Report as of 05/26/26

Hawthorne's Guide Service Report:Click here

1. Target Shallow Waters
   Walleye and northern pike are likely to be found in shallower bays and rocky shorelines, especially during early morning and evening hours when light is low. Look for depths of 6-12 feet where water warms up first.
2. Use Slow Presentations
   With cooler water, fish are less aggressive. Slow down your presentations: try jigging with live bait (like shiners or leeches), or use slip bobbers and smaller crankbaits. Natural colors tend to work best in clear early-season water.
3. Follow the Wind
   Wind-blown shorelines collect baitfish and attract hungry predators. Don’t hesitate to fish with the wind at your back or drift along windward edges.
4. Check Regulations
   Mille Lacs has specific fishing regulations, especially for walleye. Make sure you’re up to date on size limits, catch-and-release rules, and other seasonal restrictions before you hit the water.
5. Stay Warm & Safe
   Early season can mean chilly mornings and unpredictable weather. Dress in layers, wear your life jacket, and check the forecast before heading out.

Need a Place to Stay while enjoying Mille Lacs Lake?

Tired of Fishing or weather conditions not cooperating... Check out local events and Restaurants 

Need Bait, Supplies or Tackle?

Stop in at Garrison Sports Bait & Tackle, Johnson's Portside, 

 Lybacks Marine or Trailside Bait & Tackle 

Mille Lacs Regulations 2026-2027

• Burbot (Eelpout): All burbot must be immediately released.
• Largemouth Bass: The catch-and-release season for largemouth bass is continuous on Mille Lacs Lake but there is a specific period where bass may be harvested. Beginning May 23, 2026 through Feb. 28, 2027, largemouth bass under 17 inches may be kept. Limit of three in combination with smallmouth bass. The remainder of the year all largemouth bass must be immediately released.
• Northern Pike: Beginning May 9, 2026, through March 31, 2027, all northern pike greater than 30 inches must be immediately released. Limit of five. Same regulations for spearing, which concludes Sunday, Feb. 28, 2027.
• Smallmouth Bass: The catch-and-release season for smallmouth bass is continuous on Mille Lacs Lake but there is a specific period where bass may be harvested. Beginning May 23, 2026 through Sep. 13, 2026, smallmouth bass under 17 inches may be kept. Limit of three in combination with largemouth bass. The remainder of the year all smallmouth bass must be immediately released.
• Tullibee (Cisco): Possession limit is five.
• Walleye: Beginning May 9, 2026, and continuing through Feb. 28, 2027, the daily and possession limit for walleye is three fish, which must be greater than 17 inches in length and only one of which may be greater than 20 inches in length.
• Yellow Perch: Daily and possession limit 5.
• No culling or live-well sorting: Fish taken into possession are considered part of an angler's bag limit and cannot be exchanged with another fish. However, when the season for bass is open, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass may be culled following statewide culling rules.
• Night Closure:
  • May 11 - Aug. 31, 2026: No fishing for any species from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. except for below exemptions
  • Exceptions:
    • Beginning June 6, 2026, muskellunge and northern pike may be targeted with artificial lures longer than 8 inches or sucker minnows longer than 8 inches. While fishing during the night closure, you may not possess or target any species other than muskellunge or northern pike.
    • Beginning June 1, 2026, bowfishing is allowed but you may not possess angling equipment while bowfishing, and only non-game fish may be in possession.
  • Sept. 1: All night restrictions removed.

Lodging options, Guide services and Launch boat options