Heading to Kawishiwi EP on Sept. 9th, driving through the night from Ohio. Anyone know where I can get some leeches on the North Shore on the way up? I know it is going to be a crapshoot at that time of the year. I know TGO will probably have them, but I don't really want to go to Ely for leeches.

Any suggestions are welcomed. If I can't get any I'll probably just go with crawlers. Best place to pick those up on the way to the EP? Renting a canoe at Sawbill.

Couple places in Two Harbors....google it for phone # and I'd call ahead to see. I'd also call the Holiday Station in Tofte. Leech supplies may be starting to dwindle.

I'm going to EP 39 around the same time. Sawbill outfitters said their supply is already dwindling. the guy i talked to said to try to get them on the way but I think I will just order them online. Leeches are very resillient and can live almost a year without food, they just need their water changed every couple days (no chlorine). just food for thought.

quote Sven83: "I'm going to EP 39 around the same time. Sawbill outfitters said their supply is already dwindling. the guy i talked to said to try to get them on the way but I think I will just order them online. Leeches are very resillient and can live almost a year without food, they just need their water changed every couple days (no chlorine). just food for thought."

What do you mean order them online? I live in Ohio, so I can't bring them with me into MN.

Fish Lake bait in Harris Mn.
Harris exit off of 35

exactly as i stated, order them online and bring them with. google.......leeches for sale........

Good luck finding any leeches, the supply is drying up quickly.
Most places are out already.

Crawlers and minnows will work fine in Sept.

I never use live bait. Stopped when I was a kid. Artificials work fine and you don't have to hunt them down.

quote The Great Outdoors: "Good luck finding any leeches, the supply is drying up quickly.
Most places are out already."

Thanks TGO. I suspect the TGO Method will do nearly as well with a half of crawler on the bare hook.

What's the best way to store crawlers on the trip? I would guess in the shade. Hopefully it will cool off by then.

Just keep the crawlers out of the sun, and in the coolest area you can find.
You should not have any problem with them.
Make sure the crawlers are healthy by checking them when you purchase, as some places have them sitting around for many days.

Called Fish Lake Bait in Harris last night. They just got in 200lbs of leeches.

Call the holiday gas station in tofte, mn to see what they have for bait. They sell leeches by the pound, and if they have them, its the closest place to your entry point.

quote walleyevision: "Called Fish Lake Bait in Harris last night. They just got in 200lbs of leeches.
"

Did they say they GOT 200 lbs of leeches, or were SUPPOSED TO GET 200 lbs of leeches?
Had several people in the shop yesterday, (September 1st) and they couldn't find leeches anywhere in or near the twin cities area on their way up.