Mille Lacs or Leech?

[PDXFisher]

Where is the better place to boat a Muskie (or five) in early August? Is there less pressure on Leech?

I was all set on Mille Lacs until I watched those dang Pete Maina videos...

Reading past posts gives me the impression Leech is tough to learn. Moreso than Mille Lacs? Cass easier than either, maybe?

[AWH]

All three lakes can be very tough to learn. I would say that of the 3, Mille Lacs is the easiest to learn. But the fish can be harder to catch there (at times) than the other two.

Leech is one of the most "moody" lakes that I've ever fished. You can be on a pattern one day that's clearly the thing to be doing. The next day the "go to" pattern can be dead and something completely different will be what's needed to trigger the fish. But when the fish turn on, multiple fish days are definitely possible.

Cass - of the 3, probably the lake that frustrates musky fishermen the most. Personally, I love the lake. But I quit going there in the summer months a few years ago because that lake would kick my butt every time. I do well out there in the fall. But summer months are a different story for me.

Given your question and knowing your situation, my choices would be Mille Lacs, Leech, Cass, in that order. You really can't go wrong with Mille Lacs or Leech that time of year. But Leech, I think, would be more intimidating for you.

Pressure? No comparison. Mille Lacs is like a metro lake in terms of pressure on a summer weekend. Cass sees more recreational traffic than the other two.

If you're considering hiring a guide, you'll be much more likely to find a guide on Leech or Cass that might have an opening or two on short notice.

Aaron

[tonkapat]

never fished cass, leech and mille lacs both can produce a musky or five in short order. Mille lacs on a weekend though tough. Both lakes when u have them on a pattern are downright unbelievable. It should not get any better than august on either lake. My nod goes to mille lacs weekday and leech on weekends. And definately leech in high winds. will be on leech next week will leave a report. good luck