Mille Lacs vs. Leech

[JBMasterAngler]

Booking a camping trip for this summer, and if I were to flip a coin between the 2 options I wouldn't be dissapointed either way. But thought I'd get some input first. Mille Lacs smallies? or Leech Lake bucketmouths? Looks like both father hennepin and leech lake rec area both are really good family spots, but just curious to hear if either has an edge on the other, from anyone that may have camped there before. Thanks for any input in advance!

[Cooperman]

JB,

Leech, so much more to do, very scenic, more fishing choices. I love Stoney point.

Father Hennepin, close to the cities, but for that reason it gets very crowded.

 

[leechlake]

I'm tremendously biased...Leech for sure.  The Stoney Point grounds are nice and a great location.  I've fished Leech close to a zillion times and never fished bass.  I know guys do and it can be good though.  

[Sculpin]

I'm not a camper, but I have been in the park at Hennepin many many times, and it is a gem in every way. Two great boat landings, a beautiful sand beach, great trails, big fishing pier on the bay side, the famous albino deer, and close proximity to great golf, ATV trails, and another great park,  Kathio, is only 15 minutes away.

From a fishing standpoint, there is a good reason that B.A.S.S. Is bringing the Toyota  Bassmaster Angler of the Year Tounament to Mille Lacs this year. Mille Lacs is widely recognized as one of the top five smallmouth destinations in the country, and the largemouth population is largely an untapped fishery.

Both lakes are great, no question, but Mille Lacs has allot to offer.

Good luck ! 

[JBMasterAngler]

I'm looking at 4th of July. Stoney Point is already booked, but the rec area at Federal Dam has alot of spots left (as does Father Hennepin). Walker is a really nice town to take a stroll through, so that's a plus. Also, if the weather is rough, there are more options as far as a backup plan. I'm still torn though. I might go with Leech though, just because Mille Lacs is juuuuuuust close enough that I can still go there for a day trip! I really appreciate the input, it was very helpful!

[bassfshin24]

I'm a little biased towards Mille Lacs as I have never fished Leech before. What a lot of people don't realize is Mille Lacs is quite an amazing largemouth fishery as well. Isle Bay, Cove Bay, Wahkon Bay...they all hold great numbers of big largemouth. Before they made the changes on smallie limits and sizes most bass tournaments out there took 20lbs to win with largemouth. The other great thing about Mille Lacs is if it gets windy the whole west and north side of the lake is scattered with small lakes that have great populations of bass and there are some real hidden gems out there. Either way I think you will enjoy where you decide to go. 

[leech~~]

Wow JB, I know I've said a few things about Mille Lacs but you didn't have to start a Vs Leech post on it!

Anyway I would hit Leech for sure.

-You can keep a few fish.

-Lots of camping around the lake. or near by Forest: see Gulch Lake and Mantrap Lake campgrounds

-Lot's of gift shops and stuff in Walker for the wify if the weather is bad.

-Lots of scenic roads to take drives on around the lake or Forest.

-And there is a Casino as well if you want to support the locals!

Good Luck.

[JBMasterAngler]

Yeah, I already booked leech lake. I'm banking on the fact it won't be hard to get a camping spot on mille lacs this summer...I have a vacation in august  Otherwise, I can go up there for a day trip anyway. Leech should be fun, something different. I literally only caught 2 largemouth bass last year, and they were little ones while I was fishing for trout.

[bassfshin24]

Not a bad choice. Leech is probably a better family area to camp anyway. I would love to head up there sometime that's for sure. Have fun!