Our group of 5 fished Leech lake last Tuesday and Wednesday. The parking at the boat launch is open, but the State blocked off the enterance to the camp sites along the lake. However you can hike a couple of hundred feet to a camping site should you have a tent.
The first pic is looking up the lake from the boat launch. The second pic is looking back at the launch.
Day 1 was slow for drys. Five of us tried various patterns , but fishing was slow. All together we caught about 10 fish is all, not counting the small brookies. Mostly on callibaetis pattens from 14 -18.
Those fishing chronomids and dragging stuff had much less success.
Day 2 the wind came up and fishing was difficult. It took me about and hour of slowing kicking down to an area where I felt the wind was less of a problem
I went joined a cluster of pontoon boats and 3 guys fishing out of prams. All were fishing nymphs etc.
Since nothing was coming up I thought this is going to be a long day. I remember seeing a few fly ants on shore and thought I give on a try and that's when things picked up. Keep in mind no fish were rising.
I ended up boating 3, lost one that threw the hook after a few jumps, got broken off and missed at least 5-6. All this occurred from 11:30 until 1:30. The fish I caught were 18" with 17 incher that was heavier the the 18 incher and looked like a football.
I witness only one fish caught by those around me during the time I was there and the only thing I heard was "where are the fish."
In looking at the Fly Fishing Forum on the State website, the reports are fishing is extremely slow and no hatches are coming off.
So, should you go up there fish the biggest flying ant you may have and be patient. They will come up.
After 1:30 the whole lake shut down and nearly everyone on the lake came in due to wind and no fish.
I was on the 6:30 am ferry and was at the lake at 9:30 am. Coming home was a bit longer due to traffic in Bellevue.
Our group stayed at the condos at the pass, but they are somewhat expensive unless you stay two to a room.
