Lake Mille Lacs
2025 Fishing Season
Mille Lacs Regulations 2025
Mille Lacs walleye limit increases to 3 on Aug. 23
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 Fishing Update as of End of July.
• Water temps are low 70s — bites a bit tough but fish are healthy
• Walleye in mud/gravel & reefs (10–18 ft): use slip-bobbers, dropshots, small jigs
• Bass in 3–6 ft near rocks: try Ned rigs, football jigs, slow retrieves
• Key tip: fish are picky—go smaller, slower, and pause
Smallmouth bass fishing is also excellent, with both pre-spawn and bed fishing patterns being productive depending on conditions.
Recent reports indicate good fishing in various areas, including shallow rocks, sand transitions, and deeper structures.
Walleye Fishing:
- Techniques: Jigs and shiners, paddle tail swimbaits, and Lindy rigs with leeches or crawlers are effective.
- Areas: Shallow rocks (8-18 feet), sand transitions, and deeper structures like boulders.
Nighttime Bite: Bobber and leech on sand transitions in 18-22 feet of water.
Daytime Bite: 20-30 feet of water on mud and gravel flats.
Keepers: Anglers can keep two walleye per day, with one allowed over 20 inches.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing:
Techniques: Drop shots and Ned rigs in 3-6 feet of water targeting beds.
Areas: Shallow, protected bays and rock to sand transitions.
General Advice:
Bait: Spot-tail shiners, leeches, and crawlers are popular.
Conditions: Water temperatures are fluctuating, impacting fish activity, so anglers should adjust their approaches.
Location: Pay attention to wind-blown rocks and areas with baitfish concentrations.
Other Species:
Perch: Perch are being caught in 24-30 feet of water on the west side of the lake, often on slip bobbers and leeches.
Northern Pike: Reports of good pike fishing are also coming in
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.
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