Leech Lake Walleye Slot Limit 2019
2020 Leech Lake Walleye Tournament Rules
PARTICIPATION & ELIGIBILITY
The Leech Lake Walleye Tournament is a team tournament. Contestants must enter as two-person teams (no 'Partner TBD' or unknown partner names on the entry forms) and must fish together from the same boat. Fishing alone is discouraged. If a situation arises where only one member of the team is able to participate, proper notification must be made to the Leech Lake Walleye Tournament chairperson as soon as possible. Upon approval, the chairperson may provide an observer.
Each team member must complete, sign and submit an official entry form with complete entry fee by the published due date. (No refunds after May 16, 2020). The Participation Agreement releasing the Walker Area Community Center and Leech Lake Walleye Tournament's officers, agents, employees and sponsors from all damages must be signed and dated by both team members.
Any person 17 years of age or younger must be teamed with a parent or guardian. No persons under age 12 may participate as contestants. A team must consist of one contestant 17 years of age or younger to be eligible for the Adult/Youth division prizes.
The walleye is king in Minnesota and Leech Lake (Lake Map) is known for being one of the premier walleye lakes in the state. This is in large part due to the extensive local task force effort in cooperation with the DNR in stocking walleyes, cormorant control and rusty crawfish research. - The improved health of the walleye population on Leech Lake has DNR fisheries officials considering a change in the size of fish anglers can keep. Currently fishermen on Leech can. Statewide evaluation of slot limits across all of Minnesota’s large walleye lakes as well as to obtain an additional year of information, the Leech Lake walleye slot limit will be formally reviewed prior to the 2011 fishing season. At this time there are no pre-conceived conclusions as to whether the regulation will change or remain the same. Walleye, sauger, and hybrids: May 2, 2020 to March 7, 2021: The minimum length limit is 15' and the daily bag limit is 5. Bullheads: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited. Cisco and whitefish: Open All Year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10. Lake sturgeon: Closed: No fishing allowed.
The Leech Lake Walleye Tournament reserves the right to refuse entry to any individuals who have been barred or disqualified from any tournament for rules violations.
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ENTRY
Teams from the 2019 tournament receive priority to enter to the 2020 Leech Lake Walleye Tournament. In order to receive priority in this year’s tournament we must receive your completed tournament entry along with the entry fee of $425.00 per team by January 31st, 2020. Any openings remaining between February 1st and February 7th, 2020 may be filled by a returning 2019 angler with a new team member. Any openings remaining on February 8th, 2020 the will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Acceptable payment is check or money order. The check or money order should be made out to:
WACC - Leech Lake Walleye Tournament.
This entry form must be signed by both team members. Failure to do so will mean return of entry form. Entries will only be accepted when all information is complete and signed.
PRE-TOURNAMENT PRACTICE, REGISTRATION & RULES MEETING
All participants must be off the water by 3 P.M. the day before the tournament. Fishing is allowed only during tournament hours thereafter. From 3:00 P.M. the day before the tournament through the events conclusion, direct travel to and from boat docks and or docking facility is the ONLY lake travel allowed.
Boat positioning will be determined by witnessed random draw.
Attendance is mandatory by at least one team member at the Rules and Procedure Meeting on Friday, May 29th, 2020 at 6:00 pm at the Northern Lights Casino & Hotel. Failure to register and check-in BEFORE the start of the rules meeting results in disqualification for the tournament.
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
Teams must check in each morning prior to the tournament starting.
Each team must also check in again with the Official Timekeeper at the conclusion of each fishing day - this applies even if you do not have fish to weigh in. Teams who return late to check in will forfeit their total weight for that day. Failure to check in may result in team ineligibility in future events.
Teams must remain within tournament boundaries during the tournament hours.
All team members must remain in their boats each day during tournament hours. In the case of an emergency, teams may leave their boat to enter another team's boat or rescue craft. In such a situation, partners must remain within sight of each other and their catch until they reach tournament headquarters.
MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS
In the event of a mechanical breakdown, the team must contact Tournament Director to inform them of the situation.
A competitor is not required to assist another team and does so only with Tournament Director’s approval.
Boarding into another competitors’ boat:
Only with the approval from Tournament Director, one person from a team may be allowed to transport to a tournament limit of walleyes to the tournament headquarters via another PRE-APPROVED competitors’ boat. One person must stay with the disabled boat and one person allowed to transport.
All fish from team entering the transport boat must be CLEARLY marked and/or separated from the transporting boat. Boat card must be present.
Transport boat is not allowed to fish any longer and must go directly to tournament headquarters and report to the Tournament Director.
Both teams involved are subject to late penalties and must be in at designated time. No exceptions.
Towing another boat with mechanical breakdown:
Only with approval from Tournament Director, a team, broken down, may be allowed to be towed in by another tournament boat.
Tow boat or disabled boat teams are not allowed to fish any longer, must stay in their assigned boats and must go directly to tournament headquarters to report in with Tournament Director.
Both the boat being towed and the tow boat are subject to any late penalties and must be in at designated time.. No exceptions.
Returning to tournament action after mechanical breakdowns:
Running out of gas, dead batteries and other mechanical breakdowns are not exempt from any late penalties.
Trailering of boats during tournament hours under any circumstance is prohibited.
Teams must abide by all local navigation laws and avoid restricted areas at all times.
Tournament dates are Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, 2020.
Tournament waters include all navigable waters of Leech Lake east to Highway 8 and west excluding Benedict Lake. Fishing in Kabekona Lake and Steamboat Lake is prohibited.
Fishing hours begin at 7:00 A.M. with the field divided into five flights departing in 20 minutes intervals.
Returning flights will be in 20 minute intervals beginning at 3 P.M. and subsequent flights every 20 minutes thereafter. The order of field is reversed on Day 2.
EQUIPMENT AND TACKLE
Artificial and live bait are allowed.
Only one line per competitor is allowed.
Every boat in competition must have all Coast Guard required safety equipment and an operable bilge pump, live- well pump and source of aeration that will adequately maintain alive the walleyes.
Any cellular phone and radio communications (broadcasting and/or monitoring) during tournament hours, other than on a prescribed tournament frequency or in the case of emergency or for safety reasons is prohibited.
Any magnified viewing device used to observe competitors is not allowed. Competing Press members must obtain permit to carry professional camera equipment.
No underwater cameras are allowed.
Leech Lake Walleye Slot Limit 2019 Chart
WEIGH-IN AND LIVE RELEASES
The Leech Lake Walleye Tournament is a live release tournament. Each contestant should do all they can to insure the well being of their catch. Fish deemed unfit for release will be donated to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
Only Walleyes will be weighed. Each Team may weigh FIVE (5) fish daily. Minimum size for walleyes are 14 inches. Each team may weigh in ONE (1) fish over 20 inches daily.
Each fish determined to be non-releasable by the tournament judge will be assessed a .30 pound penalty. Any balance weights used must be removed prior to fish being presented to the judge or a 1 pound penalty will be assessed.
Any fish altered (before or after being caught) which enhances the weight or circumvents tournament slot limits will not be allowed and will be grounds for immediate team disqualification if so determined by the tournament rules committee.
The official ruler will be 'The Judge.' Fish will be measured by an official in any manner that results in the longest length.
SCORING
Total accumulated weight in pounds less non-releasable penalty will determine the final standings, the big fish awards and any additional awards.
If a tie occurs, the team with the heaviest weight on the second day of the tournament will determine the tiebreaker. The second determining factor in case of tie will be determined by the most releasable fish. If a third tiebreaker is needed, any cash awards of the two finishers will be added together and divided equally to each team.
At least one team member must accompany the catch to the scale. Each team must initial the official weigh-in slip and will receive a copy for their records.
Cash awards and prizes are based on a full field of participants. The tournament committee reserves the right to adjust cash/prize values accordingly.
SAFETY
Each participant must observe safe boat conduct at all times.
Each participant is required to wear Coast Guard Approved chest-type life preserver, which is fully secured whenever the main combustion engine is running above idling speed.
Instant engine stop switches must be operating properly when contestants are using the main engine above trolling speeds.
Main combustion engine horsepower may not exceed the Coast Guard B.I.A. or N.M.M.A. horsepower rating plate on the boat.
Boat registration numbers on all boats must be clear and identifiable.
All boats must carry a minimum of $100,000 liability insurance.
Use of alcohol or drugs (other than those prescribed by a licensed physician; or purchased over the counter), during the tournament is prohibited. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification from present and future events.
Tournament officials reserve the right to delay, cancel or restrict tournaments waters in case of severe weather.
During the tournament official weather announcements will be made on Marine Radio Channel 16. In the event of a thunderstorm, lighting and/or severe weather, contestants may pull into the nearest shoreline until it is safe to continue fishing. Contestants my not leave their boats during tournament hours except at the official weigh-in station or if severe weather forces them ashore.
Tournament officials reserve the right to disallow the use of any boat and/or motor they deem to be unsafe, inappropriate, or unsuitable for use. The Tournament Director's decision in this matter is final and may be made at any time.
SPORTSMANSHIP
All contestants will be expected to act in a sportsmanlike manner at all times towards non-competitors and competitors alike. This shall include the areas of safety, conservation and courtesy. Violators of this rule will be subject to disqualification.
Any unfavorable conduct or action by a competitor which could negatively reflect on the Leech Lake Walleye Tournament will be grounds for disqualification and/or future rejection of entry application.
During tournaments fishing hours, contestants will not discuss techniques, tactics or fishing spots with any other contestant; nor will they be allowed to receive fishing information from non-competitors. Non-competitors are not allowed to anchor or hold spots for contestants.
RULES AND INTERPRETATION
Contestants are responsible for knowing tournament rules as well as state and local rules and regulations, which pertain to the tournament waters. Any team violating state or local rules may be disqualified at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
All protests must be lodged with the Tournament Director in writing within 30 minutes of completion of daily weigh- in. Following interviews with concerned parties, a ruling will be made. The Tournament Director will interpret rules accordingly to the spirit and intent of the rule and his decision in all disputes is final. A $100.00 fee must accompany protest.
Tournament officials reserve the right to polygraph any contestant.
Failure to return the assigned boat number card may result in disqualification from the Leech Lake Walleye Tournament.
In the event that rules infractions are brought to the Tournament Director's attention at anytime, and investigation proves a violation occurred, a penalty of daily and/or tournament weight may be made. Also, cash prizes and awards must be returned if requested.
Top 5 Walleye Fishing Lakes in Minnesota
Want to take advantage of these lakes filled with walleyes in Minnesota?
Then you first need to know more about them!
1. Lake Minnetonka
While this lake is well-known for bass fishing, a lot are surprised to know that there is an abundance of walleyes here too.
You will often see big boats that catch the bass in large quantities, and along with the bass, you will also see the northern pike and walleye in the mix.
What’s great is that you can find the walleye in this lake all year round, making it ideal for those who are particularly looking for those big walleyes.
Types of Walleyes
There are two common types of walleyes in the lake.
One that relates to the weeds and the other that use the classic structure such as sand bard and rock piles.
The ones easiest to target tend to be those swimming around the rocky regions compared to those around the weeds.
Fishing Techniques
When it comes to the right techniques to catch this fish, we have to admit that no one style of fishing will work the best on this lake.
However, you can try out the jig and minnow from the opening day to about mid-June, as this is known to be popular among several anglers.
You can pitch the jigs out over the sand and rocks and then let it sink to the bottom of the lake.
Additionally, instead of just hopping the jig back, you can try dragging it a bit and then twitching it.
Many anglers say walleyes like sitting in the vegetation and watch for the baitfish to swim by.
This means you can keep your jig right at the lake’s bottom next to the milfoil that constantly comes up, and you will find this fish.
As the seasons change, you can try switching to roach rig.
It is a live-bait rig that will allow you to vary the distance between the bait and the weight instantly.
This is ideal for the walleye in the weeds, but you have to make use of a bigger minnow.
That is because there are several tiny panfish and perch all over the lake.
We recommend using a 1/8th or quarter-ounce bullet sinker since they tend to slip through the weeds.
2. Lake Mille Lacs
The Mille Lacs Lake is another great lake filled with tons of walleyes.
As a new angler, though, do not assume that this will all be easy pickings.
Since this is a large lake, there will be some days that tend to be better than the rest.
Considerations
What you need to pay close attention to is the weather since that will set the tone for how successful your fishing trip will be.
Additionally, take a look at the direction of the wind.
See how hard it blows and how long it occurs.
Winds tend to excite the shallow walleyes present in the lake and will also make the ones in the deep waters more active.
Where to Fish
Around the opening day, you will find walleyes in big numbers congregating on the sand on the north and northwestern end of the lake shortly after they spawn.
Soon after the first week of June, you will find many anglers piling up towards the mudflats, and they will be pulling live-bait rigs.
That is because while the fish tends to go back into deep water, there will still be many that stay shallow.
Fishing Technique
It is best to use 1/8th of an ounce of cone sinker slid onto your line.
Follow this by a bead, along with with with a rubber bobber stop, a small swivel, and a snell.
For some reason, the walleyes in this lake tend to prefer a reasonably long snell.
While it is tough to catch the fish with a 20-feet snell, having the snubber will be great since you will be able to reel right down to the swivel and distance from it to the hook, which will be roughly six feet.
We believe that trolling crankbaits in fall and spring tends to be a great way to catch these kinds of fish.
We recommend that you make use of a smaller shad-shaped bait during those earlier seasons and then move on to using the longer minnow-imitators towards the end of the open water season.
That is especially when the forage base gets developed, and the fish is looking for and eating the larger perch.
3. Leech Lake
Leech Lake is known to be home not of thousands but millions of walleyes, and since this lake is extremely massive in size, deep enough, and contoured, it means that you will indeed find this fish somewhere or the other.
Type of Walleye
This lake is not the kind of lake where you will normally find a ten-pound walleye.
Leech Lake Walleye Slot Limit 2019 20
We believe that the big walleyes here tend to be around seven pounds, but that does not mean you won’t find larger fish too.
It has a ton of fish that belong to the 14- to 20-inch range.
Keep in mind that this is a diverse lake and will feel like you are fishing in two bodies of water.
That is because you have the Walker and Agency Bay that are deep and structure-oriented.
On the other hand, “the basin” has a ton of rock and sand and a bit of color to it.
When and Where to Fish
Leech Lake Walleye Slot Limit 2019 2020
You will find that most of the early walleye fishing during the first week of July will occur in the basin.
After that, anglers move on to the deeper waters.
This gets turned back towards the basin in the fall until mid-October, and then back to deep waters.
Leech Lake Walleye Limit
Fishing Techniques
We found that the best presentation for the walleye in this lake is to use 1/16th ounce of Kelly green fireball jig and about two to 2.5-inch of spot tail shiners.
In the earlier part of the season, you can cast or pitch the minnow or jig into the area where the walleyes tend to be.
When it comes to retrieving the fish, you can let the jig sink to the bottom of the lake, and then rather than swimming or hopping it back towards the boat, you can simply twitch it as it lays at the bottom.
The walleyes in this lake tend to be very bottom oriented and will pretty much fall for this twitching method.
Leech Lake Walleye Slot Limit 2019 Catch
When fishing for walleyes during mid-July to the deeper basin, you can try the more vertical type jigging.
While these tend to work well, other factors can affect the fish, so make sure you try out several of them to see which works the best.