The fish itself is described as a cross between a catfish and eel, giving it a slender disposition but retaining a tapered midsection with a full complement of pectoral and caudal fins.

Leech Lake is known for its exceptional walleye fishing, making this festival a banner for the often forgotten eelpout.

[1] Leech Lake is well known among locals for its abundance of walleye, bass, Northern pike, sunfish and muskellunge.

Temperatures in February average a high of 19 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 3 degrees F.[5] As reported in September 2017, for a variety of reasons the festival board had explored the possibility of relocating the event to Lake Bemidji, an hour northwest of Walker.

According to the Bemidji Pioneer, an application was filed with the Beltrami County board to proceed with moving the event north.