Leech Lake (translated from the Ojibwe language Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag : Lake abundant with bloodsuckers) is a lake located in north central Minnesota , United States. It is southeast of Bemidji , located mainly within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation , and completely within the Chippewa National Forest . It is used as a reservoir . The lake is the third largest in Minnesota, covering 102,947.83 acres (416.6151 km) with 195 miles (314 km) of shoreline and has a maximum depth of 156 feet (48 m).
11-654: Leech Lake outlets to the Leech Lake River, which flows into the Mississippi River. The sole outlet to the Leech Lake River is controlled by a dam in order to regulate water levels of the lake. Leech Lake has seven major inlets that include Portage Lake Creek, Sucker Creek, Steamboat River, Benedict River, Shingobee River, Bishop Creek, and the Boy River. There are also nine minor inlets that flow into Leech Lake. Leech Lake hosts eleven islands that cover
22-690: A conflict between Ojibwe and Federal troops of the United States, the Battle of Sugar Point . A firefight broke out between the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe after one of the soldiers sent to retrieve a bootlegger mistakenly fired his rifle. Oscar Burkard received the Medal of Honor on August 21, 1899 for his participation in the battle. In the summer of 1955, Leech Lake became famous for its musky fishing, as
33-462: A sufficient food source, nesting area, or cover for the native animals. Also one plant can produce around two million seeds annually, and it spreads rapidly through aquatic systems. Better known as the narrow-leaf cattail, this invasive plant is able to grow in deeper water (compared to its native counterparts). The narrow-leaf cattail competes with the native Typha latifolia (broad leaf cattail) and other native plants along Leech Lake. Leech Lake
44-485: A total of 1,617 acres of land. 160 sq miles The following list is in order from largest to smallest. The long, narrow Shingobee Bay is part of Leech Lake, and is located on its southern end. Shingobee Bay, and the adjacent Walker Bay, boast some of the deepest parts in the entire lake. Also known as purple loosestrife. This is an invasive plant that takes over lake shores and marshes, replacing cattails and other native wetland plants. Purple loosestrife does not provide
55-622: Is a popular sport fishing hotspot, and is fished for many different types. The state record lake whitefish (12 lb, 4.5 oz) and pumpkinseed (1 lb, 5.6 oz) were both caught here in 1999. Species of fish the lake contains: Grows in the shallow depths of Leech Lake, emerging through over 4,000 acres of water. Wild Rice is a valuable crop for the Leech Lake community. Grass like plants that grow in water, they can reach lengths of around ten feet. These plants are an important food resources for aquatic life in Leech Lake. Leech Lake and
66-449: Is quite close to Miller Bay, and its Shingobee Connection Trail runs on the opposite side of Christmas Point Road from the bay. A public boating access is located on Shingobee Island, which is crossed by Highway 371 on the north side of the lake. The island, though in the middle of the bay, is connected to land on either side by the highway. Walker Bay, which includes Shingobee, is the deepest part of Leech Lake. As of May 2010, there
77-486: The Leech Lake Indian Reservation was established on the south shore of Leech Lake, along with two other Indian Reservations in the area, which along with two additional Indian Reservations, the five Indian Reservations were amalgamated in 1936 to form the current "Greater" Leech Lake Indian Reservation which encompasses most all of Leech Lake. On October 5, 1898, Leech Lake was the location of
88-595: The "Leech Lake Musky Rampage" thrust it into the spotlight when hundreds of muskies were caught in a two-week period in July. Every February, Leech Lake is home to the International Eelpout Festival . The eelpout , also known as the Burbot, is rarely seen in Leech Lake, except in the winter when it is very plentiful. Events include a black-tie dinner, ice bowling, and a contest to see who can catch
99-491: The bay, where it opens up into the larger Walker Bay. Miller Bay is an extension of the longer, narrower Shingobee Bay, and is located on the northeastern side of Shingobee. Miller Bay is connected to Shingobee by a fairly wide channel visible from Christmas Point Road, which loops around Miller Bay in a rough semicircle. There is no public access on Miller Bay, although it is easily visible from nearby roads. The Paul Bunyan State Trail , used for various recreational purposes,
110-534: The largest eelpout. Shingobee Bay Shingobee Bay is a bay of Leech Lake , Minnesota . Shingobee Bay is located three miles south of Walker , the Cass County seat, on the southern side of Leech Lake. The land adjacent to the bay is part of Shingobee Township, and a portion of it is allocated to the Leech Lake Tribe of Ojibwe. Minnesota State Highway 371 spans the northern end of
121-572: The surrounding national forest is home to a large population of bald eagles . They are known to return to their same nests when mature. Populations have risen over the last few decades. On early maps, Leech Lake is identified in French as "lac Sangsue" ( Bloodsucker Lake), which was then translated into English to its current name; its French name was translated from the Ojibwe " Ozagaskwaajimekaag-zaaga'igan " (lake abundant with bloodsuckers). In 1855,
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