Keeping leeches on a fly-in

[Benfishin]

What is the best way to keep leeches on a fly-in? Our refrigerator space and ice is limited. Anybody ever sink them in the water? We usually bring in 10-12 lbs and are thinking of sinking them in a mesh bait keeper inside a 5 gallon bucket w/ holes drilled in. We do this w/ minnows(minus the mesh bait keeper) and it works great. Anybody ever done this? Or have any other idea's.

[deacon]

Leeches just need fresh water every 4 hours to survive. If you can keep in the lake they should be fine.

Would recommend a shady spot, if possible. Also sink holder to bottom of lake for coolest water.

[fishyguy]

We have kept them in a large cooler and changed the water whenever we had the chance (3 times a day usually) and added a block of ice made from the lake water every day. We had the advantage of having a propane freezer to make ice which is not always available on remote trips but it always kept the leeches in good shape.