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Lake Mille Lacs

2025 Fishing Season

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

Mille Lacs Lake is currently experiencing a strong walleye bite, with good numbers of eater-sized and larger fish being caught.

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

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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