Leech Lake - Walker, Minnesota - Popular Fishing and Recreation Area

Leech Lake is located in North Central Minnesota running by several towns including Walker, which is approximately 190 miles from Minneapolis via Interstate-94 E. It is the third largest lake in the state covering 112,835 acres with 195 miles of shoreline and has a maximum depth of 150 feet. The Leech Lake area is a popular destination for vacations, day trips, various recreation activities and especially fishing.

Staying in Walker gives visitors easy access to the lake and the many activities available here including fishing. Leech Lake is nationally recognized as a game fish lake and anglers will find it regularly stocked with Northern Pike, Walleye, Jumbo Perch, Bass, Slab Crappies, Blue Gills and various types of Pan fish. The lake is considered to be the premier lake in Minnesota for catching Walleye making the chance of catching fish here much better, due in part to the efforts to stock the lakes frequently and control the cormorants.

With such a large expanse of water there is something for everyone here with boating very popular along with water skiing. Miles of open water and the many bays here make this a perfect spot for sailing and every August there is a regatta held at the lake. Sailboats are available for rent at various points along the lake, and visitors can also get lessons here.

Appropriately perhaps Walker is a good place for hikers as well as cyclists with miles of paved trails along the shoreline. The 27 mile Heartland Trail takes hikers from Walker to Park Rapids, while the Paul Bunyan Trail extends from Walker to Brainerd. Golfers will not be disappointed either with four golf courses in the area, including the Tianna Country Club two miles south of Walker, which has a challenging 18-hole par 72 course.

Activities are not confined just to the spring, summer and fall as there are many things to attract visitors here in the winter too. The snow covered trails provide excellent groomed area for snowmobiling, while the anglers can continue as well with the sport of ice fishing as the lake is still stocked with fish including freshwater perch. Cross country and downhill skiing are also done here with trail through the forests and hills to provide a bit more speed.

Visitors looking to stay for a few days will find there a several types of accommodation available in Walker, which are situated right by the lake. There are numerous lodges, resorts, inns and hotels in the area with something different to offer. People preferring to camp out will find RV and tent sites with full hook-up at Moonlight Bay Resort & Campground.

There are some impressive parks in the Leech Lake area as well including Itasca State Park and the Chippewa National Forest. Should the weather be unkind to visitors on a given day there are many other attractions to be found in Walker including the Cass County & Walker Museum or the Moondance Ranch and Adventure Park. Adults looking for a night out can head to the Northern Lights Casino at Frontage Road in Walker.