Leech Lake
About Leech Lake
Leech Lake is a 103,444-acre reservoir near Walker in Cass County, Minnesota. It reaches 150 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 19 feet, and has roughly 194.9 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Cass County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie, sunfish, walleye, and cisco, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 10 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR, US Army Corps of Engineers, and city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Stony Point Campground and Trails RV are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 223 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Leech Lake
- 103,444 acres, up to 150 feet deep, near Walker
- 10 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR, US Army Corps of Engineers, and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Stony Point Campground and Trails RV
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 10 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR, US Army Corps of Engineers, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 103,444 acres
- Max depth
- 150 ft
- Average depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 194.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 57,994 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 10 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Stony Point Campground, Trails RV, and Leech Lake Recreation Area
- Marina: Walker Marine and City Docks
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 20
- Game fish
- 13
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
- Walleye: Possession limit four, only one over 20" allowed in possession.
- Cisco: Possession limit 50.
- Whitefish: Possession limit 25.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 27
- Years of record
- 223
- Earliest
- April 2, 2012
- Latest
- May 23, 1950
- Most recent
- April 26, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Stony Point Campground, Trails RV, and Leech Lake Recreation Area are mapped on or near Leech Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Leech Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Crooked Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake582 acres
7.5 miles away
Jack Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Walker142 acres
7.9 miles away
Welch Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake196 acres
7.9 miles away
May Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Walker143 acres
9.3 miles away
Thirteen Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake555 acres
9.5 miles away
Swamp Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Wilkinson600 acres
9.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Leech Lake?
Leech Lake is in Cass County, Minnesota, near Walker. It covers 103,444 acres and reaches 150 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Leech Lake?
Leech Lake covers 103,444 acres with about 194.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 150 feet and its average depth is about 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Leech Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Leech Lake?
Yes. Leech Lake has 10 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR, US Army Corps of Engineers, and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Leech Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Leech Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Leech Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Leech Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. Possession limit four, only one over 20" allowed in possession. Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on Leech Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 223 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2012 and the latest is May 23, 1950.
Can you camp at Leech Lake?
Yes. Stony Point Campground, Trails RV, and Leech Lake Recreation Area are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Leech Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Leech Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.