Leech Lake Boating Guide: Best Things to Do On & Around the Water
Leech Lake is a favorite Minnesota destination for boaters. Spanning more than 100,000 acres of navigable water with dozens of protected bays and crisscrossed by channels, it’s the third largest lake in Minnesota. It’s also home to one of the most active small-town hubs on the lake: Walker, MN. Another great thing about the lake is visitors can also enjoy quick access to rentals and slips right at Your Boat Club Bluewater Lodge, making it a natural launch point for exploring the lake.
There are plenty of things to do around Leech Lake for anglers, families, and cruisers alike seeking out the protected shores. The lake is both big open water where one can cruise for miles and many smaller and more protected bays that can be very serene even in a strong wind. Leech Lake can cater to all types of boaters from the beginner getting acclimated to all aspects of boating to the tournament angler targeting big fish. The town of Walker adds a social element to the area with festivals such as Moondance Jam and the unique Eelpout Festival which makes the town and the lake world renowned for celebrating.
Whether you’re booking a weeklong stay at Bluewater Lodge, pulling into the Walker City Docks, or cruising the secluded inlets on a pontoon, you’ll find the best things to do on Leech Lake in this complete travel guide. From dock and dine restaurants to muskie fishing hot spots, tubing with the kids to understanding proper AIS protocol, here’s everything you need to plan a great trip filled with adventure and just enough Minnesota lake culture to make it feel like home.
Dock and Dine: Boat-Up Eats & Drinks
Many travelers plan their day with food stops, essentially taking a cruise that becomes a progressive "lake tour" with meals, drinks, and snacks at various marinas. It's part of the fun and is one reason Leech Lake has one of the most active dock and dine cultures in Minnesota. Dock and dine is a proud tradition here, with several spots that combine water access with hearty fare.
Chase on the Lake 502
For a true Walker classic, make sure to visit Chase on the Lake 502, where lakeside dining pairs perfectly with convenient slips. It’s right downtown, making it easy for many boaters to visit as part of a Walker Bay loop. Pair a relaxing cruise with a dockside stop for fish tacos or flatbreads, and bonus, if you’re staying at Chase, your dock is right steps from your room.
Shingobee on the Bay
Shingobee on the Bay sits just off Highway 371 and provides both slip access and a full marina, including fuel on the water. Shingobee makes it a two-in-one stop, where you can fill the tank and then head upstairs for burgers or their famous fish fry. It’s a local favorite for a mid-cruise lunch and an easy way to regroup before another run around the lake.
Portage Brewing Company
Got a hankering for a craft beer? Tie up at the Walker City Docks and walk two blocks to Portage Brewing Company. Small-batch IPAs and creative sours make it a fun stop after a morning on the water. The taproom is family friendly, and there’s often a food truck parked out front.
Scenic Cruises & Can’t-Miss Loops
So much water makes Leech Lake a lake best explored in sections. These classic loops highlight the diversity of the water, from protected channels to open runs. Traveling these waterways, it’s not unusual to see loons plunging for fish, or bald eagles nesting in the tall pine trees, and sometimes even otters frolicking along the shore. It's easy to get out at a sandbar and take a family swim, or drop anchor in a quiet bay and jump on a paddleboard, so everyone can enjoy the water in their own way.
Walker Bay to Shingobee Bay Loop
Walker Bay to Shingobee Bay loop is a great beginner’s cruise with the protection of the wind at your back. According to Wikipedia, this region is known for its views under the Highway 371 bridge and protected waters. Stop at Shingobee for fuel or a bite before circling back to Walker Bay.
Agency Bay & Kabekona Area
Want a more tranquil cruise? Head in the direction of Agency Bay and the Kabekona area. According to local public access maps, these are popular bays with anglers and families looking for calmer water. They’re also scenic stretches where you can cruise past thick pines and spot loons.
Fishing Snapshot (What to Target & When)
Leech Lake fishing season is the stuff of legend. Spring and fall are prime times for walleye fishing, when schools move into shallow bays and points across Leech Lake. The Lake is also the site of several walleye tournaments every year, helping to solidify its position on the national scene.
In summer, few thrills compare to muskie fishing around Leech Lake, where trophy-size fish are often caught near rocky reefs and weedy shorelines. Northern pike, perch, bass round out the mix.
For the family, perch and panfish are plentiful and provide easy, non-stop fishing action when with kids. This provides a perfect introduction to the sport for younger boaters.
Always check the Minnesota DNR fishing regulations before launching. Seasons and limits change, and you’ll need a current license, too. A fish boat rental from Your Boat Club or a personal rig outfitted with trolling setup will give you the best shot at success.
Ramps, Slips, Fuel & Services (Plan-Ahead Essentials)
With multiple public ramps and marinas offering boat access, it’s simple to get out on the water whether you bring your own craft or rent locally. But before you launch, know your options.
Public access points are abundant around Leech Lake, with ramps at Agency Bay, Walker City Park, and Kabekona. Many launch at the Leech Lake boat launch at Bluewater Lodge for convenience.
Many of the public landings also have trailer parking in the vicinity. Spaces can be limited at summer weekends. Local boaters suggest arriving early morning or in the late afternoon to beat the rush at the ramp.
Fuel on the Water
Two reliable fueling points are located in the area: Your Boat Club Bluewater Lodge offers marina fuel to members, while Shingobee Bay Marina provides gas, dock slips, and a small shop. Both make mid-day refueling easy, which is important on a lake this size.
Boater Etiquette, Safety & AIS (What Locals Want You to Know)
Leech Lake is big, but etiquette matters. Locals want visitors to respect both safety rules and the health of the ecosystem. Before launching, all visitors should review Minnesota boating regulations to stay compliant with speed limits, no-wake zones, and equipment requirements.
Minnesota law also mandates a life jacket for each person on board, and children under 10 must wear a life jacket while underway.
One more courtesy: Don't bring glass bottles to beaches or sandbars. Broken glass is dangerous for swimmers and wildlife.
Clean-Drain-Dispose is the Law
Minnesota requires the AIS Clean-Drain-Dispose protocol. It means removing vegetation, draining live wells and bilges, and disposing of unwanted bait in the trash. Drain plugs must stay out during transport.
Know the Lake’s AIS Status
Leech Lake is on Minnesota’s list of lakes infested with zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. It means extra diligence: Rinse your boat after each run and let it dry before the next launch. For complete guidance, read the Minnesota Boating Guide.
Also, keep this in mind: No-wake near shore or docks is not just courtesy, it protects shorelines and swimmers.
Boat-Friendly Places to Stay
One of the joys of Leech Lake is staying right on the water. These lodging options give you direct access to slips, rentals, and the dock and dine circuit.
Downtown Walker Vibe
Walker offers lively small-town flavor with restaurants, boutiques, and lake access within walking distance. In addition to the dining options, Walker's main street features an assortment of bait shops, boutiques, and outfitters to replenish gear (or souvenirs) prior to heading back out on the water. Staying at Chase on the Lake puts you in the heart of it all with available slips and restaurants steps away. Your Boat Club members can learn more about our Chase on the Lake boat rentals here.
Bluewater Lodge Perks
Many visitors start their trip with Bluewater Lodge boat rentals, which provide easy access to pontoons, tritoons, and fish boats right on Leech Lake. Bluewater Lodge is a full boat-centric stay, as it offers onsite slips, a Leech Lake swimming beach, fish-cleaning station, launch/parking, and direct access to tubing on Leech Lake. The swimming beach is a family favorite for building sandcastles or splashing in the shallow water. Outdoor grills and picnic areas are available to easily turn a day of boating into a lakeside cookout.
Choosing the Right Boat
When planning your adventure, you’ll want to match your boat to your activities. Pontoons are perfect for family boating in Minnesota, with all the space you’ll want for kids, coolers, and tow ropes for tubing. Pontoons are also ideal for sandbar lounging and all-day family comfort.
Tritoons are better for larger groups looking for speed across the open stretches as they have the horsepower for tubing or even water skiing.
Dedicated fish boats are the best way to chase walleye and muskie with proper rod storage and casting decks. They’re nimble at the ramp and give anglers what they need for serious fishing.
Your Boat Club makes all of these options accessible whether you’re a member or renting for the day. Learn more about Your Boat Club member benefits for details on access and perks on multiple Minnesota lakes.
Plan Your Perfect Leech Lake Getaway
If you’re looking for the best things to do on Leech Lake or things to do around Leech Lake, there’s a lot to choose from. From relaxing tubing to brewery runs, Leech Lake is a destination that offers both relaxation and adventure.
You can plan a trip that balances days of fishing with sightseeing, or easy boating and dockside dining. Tie up at Bluewater Lodge, cruise into Walker for a meal, and then spend your days exploring the best bays on Leech Lake. It’s not just big water, it’s big fun.
And remember, Your Boat Club means access without ownership. Rent a boat by the day, the week, or become a member and gain access throughout Minnesota and beyond. Your Boat Club has the slips, fuel, and fleet for you. When you plan your Leech Lake vacation, start with us. You'll spend more time having fun on Leech Lake and less time stressing about the details. Visit Your Boat Club member benefits for all the details.
With marinas across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond, Your Boat Club members can explore multiple lakes all season long without the costs of storage, maintenance, or insurance. It’s a simple, flexible way to make boating a bigger part of your summer lifestyle. Your Boat Club is the smartest way to boat. Contact us for more details.
