Leech Lake
Cass County, Minnesota, near Walker. DNR lake ID 11020300.
Leech Lake is a 103,040-acre lake in Cass County, Minnesota, near Walker. Its deepest point reaches 150 ft, and about 56% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.1 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie.
Buying or selling on Leech Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
Tell us about your dream home on Leech LakeWhat’s my Leech Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 11020300 |
|---|---|
| County | Cass County, near Walker |
| Surface area | 103,040 acres |
| Maximum depth | 150 ft |
| Mean depth | 18.5 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 56% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.1 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 13.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 12 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 12.1 ft, phosphorus 13.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Leech Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on Leech Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 7.22 | 3.3 to 14.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.33 | 0.9 to 4.3 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 9.61 | 9.9 to 57.1 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.19 | 0.1 to 0.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.03 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.08 | 0.0 to 0.1 |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 0.08 | 0.0 to 0.2 |
| Muskellunge | gill | 0.03 | 0.0 to 0.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.89 | 4.9 to 17.6 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.06 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.56 | 0.1 to 1.1 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.03 | n/a |
| Burbot | gill | 0.03 | 0.0 to 0.2 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2022), Northern pike 32.0 in (2022), Walleye 27.0 in (2022), Muskellunge 29.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 19.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Lake whitefish, Burbot, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Walleye limit 4, only one over 20 in. Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5. (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2005), starry stonewort (listed 2021), zebra mussel (listed 2016).
Public boat access
- Leech Lake River, 1st Ave: 1 natural launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. Co Rd 8 NE to downtown Federal Dam, then take Federal Dam Dr. to 1st Ave access site Directions
- Leech Lake, Battle Point: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 3 docks, 30 trailer spaces. 3 mi S of Federal Dam on Cnty Rd 8, then 4.5 mi W on Cnty Rd 73, S .8mi on Cnty Rd 136, then E .8 mi on Twp Rd, on W side of Boy River Bayand E side of lake. Directions
- Leech Lake, Stony Point: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 16 trailer spaces. 4.5 mi S of Walker on Hwy 371, 1.8 mi on Hwy 200, 4 mi N on Co Rd 13, 3 mi NE on USFS Rd 1797 Directions
- Leech Lake, Sucker Bay: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 2 docks, 15 trailer spaces. Take Hwy 2 to Sucker Bay Rd NW and go south to North Shore Drive NW turn right access ahead on left. Directions
- Leech Lake, Walker City Park: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 5 docks, 50 trailer spaces. In Walker, in City Park on south shore of Walker Bay of Leech Lake. Directions
- Leech Lake, Shingobee Island: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 11 trailer spaces. 2.5 miles south of Walker, off MN Highway #371, on south shore of Leech Lake, Shingobee Island. Directions
- Leech Lake River, Federal Dam: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock. In Federal Dam Recreation Area, campground boat launch for registered campers (no parking lot, park in your campsite). Directions
- Leech Lake River, Hwy 8: 2 concrete plank launch ramps, 2 docks, 62 trailer spaces. In Federal Dam, off County Road #8, in Leech Lake Recreation area. Directions
- Leech Lake, Brevik: 1 natural launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. 1 mi N of Brevik, off Co Rd 39 on Boy Lake Twp Rd, on SE shore of Partridge Bay on Leech Lake. Directions
- Leech Lake, Whipholt Wayside: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 10 trailer spaces. .5 miles east of Shipholt, off MN Highway 200, on south shore of Leech Lake. Directions
- Leech Lake, Erickson's Landing: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 30 trailer spaces. In the City of Walker South on Hwy 371 Directions
- Leech Lake, Two Points: carry-in or shore access. From Sucker Bay Road Travel about one mile southeast on Two Points Rd. NW. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: The Merit Lakeside Dining & Cocktails, dock seating and boat-up dining, with lake views from inside in colder months; The 502 at Chase on the Lake, lakefront dining and patio bar on Walker Bay; Shingobee on the Bay, waterfront bar and restaurant on the lake near Walker.
On-water fuel: Trapper’s Landing Lodge Marina, 91-octane gas at the dock, plus bait, slips, and boat rentals. Confirm hours before heading out.
Nearby lakes
- Gould Lake 5.3 mi, Cass County
- Rice Lake 5.5 mi, Cass County
- Deep Lake 6.8 mi, Cass County
- Crooked Lake 7.5 mi, Cass County
- Jack Lake 7.8 mi, Cass County
- Welch Lake 7.8 mi, Cass County
- Turtle Lake 8.2 mi, Cass County
- May Lake 9.2 mi, Cass County
Questions about Leech Lake
How deep is Leech Lake?
Leech Lake reaches a maximum depth of 150 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 56% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Leech Lake?
Leech Lake covers about 103,040 acres in Cass County, Minnesota.
How clear is Leech Lake?
Summer water clarity on Leech Lake averages 12.1 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Leech Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Leech Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Leech Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish in Leech Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Leech Lake?
Leech Lake has 12 public water access sites on DNR record: Leech Lake River, 1st Ave; Leech Lake, Battle Point; Leech Lake, Stony Point; Leech Lake, Sucker Bay; Leech Lake, Walker City Park; Leech Lake, Shingobee Island; Leech Lake River, Federal Dam; Leech Lake River, Hwy 8; Leech Lake, Brevik; Leech Lake, Whipholt Wayside; Leech Lake, Erickson's Landing; Leech Lake, Two Points.
How is the walleye population on Leech Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2014 to 2022, walleye numbers on Leech Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Leech Lake?
Homes on Leech Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Leech Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Leech Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 56% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.1 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Leech Lake?
Yes. Walleye limit 4, only one over 20 in. Sunfish daily limit 5. Crappie daily limit 5.
Ask us about Leech Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Cass County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.