Leeches
Also called: ribbon leeches
A favorite walleye bait that swims with a seductive wiggle, fished under a slip bobber or on a jig.
- Type
- Live & Natural Bait
- Target fish
- Pike & Walleye, Bass
- Skill
- Takes some practice
- Depth
- Any, along weed edges and drop-offs
- Best seasons
- Late spring through summer
Note: Rules on live bait differ by state and water body, and many places limit which baitfish and other bait you can use and move between waters. Never dump leftover bait into a lake or stream, since it can spread invasive species and disease. Check your state's current rules.
When it works best
- For walleye in the Midwest and northern lakes.
- Along weed edges, rocks, and drop-offs.
- When fish are slow and want a natural bait.
How to fish it
- Hook the leech lightly through the sucker end, the thick tail.
- Fish it under a slip bobber or on a jig.
- Let it swim, and keep it just off the bottom.
- Wait for a steady pull before setting the hook.
Tips
- Keep leeches in cool, dark water in a container.
- Use a small hook so the leech stays lively.
Common mistakes
- Keeping leeches in warm water.
- Hooking through the head, which kills them.
- Setting the hook too soon.
Gear
A medium-light spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound line is a good match.
Often confused with
- Nightcrawlers: thicker worms that work for more species.
Fish it catches
Field notes
Many anglers who fish walleye regularly keep a pail of leeches in the boat for the days when fish are slow.
Related guides
What works varies by water, season, and the fish that day, so use this as a starting point. Regulations on live bait, hook type and number, lead tackle, and baitfish transport differ by state and water body. Check your state's current fishing rules; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations and license portal.