with Fishing Guide Chuck Hasse
We were not able to find any crappies or bluegills yet in traditional early spring areas, however believe we are not more than a couple days away. Perch action was very good, with active pre spawn fish in a few different areas in depths of 4-6 ft. With the walleye opener still a few weeks off, we will have plenty of time to sharpen our skills and practice hooksets on a few different species.
Brainerd Lakes Fishing Guide Report
In the Brainerd Lakes area, crappies and gills are starting to pick up on many of the local lakes. Gull Lake, Hubert, Margaret, White Sand, Edward, and many more are starting to kick out decent fish. The majority of the fish are not super shallow yet, and that won't come until those water temps rise. For now, focus on those shallow bays that
have a dark or mucky bottom where on warm days they will warm up and fish will pull to feed on bugs and small minnows, these places you will spend most time fishing in 4-7ft of water. Otherwise looking to areas where the crappies will be staging such as the breaklines that are near shallow weedy flats will best produce in 8-12ft of water.
Brainerd Lakes Fishing Guide Toby Kvalevog doing some kayak fishing
Right now slow and methodical seems to catch the most fish. Fishing under a slip float with a 1/32oz jig and tube or jig and minnow will produce best. Fan casting around until you find a school and then anchoring up on them.
Please remember to practice CPR on these fish, as many are nearing their stages to spawn. This will ensure future generations the same opportunity we have as sportsman right now!
Tight Lines!
LOA Guide Team
