Preliminary catch, harvest, and pressure estimates obtained during spring creel surveys indicate that fishing is, and should continue to be, very good to exceptional throughout many of the state’s major fishing waters, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“Walleye catch rates for May on Leech Lake have been similar to those observed during the excellent fishing of the late 1990s,” said Henry Drewes, DNR regional fisheries manager. “We have received lots of very positive reports from anglers stating that this is the best fishing they’ve ever experienced.”
Catch rates of walleye across all anglers on Leech Lake during May averaged 0.36 walleye per angler-hour. Catch rates of anglers specifically targeting walleye were considerably higher at 0.79 walleye/angler-hour.
“Fishing is considered very good any time walleye catch rates are 0.3 or greater,” said Drewes. He noted the Leech Lake rates compare favorably with other premier Minnesota walleye fisheries such as Mille Lacs and Lake of the Woods.
Fishing on Upper Red Lake has been exceptionally good this spring with preliminary catch rates of walleye across all anglers exceeding those observed when Upper Red Lake re-opened to walleye fishing in 2006.
Although spring fishing has been superb, the overall angling pressure has been below average. This year’s late ice out and prolonged, cold spring have kept some anglers off the lake.
But, as many anglers know, a late spring and cool water temperatures usually means that good walleye fishing will extend later into the summer. As expected, angling activity is picking up.
“If you haven’t gotten your line wet yet this year, there is still plenty of time to get in on the excitement,” said Drewes. “Summer is just beginning and fishing licenses are good until next April, so grab your gear and go. Or, better yet, bring along a friend or neighbor kid and introduce someone new to fishing.”
For more information on fishing, fishing regulations or licenses, visit mndnr.gov.
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