With all the good reports from Leech, my wife and 3 kids 11, 9 and 1 and I are thinking about renting a place on Leech for MEA weekend.

I have never been on Leech and don't know that lake at all. I found a couple of rentals over by Federal Dam. Is that area close to good fishing? We would mainly be trying for perch and walleye. Or is another part of lake better?

Thanks
FishingPops

Federal Dam is way up on the north end and can make for some long runs on the water. You might look for a place in the Pine Point or Stony Point areas. More centrally located...

I own a cabin by federal Dam and the Fishing this year has been outstanding! We have never had to leave Portage Bay to catch fish. Where are the rentals you are looking at? I may be up at that time also. Jumbo perch are usually hitting at that time as well as the walleyes. We catch most of the walleyes using crankbaits which is an easy way for the kids to land a big one as they pretty much hook themseves. Perch usually are in 7 to 8 ft of water and the area between North Star Resort and the mouth of the river is usually a good place to start looking. Last year we filled a 5 gallon bucket in under 2 hours. Have fun and enjoy your time on the water.

Thanks for the ideas I am finding that a lot of resorts are closed by that time already. I found a couple of private rentals in what looks like a townhouse association by Federal Dam and that is why I was looking in that area. I have never been on Leech so I don't have any ideas on where the good areas to fish are. I was hoping not to have to drive to the Pine or Stony Point areas. We do have an 18' boat so we would be okay if we had to.

Fishfurfun-good to hear there is good fishing in that area too and thanks for the tips. Do you know anything about those townhouses? They appear to have a boat slip in a harbor for a renter to use also. I am finding that a weekly rental is about the same price as a 4 day rental so we might rent for the whole week and I might be up there by myself for a few days. If I am and you are around you would certainly be welcome in my boat.

Anyone else have an opinion on the Federal Dam area area vs the south shore area?

Thanks!

FishingPops

Look into the Steamboat bay area of the lake. You can always get out on the water, lots of protected areas to hide from the wind. Not a bad ride to get out into the main lake area, if you want to. Hiawatha Beach is a top notch lodge.

Fishing Pops

Not sure if Huddles is open then, but may be worth a call. They are on the South end of the lake and well situated to good fishing waters. The resort is very family oriented and the facilities are excellent. You can check them out on the web and give Roy or Kay a call.

The townhouses are right by my place. They are well set up for a family. The harbor is excellent, but with the lake level going down you have to lift your motor up on the way out. There is also a caretaker that lives right by the boat launch. He would be able to help you with fish locations since he lives there year round. His name is Bill. If you decide to stay there just tell him Terry told you to come and talk to him. He will be able to tell you where my cabin is also. The bay is large and like I said we have been having great fishing this year. If you want to move around the main lake however they are right it is a long haul, so you may want to look at other options. Like I said though, we haven't had to travel too far to find good fishing. Good luck with your search. If you decide on the townhomes (There are also private cabins for rent) maybe we can hook up.

never fished the lake but I would say watch out for decoys and boats as I would imagine the river from the dam to the lake will have a few hunters in the channels and eddies out to the big lake.

Just booked a townhouse at Isle Harbor. Extended the time to October 10th through the 19th. If anyone will be in the area during that time let me know and maybe we could get out together.

Thanks,

FishingPops

I may be up that week-end with my daughter and son in-law. If I am I will try to get you info on some spots to fish on that end. We were up last week-end with 7 kids so I didn't get much walleye fishing in but I took them all out perch fishing. We kept around 70 perch in 2 days between 11 and 13". The kids had a blast and all got to take home fish. The bite has been great and should continue. I am the first cabin on the right as you come into Isle Harbor. Stop in if you see us up. I'll se what I can do to get the kids onto some fish.

Were you using crappie minnow or whatt is the bait of choice? How is the perch fishing around the Huddles resort area? Thanks in advance for any pointers.

Fatheads and green or blue jigs worked best. Really didn't even need live bait. A white twister tail worked just as well when bait ran out. just need to keep some action on your jig.