Leeches for Walleye Fishing
One of the most popular live baits for walleye jigging is fast becoming the leech. I found out about fishing for walleye with leeches about 2 years ago when I was on a fishing trip at one of my favorite outfitters, Club Scott, who are located maybe 4 or 5 hours away from Montreal on the infamous road to Parent. That summer, I had hired Dany Morin to guide me and my friend Kristian.
We headed out to their best walleye lake, a long and narrow reservoir called Mitchinamecus. Dany took a few minutes to position the boat properly, dropped 2 anchors, and then he told us he had a special treat for us. He took out a small container with maybe 2 or 3 dozen lively leeches, and told us that we would be using those instead of night crawlers. He showed us how to hanle them, and different ways to put them on the hook. We used very small jigs, perhaps 1/16th oz, which we just held about 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, with hardly any movement at all. The bite was very light but constant. That night was the most productive evening of jigging I had ever had.
I have been back to that area probably half a dozen times since then and each time I make sure to buy an ample supply of leeches just before I get on the road.
What are the different kinds of Leeches?
The most commonly used leech for bait is the ribbon leech (also called sand leech). It is usually black or brown. This specific kind of leech will remain very active for long periods of time on a hook, which makes it a perfect candidate for fishing.
Another god candidate, if you can find them, is the tiger leech. It is smaller and livelier than ribbon leeches.
Stay away from bloodsuckers and horse leeches. They are limp and ineffective for fishing (still better than nothing though)
How to Handle Leeches
Simply let one get a hold of your finger with its suction cup, don't worry, they don't get "stuck" there!
How to Hook Leeches
I heard several theories on this, I personally like to hook it directly on the suction cup, other people hook it right under it, others yet hook the other end, and some even hook it right in the middle. I think more people hook the leech right on the cup like I do.
How to Keep Leeches Alive
Leeches will live long in clean, cool water. Do not use chlorinated tap water, keep them in the refrigerator or in a cool room. Ideally, provide them with a way to clean themselves. Leeches like to rub against rough materials to clean themselves, if they cannot remain clean, they will die. Try the leech bags, I know two providers, JNB Originals makes the Leech Tamer (I own 2 of them), and Beckman Net Company makes the Aqua-Flex Mesh Bait Containers
Where to Buy Leeches
Most ProPac merchants in the province of Quebec carry leeches in small plastic containers. Each container holds one dozen leeches. They can also be purchased by the pound. One local supplier will deliver them to your door.
When to Fish Leeches
They can be used anytime, as long as the water temperature is sufficiently warm. In cold water, leeches will curl up in a ball and stop swimming. Ideally, use leeches only when water is above 60 degrees (Farehneit).
Does Leech Size Matter?
The bigger the better, especially when targeting large walleye. Get leeches that will stretch to 4 inches or more and you're in business.
We headed out to their best walleye lake, a long and narrow reservoir called Mitchinamecus. Dany took a few minutes to position the boat properly, dropped 2 anchors, and then he told us he had a special treat for us. He took out a small container with maybe 2 or 3 dozen lively leeches, and told us that we would be using those instead of night crawlers. He showed us how to hanle them, and different ways to put them on the hook. We used very small jigs, perhaps 1/16th oz, which we just held about 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, with hardly any movement at all. The bite was very light but constant. That night was the most productive evening of jigging I had ever had.
I have been back to that area probably half a dozen times since then and each time I make sure to buy an ample supply of leeches just before I get on the road.
What are the different kinds of Leeches?
The most commonly used leech for bait is the ribbon leech (also called sand leech). It is usually black or brown. This specific kind of leech will remain very active for long periods of time on a hook, which makes it a perfect candidate for fishing.
Another god candidate, if you can find them, is the tiger leech. It is smaller and livelier than ribbon leeches.
Stay away from bloodsuckers and horse leeches. They are limp and ineffective for fishing (still better than nothing though)
How to Handle Leeches
Simply let one get a hold of your finger with its suction cup, don't worry, they don't get "stuck" there!
How to Hook Leeches
I heard several theories on this, I personally like to hook it directly on the suction cup, other people hook it right under it, others yet hook the other end, and some even hook it right in the middle. I think more people hook the leech right on the cup like I do.
How to Keep Leeches Alive
Leeches will live long in clean, cool water. Do not use chlorinated tap water, keep them in the refrigerator or in a cool room. Ideally, provide them with a way to clean themselves. Leeches like to rub against rough materials to clean themselves, if they cannot remain clean, they will die. Try the leech bags, I know two providers, JNB Originals makes the Leech Tamer (I own 2 of them), and Beckman Net Company makes the Aqua-Flex Mesh Bait Containers
Where to Buy Leeches
Most ProPac merchants in the province of Quebec carry leeches in small plastic containers. Each container holds one dozen leeches. They can also be purchased by the pound. One local supplier will deliver them to your door.
When to Fish Leeches
They can be used anytime, as long as the water temperature is sufficiently warm. In cold water, leeches will curl up in a ball and stop swimming. Ideally, use leeches only when water is above 60 degrees (Farehneit).
Does Leech Size Matter?
The bigger the better, especially when targeting large walleye. Get leeches that will stretch to 4 inches or more and you're in business.
Subscribe to my Feed!
6 Comments:
Can leeches be brought into Canada from the USA?
Not in Ontario
can i bring leeces into Quebec from the USA. i will be fishing for walleyes in the Gouin resevoire in june. ifnot how do i go about buying them in Quebec.
Don't bother - you can buy leeches in La Tuque, the last town before you access the reservoir. Leeches are just like night crawlers in that part of the province, every store and gas station stocks them.
Dear Marc
Thank you for yor quick response to my question about bringing leeches into Quebec. But I will not be going anywhere near LaTuque, as I will be flying into the Gouin from Berthelot Lake Lodge. Last year we did puirchase leeches in Maniwaki, they were expensive & inferior. If I could I would like to bring them from the USA.
Well you may want to try to bring your own supply through customs, just be prepared to dump them if they ask you to - you're not supposed to bring live animals in to Canada from the US, except for pets or if you have a permit.
My american fishing partners never had any problems until last year where they had to dump about 500 night crawlers into the bush!
I have been fishing with Berkley Gulp Leeches and they work at least as well as live ones, I still catch more fish than my partners do ;-)
You may want to bring a suply of these to keep you going if you have to dump it all at customs.
Post a Comment
<< Home