About Lake Mille Lacs
The Lake Mille Lacs area is Minnesota’s year-round destination for the best fishing and family vacations! The spring and summer fun on Lake Mille Lacs include group fishing launches, golf, beach days, and guided fishing adventures.
Mille Lacs is not only one of the state’s largest lakes with 132,500 acres, but the fish are also trophy-size whether you are looking for walleye, muskie, northern pike, or bass fishing!
ACRES
132,516
NO THERMOCLINE
MAX DEPTH
42 feet
WEED DEPTH
9-10 ft.
ICE DEPTH
(on average) 2-4 ft.
LAKE BOTTOM
Gravel, rock bars, mud flats, sand
TYPES OF FISH
Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Jumbo Perch, Small & Large Mouth Bass, and Tullibee
What makes Lake Mille Lacs unique?
Something that makes Lake Mille Lacs unique is the scenic byway, designated by the Scenic Byways Commission. The commission is made up of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and natural resources, the Minnesota Historical Society, and Explore Minnesota, and the designation opened up opportunities for increased tourism and promoting the region’s unique character.
The Lake Mille Lacs 68-mile Scenic Byway is the state’s 22nd byway. The state’s byways comprise 2,948 miles of regionally outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, cultural, historic, or archaeological significant corridors.
Lake History
Izatys Historical Marker
The Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 169 and Vineland Road, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 169. The marker is on the western shore of Mille Lacs Lake. The site is on the Mille Lacs Reservation and within Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. The inscription reads “In this vicinity stood the grand Sioux village of Izatys where Duluth planted the French arms on July 2, 1679."
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
According to oral traditions, the Ojibwe first lived on the Atlantic coast of North America. About 500 years ago, the ancestors of the Mille Lacs Band began migrating west. By the mid-1700s, the Ojibwe had established themselves in the region around Lake Mille Lacs in what is today Central Minnesota, but it wasn’t long before the Mille Lacs Ojibwe’s self-sufficient way of life was affected by a new presence in their homeland. Because of diseases and federal policies, by the end of the nineteenth century, only a few hundred Ojibwe remained on the Mille Lacs Reservation.
Wahkon Settlement
Although the Lake Mille Lacs area is famous for great Minnesota walleye fishing and its tourism, there is more substance and depth to the area than that. There are eight established communities surrounding the massive lake. Wahkon was the earliest settlement in the Mille Lacs area, beginning its town history in 1885. The communities around the lake exemplify small-town living at its best. They have rich histories.
Launch Fishing on Mille Lacs
Large fishing launches are a historic 70-year tradition on Lake Mille Lacs and are a great way for families and groups, large or small, to get out on the lake for walleyes. Launches are equipped with amenities, fishing gear, and a guide who will even do the dirty work of baiting hooks and cleaning fish. Check out a fishing launch for your next walleye trip!
The Best Bass Lake
Mille Lacs is recognized as The Best Bass Lake in the United States for smallmouth bass by Bassmaster magazine. Need we say more? Yes, we can! The Best Bass Lake honor recognizes the best bass-rich waters from among all 50 states. Read more about Bassmaster’s best bass lakes. Or better yet, plan your next fishing getaway on one of the best bass fisheries in the nation.
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