Adventure North Resort

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We are located on Pine Point of Leech Lake, about 300 yards south of the point on the west side of Trader’s Bay.  We plow roads, for our resort guests, from our resort out to a ridge in front of the resort.  From there roads hook up which you can follow out to the Grand View Flats in the Walker Narrows. 

Our guests over the past two week ends have been experiencing a great walleye bite.  Beginning between 2 and 3 pm to about 5 or 6 pm the walleye have been hitting on a shiner and jig.

The perch fishing became a little spotty with the cold high front that has moved in.  A few Jumbo Perch are brought in everyday, hitting on a jig and a fathead. 

If you would like to know more about ice fishing Adventure North Resort style visit our blog page “How it works”  Week-ends are filling up fast so make your reservations soon.

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By Joe Albert
Associate Editor

Thursday, July 30, 2009 10:39 AM CDT

Walker, Minn. - Before the fortunes of Leech Lake’s walleye anglers plummeted earlier this decade, seasons in the late 1990s were considered pretty good.

In 1998 and 1999, anglers who targeted walleyes specifically were catching about 0.3 walleyes an hour. In 2004 and 2005, when walleye fishing was at a low point, anglers were catching 0.082 and 0.046 walleyes an hour, respectively.

The catch rate for anglers who specifically targeted walleyes jumped to 1.064 per hour last year, and has held to this point in the 2009 season. Essentially, walleye fishermen are catching at least three times as many walleyes as they were in the late ’90s.

“It’s that good,” said Doug Schultz, the DNR’s large lake specialist on Leech. “Eventually it is going to be slowing down. Where we are at right now isn’t normal and shouldn’t be the expectation for the long term. It’s something folks might want to get up here and take advantage of because the frequency and magnitude of our most recent year-classes has been unusual for any large lake.”
There’s been three large year-classes in a row of walleyes, and fish that were protected by the 18- to 26-inch protected slot limit (which went into place in 2005 as part of a multi-faceted management effort) have begun biting.

“We’ve been getting reports of 30-inch fish,” Schultz said. “Leech wasn’t necessarily known for cranking out fish over 30 inches. That’s encouraging because it means fish are living long enough to reach that true trophy status.”

The DNR estimates that through June 15, fishermen had caught 151,000 walleyes on Leech since this year’s opener, and harvested about 46,000 of them.

Walleye angling went on at a torrid pace between the opener and a couple of weeks ago, when a large, prolonged mayfly hatch slowed things down. Since that’s ended, “we’re back at full steam,” Schultz said.

Indeed, the catch rate of anglers fishing for walleyes on Leech means it’s “probably the hottest lake in the state,” he said. Last year, when the rate was similar to what it is this year, Schultz compared it to the rates on other walleye factories in the state, including Lake Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, and Lake Winnibigoshish.

“We were significantly higher,” he said.

What’s led to the turnaround on Leech?  Likely a combination of things, Schultz said.  The protected slot limit has saved some fish, which now are being caught; millions of walleye fry have been stocked, both as a result of DNR_decisions and legislative mandates; and thousands of double-crested cormorants have been culled from the lake (3,084 were killed this spring). 
“All of those contributed in part,” he said. “No one thing was the sole cure.”

The lake appears to have “great natural reproduction” - and egg-hatch rates that are estimated to be better than Upper Red Lake - but Schultz says it’s difficult to put a precise figure on it because of the continued fry stocking.

Only by scheduling “blanks” - years when zero fry are stocked - can the DNR fully evaluate the population’s ability to produce large natural classes of walleyes under current management strategies, which include a cormorant population goal of 500 nesting pairs and an 18- to 26-inch protected slot limit.

He expects walleye stocking to be a main topic as the DNR and stakeholders begin to assemble the next Leech Lake management plan, which will lay out the management plan for the lake for the next five to 10 years.

Article by Outdoor News

LEECH LAKE, MN - When thinking of Leech Lake, reflections of long summer days and record setting fishing vacations are typically at first thought.Today, winter vacation enthusiasts and fishermen alike, are quickly realizing that Leech Lake has become one of the hottest (or, in this case, coolest) winter destinations in the Midwest. David Haines, of Richfield, Minnesota, and a group of friends from the Twin Cities area set their sights on a winter getaway to the Leech Lake region in 2008, with ice fishing being forefront in mind. “All of us really enjoy the outdoors and two guys in our group are more hardcore fishermen,” said Haines. “It was our first time fishing on Leech…we had done some research online and had looked at reports for Leech Lake…we heard the fishing was good, so we made plans to head north.”

Much to the liking of Haines’ group, ice fishing reports for Leech Lake were decent all season long and that helped to solidify Leech Lake as the group’s destination of choice. “Reports were pretty good all around,” said Doug Schultz of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Walker fisheries office. “The walleye bite was fantastic from ice-up until the season ended in February.” Roger Tietz, of Bemidji, also made a weekend ice fishing trip to Leech Lake in February and chose to stay right on the ice. Tietz, who averages about 40 days of ice fishing each year, said, “Leech Lake provided us with one of the best weekend trips this year…we set up on the lake at seven on Friday night and we had our limit of fish by 10 a.m. the next morning.” “The fishing was excellent…and the bonus for anglers like me who choose to stay on the ice overnight, was the night bite,” Tietz added. ” The fish were active all night…there are a lot of lakes that don’t offer a strong night bite….Leech Lake does. I would definitely put it on the top of my list as a lake that I will fish again during winter.” Additionally, according to Schultz, the 2008-09 season brought more than just walleye. “Spearers did very well on northern pike in certain areas of the lake, as did bluegill anglers who knew where to look,” added Schultz. “The perch fishing was also hot throughout the month of March, with fish up to 13 inches (or 3/4 lb) not unusual.” Like many fishermen who dipped their lines into the frozen ice of Leech Lake in 2008-2009, Haines’ group caught their fair share of eel pout (or burbot), one of state’s most exciting and unique fish.  As the only freshwater member of the cod family, adult eel pout thrive in large walleye and lake trout basins and feed almost exclusively on smaller fish. With a metabolism geared for cold water, eel pout are the only Minnesota fish species that spawns in winter. Cold water is essential to the survival of the species, making it plentiful in the deep, icy winter waters of Leech Lake. Despite eel pout’s lack of popularity among most fishermen, for the past 30 years, the species takes center stage at Leech Lake each February. Anglers from across the state flock to Leech Lake’s International Eel Pout Festival. The event, which began as a ploy to attract tourists in the dead of winter, brings upwards of 15,000 people to the Leech Lake/Walker region annually. According to a report from the Minnesota DNR’s Conservation Volunteer, the event’s current festival organizer, Jim Gerchy, estimates that 30 to 40 percent of attendees actually fish, while others take part in non-fishing festival activities including foot and automobile races and a polar plunge in which daring participants hop into Leech Lake’s chilly water through a giant hole cut in the ice.

The Haines’ group appreciated Leech Lake’s convenient, yet remote north woods location. “It’s far enough away from the cities so you don’t have 747’s flying over your head all day,” said Haines. “Yet, you don’t spend all your time in the car driving to get there.” “Ice fishing or not, the sheer beauty of Leech Lake, the great weather, beautiful skies and peacefulness made our trip even more enjoyable,” Haines expressed. Walker also serves as a major hub of the snowmobile trails (Heartland and Paul Bunyan) that wander through the Chippewa National Forest and Leech Lake region. “The trails are groomed regularly, maps are readily available, there’s convenient lodging and quality eating establishments everywhere you go….it’s a winter paradise for everyone,”  “The city of Walker has the great small town atmosphere with a real main street,” said Tietz. “I appreciated the hustle and bustle of the downtown district…and, as an outdoorsman, I couldn’t drive through without stopping at Reed’s.” Abundant retail and sporting goods stores (like Reed’s Sporting Goods store), exceptional restaurants and Northern Lights Casino in Walker make Leech Lake the ideal vacation destination no matter the season.

-Leech Lake Tourism Bureau

LEECH LAKE, MN -

Ivan Paulsen, a former Fishery Biologist for the state of California, has been vacationing in the Leech Lake area since 1997. Paulsen and his family enjoyed the fishing (and the area, in general) so much that he retired here in 2007. Ever since, Paulsen (along with nearly every other fisherman who‟s dipped their lines into „Leech‟), have been reeling-in “lunkers.” As one of the largest lakes in the state of Minnesota (112,000 surface acres), Leech Lake offers an extensive variety of fishing adventures and is home to species like record largemouth bass, trophy-sized muskie, perch, crappie, northern pike and, of course, walleye. “I‟ve fished here for years and it‟s as good as, if not better, than any other place I‟ve fished before,” said Paulsen. “I‟ve been everywhere from Ontario to California and I can tell you that, in the past year, the fishing on Leech Lake has been absolutely phenomenal.” 

Doug Schultz, of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources‟ (DNR) Walker fisheries office echoes Paulsen. “Without a doubt, Leech Lake was the hottest walleye destination in 2008.” “Last year, we had reports of fisherman catching more than 200 fish a day,” said Paulsen. “That‟s typically unheard of, but the fishing on Leech Lake is that

good.” Renowned Leech Lake fishing guide Al Maas has been guiding on Leech for more than 40 years and he predicts that it will be the destination of choice for walleye fishing again in 2009. “Last year (2008) there were a couple of days where people were catching 50-75 walleye a day,” said Maas. “The bite here is as good as anywhere in the country, if not better.” Maas added, “Walleye of all sizes were biting….small, mid-length and all the way up to 31 inches….it wasn‟t uncommon to see several upwards of 20 inches.” 

While walleye fishing has been Leech Lake‟s most recent bright spot, it‟s no secret that Leech Lake has been known to produce record setting largemouth bass and muskie, amongst a variety of other species. According to Schultz, the diversity of shoreline and variations in depth on Leech Lake allow for ideal spawning and natural reproduction habits among all species. “There‟s no doubt Leech Lake has been and will continue to be a hot spot for pounding walleye in 2009,” Maas notes, “Leech really opened the world to largemouth bass fishing years ago…but, really, all the other species all thriving, too.”  Schultz added, “Here, they grow fast and they get big.” Leech Lake also prides itself on its convenient, yet remote location. In fact, fishermen from across the Midwest (and country) make Leech Lake a fishing destination each year. 

“It‟s a big lake that‟s not overly developed,” said Paulsen. “It almost feels like there‟s nothing around…it‟s not a crowded lake by any means.” Maas adds, “It‟s definitely a low pressure lake. There‟s plenty of room on Leech Lake for every boat imaginable.” The town of Walker adds another dimension to the fishing experience at Leech Lake. Conveniently situated on the shores of Leech Lake, Walker offers a plethora of shopping, dining and lodging venues, making Leech Lake the ideal fishing destination for 2009.  

-Leech Lake Tourism Bureau

LEECH LAKE, MN –

Leech Lake has long been known as Minnesota’s fishing “hot spot.” Today, however, this original “up north” destination has become the ultimate northwoods vacation for families each and every season. Like many regions throughout Minnesota, the Leech Lake area prides itself on its pleasant, small town atmosphere and “Minnesota Nice.” “Here, people go out of their way to help make your vacation great,” said Shay Fortier of Adventure North Resort. “It’s a great place to reconnect with family or a terrific place to start a family vacation tradition.” Randy Berkland’s family has made Leech Lake their family vacation destination for half a century. “My family has been visiting Leech Lake for more than 50 years,” explained Berkland. Originally from northern Iowa, Berkland and his parents and siblings began traveling to Leech Lake in the 1950s. “With the exception of maybe one or two years, our family has been to Leech Lake practically every year since the 1950s,” said Berkland. “When I was a young, we’d take a family vacation for a week away from the heat of Iowa,” said Berkland. Berkland recalls fishing on Leech Lake for hours on-end as a child. “We’d fish for probably 12 hours a day,” he added. “Now, my kids and grandkids participate in a variety of activities.” As one would expect, the Berkland family has grown since the 1950s and, fittingly so has the Leech Lake region. Like the Berklands, countless families and guests have come to enjoy Leech Lake not only for the outstanding recreation, but also for its “Up-North” character.”The Leech Lake area is the perfect place to make family memories,” said Cindy Wannarka, Executive Director of the Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. “Here, families can take advantage of a number of recreational activities while on vacation or just kick back and relax on the beautiful shores of Leech Lake.” According to Fortier, there is much to see and do both on and off the lake. “The lake itself offers so much on its own,” explained Fortier. “All the different bays of Leech Lake make it seem like each bay is its very own lake where you have an opportunity to participate in a variety of water based activities like swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing.” Betty Greer of the AmericInn in Walker agrees, “There’s no way you can’t find what you are looking for when you visit Leech Lake.” Off the lake, numerous retail shops, sporting goods stores, knick-knack shops and bookstores dot Walker’s downtown district. Along with numerous shopping outlets, Leech Lake dining options are plentiful. Most restaurants in the Leech Lake area offer a casual “come as you are” dining experience. A selection of fine dining venues provides an upscale dining alternative to guests, as well. Some, like Trapper’s Landing Lodge, the 502 or Chase on the Lake, even present lake accessible dining options.

“Leech Lake has really developed some great restaurants,” said Berkland. “We make a point of visiting The Boulders when we visit each year…they’ve got a great setting and some really great food.” A handful of exceptional nine and 18-hole golf courses in Leech Lake and Walker bring another avenue of fun for families. Experience championship golf at the Tianna Country Club, a short two mile drive from Walker or take the whole family to Wildwedge Golf & Mini Golf, where everyone (kids and adults) can enjoy a little fun on the course or the newest, scenic mini-golf course. Hop on the Paul Bunyan Bike Trail where you can travel for hundreds of miles in any direction. When complete, the Paul Bunyan Trail will traverse approximately 100 miles, from Brainerd in the south to Bemidji at its north-most point. Several trail access points, parking areas and rest areas are scattered along the trail, many located right in Walker. The Heartland Trail also winds its way through the Leech Lake/Walker region offering yet another biking and hiking option for visitors. Situated amongst the tall northern pines of the Chippewa National Forest, Leech Lake is a hiker’s paradise. On many of the area trails, hikers might spot a bald eagle, while others provide self-guided nature tours. Nearby, hikers will discover the world famous Itasca State Park where you’ll find an additional trail system that allows guests to walk across the mighty Mississippi River at its source. Six other state parks are located nearby and each offer unique experiences for hikers and nature enthusiasts. “While vacationing in Leech Lake, one can’t help but venture out and experience the northwoods just a little bit more,” adds Greer. Beginning right in Walker, a drive along the Lake Country Scenic Byway is sure to treat guests to an array of recreational and nature based activities. “There’s no question guests from across the country travel to the Leech Lake area for recreation and relaxation,” said Fortier. “And no matter which season they’re here, there’s sure to be an event that suits their taste, too.” From the ever-popular Eelpout Festival held each February, to Moondance Jam Country and Classic Rock festivals and gigantic Fourth of July celebration, the Leech Lake area offers a variety of events that spans both generations and personal penchant. After a day of fun and sun, the Leech Lake area offers lodging accommodations to suit everyone. From quiet campgrounds and family resorts to elegant hotels, quaint bed & breakfasts and even adventurous houseboat accommodations, there is a place for everyone. “The resorts in the Leech Lake are really in a world of their own,” added Wannarka. “The resorts here really make an effort to accommodate families and especially children…and there are always activities planned for children right at the resorts.” Fortier may have best explained why Leech Lake is more than just a fishing destination, “From biking and hiking trails, to golf, boating and sailing, wineries, shopping, dining, gaming and, of course, fishing, Leech Lake has it all…it really is the perfect vacation destination for families.” Adds Berkland, “It’s a place to come year after year with my kids and grandkids….we’ve got a lot of great memories from years’ past and we plan to come back again in 2009.”

-Leech Lake Tourism Bureau

LEECH LAKE, MN – From fishing and hunting to hiking, biking, golf and wildlife watching, Leech Lake is an outdoor lover’s paradise.  As the third largest lake in Minnesota, Leech Lake brings thousands of fishermen to the northwoods each and every season. In fact, in 2008, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) dubbed Leech Lake as the “hottest” lake in the Midwest.  “Leech Lake was the hottest walleye destination in 2008,” said Doug Schultz of the MN DNR Walker fisheries office. 

Legendary Leech Lake fishing guide Al Maas agreed.  “Leech Lake was the lake of choice for walleye fishermen in 2008,” said Maas. “I believe it’s going to be the top lake for walleye fishing again in 2009.”

“Walleye are our bread and butter, but it’s the other fish that set Leech Lake apart from any other lake in the state or the Midwest.”

Record-setting game fish like walleye, northern pike, muskie, crappie, bluegill and perch inhabit the unique and varying depth of the bays on Leech Lake and help to make this northwoods locale “a-must” for fishermen across the nation.  “The diversity in the depth of water on Leech provides the perfect habitat for several fish species,” said Schultz. “Shallow, vegetative areas provide ideal spawning and natural reproduction for many species.”  While Leech Lake is most well-known for its lake and world class fishing, many outdoorsmen (and women) have made this region a premier destination for other activities, like hunting.  

Troy Morschen, of Carver, MN, began deer hunting in the Leech Lake region with his wife years ago and has developed into an annual event for the Morschens. In fact, Morschen’s wife bagged her very first deer here in 2008.  “It was a very exciting experience for my wife,” said Morschen. “It’s great that she was able to get her first deer in Leech Lake because I know she’ll be excited to hunt there every year…I have hunted ducks, grouse, deer, and bear and have always done well. The area provides great hunting opportunities for the game we hunt.”

Located in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest, the Leech Lake region attracts hunters from across the Midwest annually. Here, hunters have discovered trophy whitetail deer, grouse, waterfowl and other game that move through the small, well-distributed timber stands and openings of the Chippewa National Forest. This historical Minnesota forest provides a variety of aged forest habitat on which many soughtafter game animals thrive, providing the ultimate hunting experience for outdoorsmen.   

According to Shay Fortier, owner of Adventure North Resort in Walker, the Chippewa National Forest trail system that winds its way through the forest, helps make it easily accessible to hunters.  Here, hundreds of miles of non-motorized trails wander through some of the best grouse habitat in the Midwest. The trails are mowed periodically to help maintain vegetation and food sources utilized by wildlife throughout the year.  “In addition to excellent fishing and grouse, waterfowl and deer hunting,” Fortier states, “These trails also provide excellent hiking, cross country skiing and wildlife viewing every season.”   

Cindy Wannarka, Executive Director of the Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce adds, “We’ve got a handful of activities for everyone….terrific golf courses, scenic hiking and biking trails, wonderful restaurants, events and so much more.”

 - Leech Lake Tourism Bureau

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The fish are hungry and biting on anything you put in front of them.  This describes the fishing from last week-end.  With many anglers fishing in between Hardwoods and Little Hardwood point, in the Meadows.  Producing plenty of fish in the 25″ or more range.  Our guests are keeping about 60% of what they are catching providing a great group dinner and enough to take home with them. 

Other spots on the lake that were hot are Pine Point, Stony Point and around Goose Island.  Using Shiners, Red Tails and Fat Heads in about 16′ of water.  Fisherman have also started to buy Night Crawlers and Leeches, and coming back for more proving they are working well.

Many crappie coming in from the Shingobee, Pump House Bay and Miller’s Bay area. 

The fish fly hatch, or what are also called May flies, has not happened.   This being a great thing for the lake, small larvae hatch at the bottom of the lake and rise to the top to then fly around and terrify the city folk.  A May fly hatch only happens in truly clean water lakes.  Walleye will be in a feeding frenzy, biting on anything including your line.

Make your reservations for next week, June 13 - 20, we still have openings at great rates.  In July we also have a few cabins left open for full week stays.  Did you know about our 50 slip covered harbor with electrical hook ups?  Best harbor on the lake with “Harbor Techs” - dock boys - at your service.

September, a great fishing month will be at reduced lodging rates.

June 13 departing June 17

Stay four nights in our two bedroom for the price of three nights. equaling $480 based on four guests.

July 4 - 11 or August 8 - 15

Take $200 off our four bedrooms, Shoreview or Heritage.

August 18, Tuesday departing August 22, Saturday. 

Cedars Reunion Log home $1920 based on 15.

Beach House, one bedroom $600 based on two guests. 

August 15 - 22

25% off summer lodging rates.  Discounted rates are posted on our lake home page.  Full week stays only.

August 29 - September 5

50% off summer lodging rate.  See the same rates as August 22 - 29, full week stay.

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Our guests that stay in Cedars log home every opener have been sticking with us even when the fishing was slow on Leech Lake.  This year was their 11th year at the resort.  When I told Mike about our blog he replied “Here’s your quote ‘Leech Lake is Back’.”  As many of you have probably heard since the opener, last weekend the fishing was outstanding.  Our guests said it was their best year ever and rebooked for next year.  Fishing opener 2010 is May 15th and Mother’s Day will be May 9th for a change.  We have four cabins available.

Anglers were fishing in about 9 - 10 ft of water using a green jig and shiner or Lindy rig with a shiner.  Weather was cloudy and misty, just like we have today.  The 9 guys in Cedars caught 86 fish, a little more than 1/2 were 20″ to 27″, while the other half were keepers.  Best year they ever had was the comment they had.  Thanks to you guys and look forward to having you back.

Many areas of the lake were producing fish, Pine Point, about 300 yards from the resort, Goose Island, about 1/4 mile, and the Hardwoods stand out as the spring hot spots.  Other areas were Agency Bay, by the Roosevelt Canal and the souteast end of Trader’s Bay.

Our friend and seasonal mobile home guests, Dave and Tammie called to say what a great week-end they had with their guests.  Thanks for the call Tammie and I have turned the comments area on for any that would like to comment.

We have two or more night openings May 17 - June 20, all good spring fishing dates.  After June 20 we have weekly openings available.  Beginning Sept 5 we are back to 2 or more night stays.  We also have one seasonal mobile home site available.  Only 10 allowed on our property, which is never overcrowded.  We collect your garbage and clean your fish for you too!

Stay tuned for this week end’s fishing update and get to the lake!

Shay

By 10 am, when this photo was taken from our deck, many fisherman and woman had caught dozens of walleye.  A grey day with one real sprinkle, chilly out on the lake, although the catching made for having a great time.  The weather cleared by 5 pm and we are hoping for good weather tomorrow. 

We have about 30 guests in right now, most of them fishing in about 16 feet of water off of Pine Point , a hot spring fishing spot.  Other places producing fish are around Goose Island and the Hardwoods of Leech Lake.  Using a shiner and jig or lindy rig drifting and trolling.  Pretty calm winds tucked in behind Pine Point on west side of Trader’s Bay.

                             Steve, my husband and the dock boys pictured here, clean all of our guests fish and package them for travel if you prefer.  Leave the fish cleaning to us, Steve is a licensed fish packer and is proud of his no bone walleye filets and Y boned northern pike. 

Guests today said each boat was keeping about 50% of what they caught.  Many boats catching 25 or more walleye.  Jumbo perch and northerns were seen in the live well today along with the many walleye.

We have openings this coming week.  Our rate is $40 a person per night with a minimum of four guests.  Our covered protected harbor fee is $25 a day.  We (I should say Steve) will launch your boat, store your trailer, clean the fish, gas the boat and trailer it out for you before you depart.  Can’t beat that with a stick.

Okay, it is getting late (for me) and I am getting punchy, time to sign off and I will post more photos tomorrow.