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Current Season
Omnia utlizes current season and species life cycle to determine what is relevant. Use the slider to change the season. This will change the in-season styles and gear we recommend.
Water Clarity
This is based on data we've collected about this waterbody. Disagree? Adjust it to the level you're seeing.
Species
Fall Styles
These are the styles that are relevant to your species in this season:
- A-Rigging
- Buzz Baiting
- Carolina Rigging
- Cast/Retrieve Deep
- Cast/Retrieve Mid Depth
- Cast/Retrieve Shallow
- Chatterbaiting
- Crankbaiting
- Dropshot
- Finesse Fishing
- Froggin
- Jerk Baiting
- Livebait Rigging
- Ned Rigging
- Neko Rigging
- Power Fishing
- Power Jigging
- Shaky Head Fishing
- Spinnerbaits
- Spybaiting
- Texas Rigging
- Top Water
- Trolling Deep
- Trolling Mid Depth
- Trolling Shallow
- Vertical Jigging Deep
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth
- Vertical Jigging Shallow
- Wacky Rigging
Lake Details
Summary
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Summary
What you need to know about fishing Mille Lacs Lake
At approximately 100 miles directly north of Minneapolis and St Paul in Minnesota, Mille Lacs offers fantastic fishing opportunities for a number of fish species. Classically known as a trophy walleye fishery, a decline in walleye population began in the 1990s which the Minnesota DNR recently indicated coincided with changes in water clarity. And while only a correlation, not an explanation, walleyes thrive in cold water and low-light lakes and an increase in clarity may have reduced the habitat opportunities for walleyes over time. The recent introduction of zebra mussels has further clarified the water conditions and walleye populations have continued to remain lower that the glory years on Mille Lacs. Recently, bass fishing opportunities have received significant attention and even a 2017 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship out of Onamia, Minnesota. Lake Mille Lacs has specific fishing regulations that differ from statewide DNR regulations.
Mille Lacs Lake has been the center of a lot of buzz in the ice fishing world recently. Changing limits, slots, seasons, and bait restrictions have caused plenty of controversy for the world famous lake. Although Mille Lacs is known to be a big fish factory for all species, once anglers can access the lake via the ice the only species that matters is the walleyes. By using the endless amount of reefs and basins, anglers move periodically throughout the day until they find active fish. In low light periods, fish are normally found on the top or shallower ends of a reef. As the sun rises, these fish slide off the edges into the muddy basin where they roam looking for perch or minnows to eat. Fluttering spoons and rattling spoons are great options for early season fish, however once it becomes mid/late season fish become accustomed to seeing these baits and stop falling for them. This is where live bait comes in to the equation. Medium sucker minnows and shiners (if you can find them) under a bobber or rattle reel become the bait of choice.
Waterbody Type
Lake/Pond
Coordinates
-93.6601W
46.2381N
Surface Area
518.67 sq. km
Avg. Depth
29 ft.
Species Present
Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, Panfish / Bluegill, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Common Carp
5-Day Forecast
Articles
Launching soon for this waterbody.
Relevant Gear For You
Omnia Recommendations
Expert Picks (186)
Hot Baits
Omnia Recommendations
Omnia’s custom recommendation engine matches products, styles, seasons, species, and this specific waterbody’s attributes and the selections you’ve made about how you fish this lake.
Fish Confidently on Mille Lacs Lake
We hope you found what they were looking for on Mille Lacs Lake. Omnia’s goal is to be your top resource for every fishing trip.
Expert Picks
LIST
Seth Feider’s Mille Lacs Spring Bassin' Essentials
After a long dark winter, I’m ready to get out on Lake Mille Lacs as soon as the water opens. I start out by looking for shallow flats and relatively shallow humps on my sonar and I set up shop at the first break in 8-12’ of water.
I always recommend a slow, steady retrieve when fishing baits on Mille Lacs in the Spring. Fish are still moving slowly waking up from the Winter so the slow, steady retrieve is key.
These are my 10 favorite lures, baits, gear and tackle for hitting Mille Lacs once the ice clears! Hot tip: if you come and go from the Southwest, there’s a great McDonalds in Garrison, Minnesota where you can pick up a Big Mac on the way home and dream about the return of the McRib.
Waterbodies: Mille Lacs Lake
LIST
Glenn Walker's Spring Small Mouth Essentials
Waterbodies: Mille Lacs Lake
Species: Smallmouth Bass
LIST
Bass Topwater
I use these regularly on Mille Lacs, but also wherever smallmouth reside.
Waterbodies: Mille Lacs Lake
Species: Largemouth BassSmallmouth Bass
LIST
Mille Lacs Muskies
Baits that I use regularly on Mille Lacs for Muskies.
Waterbodies: Mille Lacs Lake
Species: Muskie
LIST
Spring, Clear-Water Bass Recommendations
Waterbodies: River LakeWhaletail LakeGrace LakeIndianhead FlowageLake CalhounKatrina LakeTrout LakeSawbill LakeLake MinnewashtaParley LakeFish LakeStieger LakeLake LucyChristmas LakeLake IndependenceLong LakeLake ZumbraLake WaconiaMedicine LakeEagle LakeWassermann LakeDutch LakeWest AuburnBaldwin LakeLake VermilionLake HarrietLake AnnLake MinnetonkaMille Lacs LakeLake RebeccaAlton LakeSaint Albans BayLake Auburn
LIST
Getting Started - Budget Bass Fishing Gear
Waterbodies: River LakeWhaletail LakeGrace LakeIndianhead FlowageLake CalhounKatrina LakeTrout LakeSawbill LakeLake MinnewashtaParley LakeFish LakeStieger LakeLake LucyChristmas LakeLake IndependenceLong LakeLake ZumbraLake WaconiaMedicine LakeEagle LakeWassermann LakeDutch LakeWest AuburnBaldwin LakeLake VermilionLake HarrietLake AnnLake MinnetonkaMille Lacs LakeLake RebeccaAlton LakeSaint Albans BayLake Auburn
Species: Largemouth BassSmallmouth Bass
LIST
Mille Lacs Smallmouth Necessities
This list is composed of the the things that I feel are essential for success on Mille Lacs. I never go on the water without these baits when targeting smallmouth.
Waterbodies: Mille Lacs Lake
Species: WalleyeSmallmouth Bass
LIST
Mille Lacs Smallmouth Bass
Waterbodies: Mille Lacs Lake
Species: Smallmouth Bass
LIST
Boundaryless Kayak Fishing - Pro List Bass
Waterbodies: River LakeWhaletail LakeGrace LakeIndianhead FlowageLake CalhounKatrina LakeLake AuburnTrout LakeSawbill LakeLake MinnewashtaParley LakeFish LakeStieger LakeLake LucyChristmas LakeLake IndependenceLong LakeLake ZumbraLake WaconiaMedicine LakeEagle LakeWassermann LakeDutch LakeWest AuburnBaldwin LakeLake VermilionLake HarrietLake AnnLake MinnetonkaMille Lacs LakeLake RebeccaAlton LakeSaint Albans Bay
Species: Largemouth BassSmallmouth Bass
Hot Baits
Launching soon for this lake.
