Lake information report

Name: Leech

Nearest Town: Walker Primary County: Cass Survey Date: 07/01/2011 Inventory Number: 11020300

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Public Access Information

Fishing Regulations:

Lake Characteristics

Fish Sampled for the 2011 Survey Year

Length of Selected Species (Trapnet, Gillnet) Sampled for the 2011 Survey Year

Fish Stocking Activity

Fish Stocked by Species for the Last Ten Years

Fish Consumption Guidelines

These fish consumption guidelines help people make choices about which fish to eat and how often. Following the guidelin es enables people to reduce their exposure to contaminants while still enjoying the many benefits from fish.

Pregnant Women, Women who may become pregnant and Children under age 15

General Population

DOWID - MN DNR, Divion of Waters' lake ID number.

Contaminants listed were measured at levels that trigger advice to limit consumption.

Listing of consumption guidelines do not imply the fish are legal to keep, MN DNR fishing regulations should be consulted.

Dioxin
Mercury
PCBS - Polychlorinated biphenyls
PFOS - Perfluorooctane sulfanate

Status of the Fishery (as of 07/01/2011)

Leech Lake is the third largest lake entirely within the boundaries of Minnesota and has approximately 112,000 surface acres. The lake is geographically located in three glacial zones and has an irregular shape with many large and small bays. The deepest area of the lake is located in Walker Bay where depths reach around 150 feet deep. Approximately 80% of the lake is less than 35 feet deep. Similar to other large lakes in Minnesota, the fish community is dominated by species in the perch and pike families. Walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge are the primary predator species, while yellow perch and cisco serve as the principal forage. Leech Lake is well known among anglers as a tremendous multi-species fishery, including excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, sunfish, and black crappie.

Leech Lake has been surveyed annually with standardized assessments since 1983. Establishment of long-term data sets on Leech Lake and Minnesota's other large walleye lakes allow biologists to compare current observations against historical averages. These long-term data sets can also provide insight into other lakes having similar physical and biological properties that are not sampled as frequently. Population metrics for a particular species, such as the highs and lows in gill net catch rates or the growth rates of fish, are constantly changing as they move from one extreme of their observed normal range to the other, much like a pendulum. While highs and lows are normal and rarely sustained past one year, consecutive observations at either extreme can be indicative of changes to an ecosystem. These may include exotic species introductions, shifts in habitat availability and/or quality, beneficial or adverse environmental conditions, and increased or decreased competition for resources between species or among year classes of the same species or among several species with similar requirements. Regardless, it is important to remember that all populations of flora and fauna fluctuate dramatically and that this natural variability is strongly influenced by the changing environment in which they live as well as the other species of plants and animals they share it with.

The MN DNR convened a citizen input committee (Leech Lake Advisory Committee; LLAC) comprised of stakeholders representing local and statewide interests in Leech Lake management. This group outlined walleye population management objectives and actions, including double-crested cormorant control, the walleye regulation, and walleye fry stocking (LLAC 2010). These recommendations were incorporated into DNR's Leech Lake Management Plan, 2011-2015 (Schultz 2010a). These management goals, where appropriate, are referenced in this report.

The current protected slot walleye regulation (PSL) on Leech Lake (18-26" walleye must be immediately released; possession limit of 4, one of which may be longer than 26") was reviewed and compared to other regulation options (Schultz and Staples 2010a). Public comment on proposed regulation changes was solicited during October, 2010. The majority of public input supported maintaining the regulation through 2015, though some comments expressed consideration for a more liberal length limit that adjusts with measures of spawner biomass. Therefore, if measures of spawner biomass exceed 2.0 lbs/acre during two consecutive years, DNR will consider adjusting the regulation to a 20-26" PSL, bag of 4, one fish over 26" allowed in possession to begin the ensuing season based on current information.

Aquatic invasive species currently found in Leech Lake include rusty crayfish, heterosporosis, curly-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, purple loosestrife, and banded mystery snail. Currently invasive plant species are not widely distributed within Leech Lake. Other aquatic invasive species are increasing in prevalence throughout Minnesota and pose a likely risk. Anglers and boaters alike are encouraged to review and adhere to rules requiring proper bait disposal, draining all water from bait containers, livewells, bilge, and the watercraft, and properly inspecting and removing all plants and animals from the watercraft, anchor, and trailer when leaving a lake. Information on invasive species issues and prevention can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/index_aquatic/.

Walleye: Since the Large Lake Program began in 1983, walleye gillnet catch rates have ranged from 4.6 fish/net (1993) to 13.4 fish/net (1988). The 2011 catch of walleye per experimental gillnet set was 8.08 fish/net and remains above the 1983-2011 average of 7.6 fish/net. The improvements in the walleye population can be largely contributed to above-average year classes of walleye produced during 2005-2008. Walleye sampled in experimental gillnets ranged in length from 6 to 26 inches. Observed median lengths of the 2010, 2009, and 2008 year classes were approximately 9, 12, and 15 inches TL, respectively.

Statistics from the 2011 creel survey described another good walleye angling season on Leech Lake. Walleye were caught at a rate of 0.232 fish/hour and harvested at a rate of 0.079 fish/hour across all anglers. Anglers specifically targeting walleye caught fish at a rate of 0.584 walleye/hour and harvested fish at a rate of 0.177 walleye/hour. These statistics, in particular the targeting catch and harvest rates, are comparable to estimates collected during the 1990's.

Northern Pike: The 2011 gillnet catch rate of northern pike was 5.89 fish/net. Northern pike gillnet catch rates have remained relatively stable since 1983, ranging from 3.6 fish/net (1993) to 6.2 fish/net (1995) with an average of 4.9 fish/net. Northern pike captured in 2011 gillnet sets ranged in length from 10 to 37 inches.

Anglers targeting northern pike during 2011 caught pike at a rate of 0.640 fish/hour and harvested pike at a rate of 0.228 fish/hour. The average length of harvested northern pike during 2010 was 23.01 inches.

Muskellunge: Only two muskellunge were sampled in experimental gillnet sets during 2011. Muskellunge are typically low in abundance and exceed sizes effectively sampled with gillnets.

Muskie anglers averaged 0.032 fish/hour, or 1 fish/31 angler-hours, during the 2011 fishing season. This is 1.8 times higher than the long-term average for targeting anglers (0.018 fish/hour). Catch rates were highest during August and September.

Yellow Perch: Gillnet catch rates of yellow perch have ranged from 12.9 fish/net (2005) to 37.7 fish/net (1995). The 2011 catch rate of yellow perch in experimental gillnet sets was 17.22 fish/net. This is above the 1983-2011 average of 21.9 fish/net. Yellow perch sampled in 2011 gillnet sets ranged in length from 5 inches to 12 inches. Of the total perch caught, 37% were 8 inches and longer and 13% were 10 inches and longer; both of these proportions have an increasing trend during recent years.

Anglers targeting yellow perch averaged a catch rate of 4.988 perch/hour and a harvest rate of 1.682 perch/hour during 2011. Catch and harvest rates were highest during August and September.

Cisco: The 2011 catch rate of cisco per experimental gillnet set was 1.86 fish/net and is above the long-term average of 5.53 fish/net. Gillnet catch rates of cisco have varied considerable, ranging from 0.6 fish/net (2006) to 18.5 fish/net (1987). Warmer summers causing summer kills have probably been the source of cisco catch rates remaining below average since 1995, except in 2009. Age-2 fish were by far the most frequently sampled in 2009.

Leech Lake also provides quality angling opportunities for largemouth bass, black crappie, and sunfish in shallow, vegetated bays. These species are not effectively sampled with gillnets. Anglers also occasionally report catches of smallmouth bass, which have always been present in low numbers.

For more information on this lake, contact: Area Fisheries Supervisor 07316 State Hwy 371 NW Walker, MN 56484 Phone: (218) 547-1683 Internet: Walker Fisheries E-Mail: Walker.Fisheries@state.mn.us	Lake maps can be obtained from: Minnesota Bookstore 660 Olive Street St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 297-3000 or (800) 657-3757 To order, use B0050 for the map-id.
For general DNR Information, contact: DNR Information Center 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 TDD: (651) 296-6157 or (888) MINNDNR Internet: www.dnr.state.mn.us E-Mail: info.dnr@state.mn.us	Turn in Poachers (TIP):     Toll-free: (800) 652-9093