Leelanau Map

[DapperTrapper]

Looking for a detailed map of Lake Leelanau. Also, how is the bite for walleye?
Going there in a few weeks. Looking for any help on hot baits for this lake. Thanks

[Hotwired]

Check here:

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10367_24463_24533-67584--,00.html

[DapperTrapper]

Thanks for the info, however I am looking for the most detailed map I can get.

[tracker1277]

For a real good map try maptech.com the most detailed maps on the planet but kinda expensive.As far as the bite its horrible we need wrmer weather for about 2 weeks went out opening day and week and didnt have but 1 keeper fish and we did better then most. Give a couple weeks it should get better

[DapperTrapper]

Thanks,
I looked there but could not find anything. Anybody, else know anything?

[franky]

there is a bait shop up at the little channel that connects the lakes and they supply you with a topographical map of the lake and it is pretty detailed. Good Luck!

[lobo1]

fishing couldnt get any worse. maps - at the narrows bait store they have some zerox copies for a quarter that will work. You pass the chamber of commerce on your way up - they usually have them for free; also there is a marina type store across from west bay just as you leave traverse city on your left side - just south of a mcdonalds and a speedway on the west side of rd - I forget the name but they have lots of maps.

good luck

lobo1

[DapperTrapper]

Thanks for the info on the maps. Does anyone know what the hot colors are?
What is generally better for eyes, north or south lake?
Appreciate any assistance.

[lobo1]

"HOT" color isn't how I would phrase the question. Ask it this way..........

"If anyone has caught A fish on Leelanau this year - what color was it caught on ?" and then the follow up could be "If any renowned angler caught more than one keeper - which end of the lake did it come from ?"

As you can tell I am frustrated with this lake !! :bash: :fish: :bash:

Only bite I have EVER found there worth mentioning (have relatives on the lake) has been at and after dark trolling medium sized stick baits like the taildancer in emerald green on inline boards and flat lines.

the local folks I have noticed have more patience and like to bobber fish with leeches and crawlers and also like to pitch jigs up tight and on the drops. In my opinion, this is probly best as it is frustrating trying to troll here - the lines are always fouled with something - generally not fish . I would try bouncers if you want to troll rigs.

I have "heard" chatreuse rigs with hammered copper or brass blades is a good place to start but have :bash: beat this to death and no luck. I have heard the area off Bingham rd is not too bad but have never caught a fish there. The only fish I have ever caught in the daylight hours were off the steep drop offs on the north lake.

I've only been going there for 3 years but when I do go - I put in long hours and generally get little for results.

I know there are fish here - I have seen the net results done by the DNR in the local rag - I just cant catch much on this lake. Taking the tow rope this summer and leaving mist fishing stuff home.

Great place to swim and have a cold malted beverage but I think we missed the "good" walleye days.

lobo1

[DapperTrapper]

Thanks for the input, LOBO. I have caught fish thru the ice on this lake. All action seems to happen 1/2 hour before dark. I have never fished it with a boat, however.
I also hear there was a tourny put on (?) by the town of Leland last weekend. I heard the winner caught five fish. I also heard he has won the same tourny three years in a row. All with five fish. Anyway thanks again for the info.

[franky]

there is a farm on the end of the south lake and fish in the middle of there and use a harness that is chartreuse in color and just troll up and down, we pulled 3 keepers and a teeny perch out of there a few years back.

[cedarlkDJ]

Dapper,
don't know if this will help much, but I bought a cd at a Gander Mountain store last year. It's put out by Sportman's Connection.....Lower Peninsula Michigan Lake Maps.
It has hundreds of detailed lake maps (Leelanau) looked pretty good, plus other info...
access, stocking, and census.......I think it was about $30, but it has tons of lakes..
then just print out the maps!

[lobo1]

:fish2: :

Matter of fact Mr Dapper I was prefishing for that tourny on thurs and fri and when I couldn't catch one keeper :sad: I decided to NOT enter the tourny and save my money.
Like I said - the fish are supposed to be there but I cant seem to mark hardly any and I catch even less - I suck at this lake - it's just me.
I'm sure it's just me that has troubles there because there was all of 15-20 trailers at both launches combined for the annual "walleye festival" tournament - I'd be surprised to see it again next year......you say a guy caught a "limit" to win it ? - wow - that's great.

The MWT has their championship there this August I believe - we'll see what a large field of pro and wannabe pro fisherman can do on this lake in the peak season of daytime activities. I'll wager anyone that 2/3 the field doesn't weigh 5 fish every day.

lobo1

[shametamer]

well i prefer the south lake for eyes.....we work from the cedar river north to first major point. starting at the first drop, gradually working toward mid lake. Flatfish in light green metallic or pearl have always worked well. My complaints are size of the eyes(never caught one over 21 inches there) and lack of the jumbo perch we used to take....i have always found the lake to produce best on overcast days or pre storm....Occasionally pick up eyes casting where the cedar enters the lake(if you can keep the bass and rockies off long enough! On the east side of south lake, from robinsons point north(where the drops are less gradual) we encounter an occasional eye, but more pike and pre-spawn bass than anything. Hope this may help, good luck!

[Ed Michrina]

Lobo1-- just something to try. When it is a hard fish. I'll use a little gold #6 perch hook. and a small split shot about 6 or 7 foot above the hook. put the hook in the crawler's head so the hook is not exposed. The trick is to have a mild wind. you let the line out until you see the rod tip ticking the bottom. set the rod in the boat at a 45* angle. let line out until you see the tip moving from the sinker on the bottom. Keep an eye on the tip when you see the slightest bump bump bump. pick up the rod an point it towards the water. when the slack is out of the line set the hook.

This has worked for walleye in every lake I'v been in from sandy bottom to bad weeds. the rig stays clean and you cover a lot of ground. Hope this helps ya. Its a great way to fish.

[lobo1]

Now you're talking ! those rock bass are awesome - hit like a brick - even the small ones. What a cool fish. If these got to 10 pounds they'd have to make new gear to get em in the boat.

lobo1