Leech Lake, MN

Leech Lake is a lake located in north central Minnesota, United States. It is southeast of Bemidji, located mainly within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, and completely within the Chippewa National Forest. It is used as a reservoir. The lake is the third largest in Minnesota, it covers 102,947.83 acres (416.6151 km2), has 195 miles (314 km) of shoreline, and has a maximum depth of 150 feet (46 m).Leech Lake is a popular sport fishing hotspot, and is fished for walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, panfish, northern pike and muskellunge. The state record Lake Whitefish (12 lb, 4.5 oz) and Pumpkinseed (1 lb, 5.6 oz) were both caught here in 1999.Every February, Leech Lake is home to the International Eel Pout Festival. The eel pout, also known as the Burbot, is rarely seen in Leech Lake, except in the winter when it is very plentiful. Events include a black-tie dinner, ice bowling, and a contest to see who can catch the largest eel pout.