Mille Lacs Regulations 2025
Anglers can keep three fish starting this August 23rd through Nov. 30th, but all have to be longer than 17 inches,
with only one of the three longer than 20 inches.
Mille Lacs is seeing good numbers of walleye, smallmouth bass and perch are biting well!
Anglers are catching walleye on jigs with shiners, spinners, and crankbaits on mid-lake structure, mudflats, and shoreline breaks. Smallmouth bass are hitting drop shots and Ned rigs near rock points and transition areas. Perch are biting on slip bobbers with minnows or crawlers in areas with reeds and milfoil.
Walleye
Locations: Mid-lake structure, mudflats on the north end, and shoreline breaks where sand meets rocks.
- Techniques: Jigs and shiners, pulling spinners, and trolling crankbaits on lead core line are effective.
- Bait: Jigs with shiners or crawlers, and bobbers with leeches.
Smallmouth Bass
-
Focus on rock points and transition areas
-
TechniquesDrop shots and Ned rigs are working well, mimicking crayfish, which the bass are actively feeding on.
Perch
- Locations: Found in areas with wild rice, reeds, and milfoil, including Boy Bay, Sucker Bay, and Steamboat Bay.
- Techniques: Slip bobbers with a minnow or a small leech are productive. Casting jigs with minnow-style plastics or fatheads also works.
- Conditions: Perch are responding well to overcast weather conditions.
Tips for Success
- Pay attention to weather: Overcast and cloudy days can lead to better perch action.
- Use electronics: LiveScope and other electronics are helpful for spotting fish in deeper water and on structure.
- Be flexible: Many different tactics can be successful, so try various approaches to find what the fish are biting on.
- Need Bait?
- Stop in at Garrison Sports Bait & Tackle, Johnson's Portside or Trailside Bait & Tackle
Need a Place to Stay while enjoying Mille Lacs Lake ? Mille Lacs Lake places-to-stay
Tired of Fishing or weather conditions are not cooperating... Check out local events and Restaurants
No Boat No Problem, Book A Mille Lacs Lake Guided Fishing Trip or Enjoy a trip on one of the many Launch boats ! Mille Lacs Tourism Fishing Directory
Understanding Small Mouth Bass on Mille Lacs Lake- BLOG
Mille Lacs Lake, known for its diverse fishery, is a hotspot for smallmouth bass fishing.
To optimize your fishing experience, it’s essential to understand the best seasons for targeting these feisty fish.
Mille Lacs Tourism Member Map: Local Guide services, Launch Boats and Bait Shop
Connect
#livethelacslife
#dothelake
© 2017-2025 Mille Lacs Area Tourism – All rights reserved. All images on this site are subject to copyright, and may not be used without permission.