Fishing Mille Lacs Lake

AKA: Mille Lacs

Popular Fish Species
Mille Lacs Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Mille Lacs Lake, MN

Popular Fish Species Mille Lacs Lake, MN

Walleye Fishing

Mille Lacs Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Mille Lacs Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Mille Lacs Lake. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskellunge in Mille Lacs Lake could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, bowfin, muskie and northern pike at Lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota.

Mille Lacs Lake Fishing Video

For year-round vacationing and great fishing, Mille Lacs Lake is an ideal destination. Come for a few days of fishing for bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, bowfin, muskie and pike, or bring the family for an extended stay.

Mille Lacs Lake, located in central Minnesota, is one of the state's most renowned fishing destinations. This massive lake offers exceptional angling opportunities and is known for its diverse fish species and trophy-sized catches.

Walleye fishing on Mille Lacs Lake is legendary, drawing anglers from all over the country. The lake's expansive waters and complex structure provide ideal habitats for walleye, resulting in a thriving population. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques such as trolling, jigging, or rigging with live bait. Mille Lacs Lake has gained a reputation for producing both quantity and quality walleye, making it a must-visit destination for walleye enthusiasts.

Yellow perch are also abundant in Mille Lacs Lake and offer exciting fishing opportunities. These schooling fish can be found near weed beds, drop-offs, and other areas with structure. Anglers can use small jigs tipped with live bait or finesse techniques to catch perch. Whether you're targeting trophy-sized perch or enjoying a day of steady action, Mille Lacs Lake is a prime perch fishing destination.

Mille Lacs Lake is home to both largemouth and smallmouth bass, providing anglers with a chance to pursue their favorite bass species. The lake's diverse structure, including weed beds, rocky points, and submerged structures, offers prime habitats for bass. Anglers can enjoy casting topwater lures or working soft plastics to entice both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Mille Lacs Lake has produced numerous trophy-sized bass, making it a paradise for bass fishing enthusiasts.

Panfish anglers will also find ample opportunities on Mille Lacs Lake. Bluegill and black crappie can be found near weed edges, submerged vegetation, or around brush piles. Anglers can target these panfish using small jigs or live bait presentations. Mille Lacs Lake's panfish population provides family-friendly fishing experiences and is a great way to introduce young anglers to the joys of fishing.

For those seeking an adrenaline-pumping angling adventure, Mille Lacs Lake is famous for its muskie and northern pike fisheries. These apex predators inhabit the lake's vast waters and offer thrilling encounters. Anglers can target muskie and pike using large, flashy lures or live bait presentations. Mille Lacs Lake has a reputation for producing trophy-sized muskie and pike, attracting anglers looking for their chance at a true trophy fish.

Mille Lacs Lake, with its diverse fish species, trophy-sized catches, and recreational amenities, stands as one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations. Whether you're after walleye, perch, bass, panfish, muskie, or pike, Mille Lacs Lake offers an unforgettable fishing experience in a breathtaking natural setting.

There are plenty of campgrounds and lodging scattered around this 132,000-acre lake, in the northeast part of the state, at Garrison. Explore over 80 miles of shoreline while fishing, hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. There more than a half-dozen boat launch ramps and several marinas. Rental boats are available at numerous locations during the warmer season. Choose from a wide variety of cuisines at multiple restaurants located all around the lake. Plenty of markets, convenience stores and shopping areas are located at, or close by, the lake. Fishing tackle, bait and supplies are also easily available in the area. Areas for fishing from the bank are plentiful at public access areas, campgrounds and parks. Kayaks, canoes, car-toppers, pleasure boats, pontoons and all types of fishing boats provide access to great fishing here at Mille Lacs.

Primary fish species residing in Mille Lacs Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Mille Lacs Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Mille Lacs Lake, with several access points and marinas available for anglers to launch their boats. The lake's expansive size allows for leisurely cruises and exploration of its scenic shorelines. Camping facilities near the lake offer opportunities for anglers to extend their stay and enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
320 676-8834

Terry's Boat Harbor
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
320 692-4430

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cedar Creek Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off State Route 47, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Cove Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off State Highway 27, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Father Hennepin State Park East Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off County Road 34, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Father Hennepin State Park West Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off County Road 34, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Garrison North Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Highway 169, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Garrison Pike Point Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Highway 169, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Isla Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off State Route 47, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Malmo Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off 222nd Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

North Garrison Bay Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Highway 169, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Shah-bush-kung Bay Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off County Road 35, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Wahkon Veteran's park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Main Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Wealthwood Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Route 18, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Mac's Twin Bay Resort Marina
43469 Vista Road
Isle, MN 56342
320 676-8709

Terry's Boat Harbor
6546 US HWY 169
Garrison, MN 56450
320 692-4430