How to Fish Mille Lacs Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Mille Lacs Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Mille Lacs Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	46-55	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, following a gradual warming trend Fish are becoming more active and starting to feed more aggressively as water temperatures rise, particularly during afternoon warming periods	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats Transition areas between rock and sand/gravel in 12-20 foot depth Main lake points with deep water access near potential spawning bays	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Drop Shot with subtle movements near rock structures Ned Rigs dragged slowly across rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small perch around rock structures Early season baitfish schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes are actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods Fish are making transitional movements from winter deep water areas to shallow spawning locations, following primary navigation channels and structural elements	Rock-to-mud transitions in 8-15 feet near spawning tributaries or gravel areas Main lake points and reef structures leading to shallow spawning bays Hard-bottom shoreline areas with immediate access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Perch concentrating in pre-spawn areas Smaller baitfish gathered in transition zones Deep water ciscoes in staging areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Largemouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively, focusing on areas near potential spawning flats	Protected bays with brush piles in 5-8 foot depth range Reed bed edges in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through brush piles and reed edges Structure Jigs flipped to isolated cover Lipless Crankbaits along emerging weed edges	Bluegill in shallow areas near spawning flats Crawfish becoming active in brush pile areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pre-spawn Northern Pike are moving from winter deep water patterns to shallow spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are staging near emerging vegetation and tributary inflows, making feeding forays into adjacent areas	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper water access Points and inside turns adjacent to spawning areas Tributary mouths and inflowing streams with warmer water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transition areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along emerging weed edges Live Bait Rigs with large suckers near deep-to-shallow transitions	Large Yellow Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Suckers moving into tributary areas Winter-stressed baitfish in shallow warming bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Staging in transition areas between wintering areas and spawning locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn Most active during warming trends, particularly during midday hours when water temperatures peak	Rock reefs and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depth adjacent to potential spawning bays Deep structure edges transitioning to shallow flats, particularly near points and bays Windward shorelines with rock structure where baitfish concentrate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along structure edges Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near rock structures Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transition areas between deep and shallow water	Ciscoes gathering in transition areas Perch actively feeding around rock structures Whitefish moving shallow as water warms	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	46-67	Pre-spawn to spawning transition, with males moving shallow (4-8ft) to prepare beds while larger females stage slightly deeper (8-12ft) near spawning areas Fish are actively feeding on both perch and crawfish, with increased aggression during warming trends Males become territorial around beds once water temperatures stabilize above 60°F	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-12 feet of water, especially those adjacent to spawning flats Transitions between rock and sand in 6-10 feet of water Shallow rocky flats and points with scattered boulders in 4-8 feet	Ned Rigs worked slowly around rock transitions and spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and locating active fish Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near boulder clusters Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses along rock edges	Perch - multiple reports indicate large schools around rock structures Crawfish - actively feeding on emerging crawfish in rocky areas Shad - present in some areas but secondary forage during this period	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	51-65	Walleyes are in spawning mode, showing increased shallow water activity during low light periods, particularly at night as evidenced by successful midnight fishing reports Fish are transitioning between shallow spawning areas and slightly deeper post-spawn recovery zones, with reports showing activity in both 10-12ft traditional areas and deeper 21+ foot locations	Rock piles and reefs in 8-12 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning areas Points with sand-to-rock transitions, especially those adjacent to deeper water Deeper humps in 20+ feet of water for post-spawn fish	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses, proven effective in recent night fishing success Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked slowly along rock edges Live Bait Rigs for deeper post-spawn fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved slowly near bottom	Minnows - primary spring forage based on multiple fishing reports Crawfish - active in rocky areas as water warms	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	50-65	Pre-spawn to spawning behavior, with bass moving from deeper staging areas to shallow spawning flats near submerged vegetation in 6-8ft Morning activity peaks as bass actively patrol spawning areas and defend nesting sites	Protected bays with submerged vegetation in 6-8 foot depth range Reed bed edges in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked slowly along weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in and around vegetation Spinnerbaits paralleling reed edges	Bluegill concentrating around spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike moving into shallow bays and tributaries with emerging vegetation for spawning Post-spawn recovery period finds pike transitioning to adjacent vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depth range Aggressive feeding patterns resume shortly after spawn as pike replenish energy	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth Tributary mouths and connected wetland areas Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Live Bait Rigs with large minnows for post-spawn recovery period	Perch congregating in similar shallow areas Smaller pike and panfish in spawning areas Suckers moving into tributaries	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-58	Muskies are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, with females staging in pre-spawn locations near shallow spawning bays Post-spawn males remain near spawning areas while females move to nearby recovery zones with access to deeper water	Shallow bays with emergent vegetation near deeper water access Rocky points and reefs adjacent to spawning areas Protected shorelines with mixed rock and vegetation in 4-8 foot depth	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Trolling Shallow (0-9')	Perch gathering in shallow spawning areas Shallow-running cisco schools Various minnow species in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-69	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding on mayflies, insects, and perch near boulder fields Mixed behavior between shallow feeding (especially during mayfly hatches) and deeper staging on first drop-offs Aggressive post-spawn feeding with both surface and bottom-oriented activity	Boulder fields in 12-18 feet of water with irregular contours Isolated boulders in 4-10 feet near spawning flats Rock pile transitions near shallow reefs	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near bottom structure Finesse Hair Jigs during mayfly hatches Hard Topwater (Popping) during surface feeding periods Drop Shot with finesse presentations for deeper fish	Mayflies and aquatic insects during hatches Perch in boulder areas Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	55-71	Walleye actively feeding during post-spawn period, showing aggressive behavior especially when suspended off bottom as noted in reports Fish relating to first breaks and transitional areas, moving between shallow and mid-depth zones based on light conditions	Rock piles and reefs in 10-14 foot range, particularly those near transitional areas Points in 7-9 foot range, especially during evening hours First break lines with access to deeper water, particularly those with hard bottom	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with live bait for deeper fish Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits around points during evening Damiki Rig for suspended fish when marked on electronics Bobbers with leeches in 6-14 foot range during morning hours	Minnows - primary forage based on multiple successful reports Perch - particularly around points and structure Leeches - effective especially during morning periods	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-72	Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding to recover energy, with a strong early morning topwater bite transitioning to vegetation-oriented patterns as temperatures rise during the day Fish are establishing summer holding patterns, relating heavily to thick cover like reed beds and dock areas for both shelter and feeding opportunities	Reed beds in 4-8 feet of water, particularly edges and pockets Docks with adjacent vegetation Protected bays with emergent vegetation	Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning hours Texas Rigs (Worming) in thick vegetation as day progresses Football Jigs around dock areas Wacky Rigs for finesse presentation in clearer areas	Bluegill in spawning areas and around vegetation Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge in the shallows	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-62	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily relating to emerging vegetation and transition areas where they can ambush prey Fish are establishing predictable feeding patterns around submerged vegetation in the 10-14 foot depth range, utilizing these areas as primary ambush points	Submerged vegetation beds in 10-14 foot depth range Points adjacent to spawning bays with emerging weed growth Transition zones where vegetation meets deeper water	Bladed Jigs worked through and along edges of vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation	Perch congregating around vegetation Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn muskies are recovering and beginning to actively feed, primarily targeting cisco and perch around transitional structures Fish are moving from shallow spawning areas to adjacent deeper structure, using rock reefs and points as primary hunting grounds	Rock reefs and boulder areas in 6-10 foot range adjacent to deeper water Points and inside turns with mixed rock and vegetation in 8-15 feet Shallow weed edges developing near hard structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along structure edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') with erratic retrieves near transition areas Inline Spinners worked parallel to developing weed edges	Perch congregating around rocky structure Ciscoes suspended near deep structure edges Small groups of spring minnows in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-75	Post-spawn fish are transitioning from shallow spawning flats to deeper summer haunts, primarily feeding on crawfish and perch. Fish are becoming more finicky due to fishing pressure, requiring slower, more subtle presentations. Smallmouth are scattered across multiple depth ranges (4-17 feet) due to a recent crawfish hatch, with larger fish generally holding deeper	Rock reefs in 12-17 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Large rock flats with scattered boulders in 4-10 feet Transition areas where eel grass meets rocks near giant boulders in 14-16 feet	Drop Shot worked slowly with subtle shaking action Ned Rigs fished on rock flats Damiki Rig with Livescope on deeper flats Slow-rolled small soft swimbaits	Crawfish - recent hatch reported with fish actively spitting up crawfish Perch - particularly around deeper structure Mayflies - surface activity noted during hatches	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	70-74	Fish are actively feeding during mayfly hatches and transitioning between shallow and deep water patterns based on temperature and light conditions Walleye are showing both shallow structure-oriented behavior and deep basin roaming patterns, with increased activity during choppy conditions	Main lake humps and shallow rock structures during insect hatches Deep basin areas (20+ feet) with roaming baitfish schools Boulder fields and rocky transitions in moderate depths	Trolling Deep (20'+) with large crankbaits at 2.0 MPH in the basin Inline Spinners with crawlers during mayfly hatches at 1.0-1.5 MPH Live Bait Rigs with bottom bouncers around structure	Mayflies and aquatic insects during hatches Cisco/Whitefish in deeper basin areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Actively feeding in reed edges during cloudy conditions, particularly in 5ft zones where reed beds transition to deeper water Showing aggressive surface feeding behavior, especially during lower light and stormy conditions	Reed bed edges in 5 foot depths, especially in protected bays Vegetation edges in 4-8 foot range with access to deeper water Protected bay areas with emergent vegetation	Buzzbaits worked along reed edges, especially with toad trailers Frogs/Toads worked through vegetation mats Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working thick cover	Bluegill in shallow vegetation Young of year perch in reed edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	65-75	Actively feeding around weed edges and points, utilizing ambush locations in 10-14 foot depth range Following perch schools while maintaining proximity to cover for ambush opportunities	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 10-14 foot range Boulder-strewn reefs and points Submerged vegetation beds near structural transitions	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) trolled between reefs Trolling Shallow (0-9') with flashy baits near structure	Yellow Perch Baitfish schools in mid-depth ranges	Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Muskie	68-78	Actively feeding on baitfish around rock reefs and boulder areas, utilizing structure as ambush points Most active during dawn/dusk periods, moving between shallow and deep structure edges	Rock reefs with concentrated baitfish activity Boulder fields in 6-10 foot range Deep structure edges adjacent to shallow feeding areas	Inline Spinners worked along rock reef edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near boulders Spinnerbaits worked through baitfish schools	Minnows concentrating around rock structure Ciscoes/Whitefish in deeper adjacent areas Perch relating to boulder areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Mille Lacs Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	48-54	Fish are actively feeding on baitfish and transitioning between shallow and mid-depth ranges (3-20 feet), showing aggressive pursuit of forage as they bulk up for winter Smallmouth are showing a mixed pattern, with some fish holding on deep boulder transitions (14-17 feet) while others remain shallow, particularly during prime feeding periods	Boulder fields and rock transitions in 14-17 foot depth range Shallow boulder areas in 3-4 feet of water Sharp breaks on flats adjacent to deep water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along bottom with constant contact Blade Baits with quick single jerks and 2-4 second pauses Ned Rigs worked methodically in both shallow and deep zones Damiki Rig for suspended fish around baitfish schools	Cisco/Whitefish - primary forage during fall migration Perch - consistent forage option around boulder fields Crawfish - still active in shallow rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	38-51	Fish are transitioning to late fall patterns, becoming more lethargic as water temperatures drop into the 30s-40s but still feeding actively during key periods Strong low-light feeding behavior, particularly during evening hours, with most successful reports coming from 10 PM to midnight Fish are relating heavily to rocky structure in shallow water (7-12 feet), especially during prime feeding windows	Shallow rock piles and gravel areas in 7-12 feet of water, particularly on the east side of the lake Rocky points and shoreline transitions where deeper water meets shallow structure Sand flats adjacent to rock structure, especially for larger solitary fish	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with gentle bottom contact and slow retrieval Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly with extended pauses Blade Baits for triggering lethargic fish in cold water Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady, slow retrieval	Minnows, particularly shiners and suckers as evidenced by multiple recent reports Perch, as indicated by both fishing reports and lake profile data	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Actively feeding in and around reed beds to bulk up for winter, responding to cooling water temperatures Moving between deep weed edges and shallow cover, following baitfish movements Becoming more concentrated in protected bays as water cools and winds increase	Protected reed beds in 4-8 feet of water, especially in wind-protected bays Deep weed edges adjacent to reed beds Secondary points with vegetation in protected bays	Structure Jigs worked slowly through reeds and thick cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations in heavy cover Spinnerbaits along reed edges during wind	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation Crayfish active in reed beds before winter	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	45-58	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following large schools of perch and other baitfish as they migrate to deeper structure Fish are more likely to chase faster-moving baits in the cooler water, with aggressive feeding periods during low-light conditions	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with remnant vegetation in 10-14 foot range Deeper weed edges transitioning into clean bottom areas where perch schools gather Secondary points and inside turns near deep water access	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and points, allowing for coverage of multiple depth ranges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through transitional areas where baitfish congregate Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') parallel to structural elements to locate active fish	Yellow Perch congregating in schools near structure Various baitfish species moving along deeper edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Muskie	45-65	Muskies are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following large schools of cisco and whitefish as they move shallower for their fall spawn Fish are more likely to be aggressive during daylight hours, especially on overcast days or during weather changes Increased willingness to chase and strike larger prey items due to heightened feeding activity	Rock reefs and adjacent deep breaks in 15-25 foot range where cisco schools concentrate Shallow rocky points and boulder areas in 6-12 feet that intersect with deep water access Windward shorelines where baitfish get pushed up against structure	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along edges of rock reefs and points Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked around baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) cast to shallow structure during low light	Ciscoes gathering for fall spawn Yellow Perch schooling near rock structure Whitefish moving shallow with cooling water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	45-47	Walleye are actively feeding on rock-to-sand transitions and boulder areas, showing both aggressive and neutral moods as evidenced by their response to both reaction baits and slower presentations Fish are holding tight to hard-bottom structure, particularly around points, suggesting a typical late fall/early winter positioning pattern	Boulder-covered points with adjacent sand transitions Rock-to-sand transition areas with scattered boulder patches Deep rock piles adjacent to winter holding areas	Lipless Crankbaits worked along transitions for active fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near bottom for neutral fish Blade Baits worked vertically through boulder areas	Perch - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Ciscoes - secondary forage especially in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Northern Pike concentrating around key deep structural elements, particularly points and drop-offs adjacent to shallow flats where perch gather Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during stable weather patterns, with pike showing preference for larger forage	Deep points in 12-14 foot range adjacent to shallow flats Deep weed edges where vegetation is still present Transition zones between shallow and deep water structures	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Blade Baits	Yellow Perch concentrating in schools near structural elements Larger baitfish suspended near points and transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	38-48	Late season muskies are actively feeding in concentrated bursts, targeting larger forage like cisco and whitefish during their spawning periods Fish are suspending near deep structure edges and following baitfish schools, making feeding windows shorter but more intense	Deep rock reefs in 15-25 foot range where cisco and whitefish congregate Steep breaking points near deep water that provide access to both suspended baitfish and structure Wind-blown rocky points that concentrate baitfish schools	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large soft body swimbaits along breaks and reef edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with large soft plastics when fish are spotted on electronics Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked slowly through suspended baitfish schools	Ciscoes congregating for late fall/winter spawning activities Whitefish schools in deeper water Large yellow perch relating to deep structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	32-35	Actively feeding during low-light periods, particularly around structural transitions between 12-22 feet of water Showing aggressive response to jigging presentations, especially during prime feeding windows Moving between deep edges during daylight and shallower structure during low light	Rock reefs and humps in 18-22 foot range Inside turns on steep breaks in 12-16 foot range Hard bottom transitions near mud flats in 20-25 foot range	Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive snap-jigging action Ice Fishing Jigs with minnows using subtle movements Ice Fishing Tip-Ups along weed edges and structural transitions	Minnows - primary forage during ice season Perch - particularly around rocky structure Small baitfish relating to deep structure	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	32-34	Pike are actively feeding near structural elements, particularly points in 12-14 foot depth range, targeting larger forage like suckers and perch Movement patterns are concentrated around key structural elements where forage fish gather, with less roaming than during open water seasons	Points in 12-14 foot depth range where perch congregate Transition areas between points and deeper basins Areas with submerged vegetation that remains intact under ice	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned 1 foot off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs dead-sticked near bottom structure	Perch congregating around points and structure Large sucker minnows Small panfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Mille Lacs Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats	Transition areas between rock and sand/gravel in 12-20 foot depth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock-to-mud transitions in 8-15 feet near spawning tributaries or gravel areas	Main lake points and reef structures leading to shallow spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected bays with brush piles in 5-8 foot depth range	Reed bed edges in 4-8 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper water access	Points and inside turns adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Rock reefs and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depth adjacent to potential spawning bays	Deep structure edges transitioning to shallow flats, particularly near points and bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-12 feet of water, especially those adjacent to spawning flats	Transitions between rock and sand in 6-10 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles and reefs in 8-12 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning areas	Points with sand-to-rock transitions, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected bays with submerged vegetation in 6-8 foot depth range	Reed bed edges in 4-8 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth	Tributary mouths and connected wetland areas
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emergent vegetation near deeper water access	Rocky points and reefs adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields in 12-18 feet of water with irregular contours	Isolated boulders in 4-10 feet near spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles and reefs in 10-14 foot range, particularly those near transitional areas	Points in 7-9 foot range, especially during evening hours
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds in 4-8 feet of water, particularly edges and pockets	Docks with adjacent vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation beds in 10-14 foot depth range	Points adjacent to spawning bays with emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Rock reefs and boulder areas in 6-10 foot range adjacent to deeper water	Points and inside turns with mixed rock and vegetation in 8-15 feet
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock reefs in 12-17 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Large rock flats with scattered boulders in 4-10 feet
Summer	Walleye	Main lake humps and shallow rock structures during insect hatches	Deep basin areas (20+ feet) with roaming baitfish schools
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Reed bed edges in 5 foot depths, especially in protected bays	Vegetation edges in 4-8 foot range with access to deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 10-14 foot range	Boulder-strewn reefs and points
Summer	Muskie	Rock reefs with concentrated baitfish activity	Boulder fields in 6-10 foot range
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock transitions in 14-17 foot depth range	Shallow boulder areas in 3-4 feet of water
Fall	Walleye	Shallow rock piles and gravel areas in 7-12 feet of water, particularly on the east side of the lake	Rocky points and shoreline transitions where deeper water meets shallow structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Protected reed beds in 4-8 feet of water, especially in wind-protected bays	Deep weed edges adjacent to reed beds
Fall	Northern Pike	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with remnant vegetation in 10-14 foot range	Deeper weed edges transitioning into clean bottom areas where perch schools gather
Fall	Muskie	Rock reefs and adjacent deep breaks in 15-25 foot range where cisco schools concentrate	Shallow rocky points and boulder areas in 6-12 feet that intersect with deep water access
Winter	Walleye	Boulder-covered points with adjacent sand transitions	Rock-to-sand transition areas with scattered boulder patches
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep points in 12-14 foot range adjacent to shallow flats	Deep weed edges where vegetation is still present
Winter	Muskie	Deep rock reefs in 15-25 foot range where cisco and whitefish congregate	Steep breaking points near deep water that provide access to both suspended baitfish and structure
Ice	Walleye	Rock reefs and humps in 18-22 foot range	Inside turns on steep breaks in 12-16 foot range
Ice	Northern Pike	Points in 12-14 foot depth range where perch congregate	Transition areas between points and deeper basins

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small perch around rock structures
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch concentrating in pre-spawn areas	Smaller baitfish gathered in transition zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow areas near spawning flats	Crawfish becoming active in brush pile areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large Yellow Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Suckers moving into tributary areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Ciscoes gathering in transition areas	Perch actively feeding around rock structures
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - multiple reports indicate large schools around rock structures	Crawfish - actively feeding on emerging crawfish in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows - primary spring forage based on multiple fishing reports	Crawfish - active in rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around spawning areas	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in similar shallow areas	Smaller pike and panfish in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Perch gathering in shallow spawning areas	Shallow-running cisco schools
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Mayflies and aquatic insects during hatches	Perch in boulder areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows - primary forage based on multiple successful reports	Perch - particularly around points and structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in spawning areas and around vegetation	Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge in the shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating around vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch congregating around rocky structure	Ciscoes suspended near deep structure edges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - recent hatch reported with fish actively spitting up crawfish	Perch - particularly around deeper structure
Summer	Walleye	Mayflies and aquatic insects during hatches	Cisco/Whitefish in deeper basin areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow vegetation	Young of year perch in reed edges
Summer	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Baitfish schools in mid-depth ranges
Summer	Muskie	Minnows concentrating around rock structure	Ciscoes/Whitefish in deeper adjacent areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Cisco/Whitefish - primary forage during fall migration	Perch - consistent forage option around boulder fields
Fall	Walleye	Minnows, particularly shiners and suckers as evidenced by multiple recent reports	Perch, as indicated by both fishing reports and lake profile data
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation	Crayfish active in reed beds before winter
Fall	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating in schools near structure	Various baitfish species moving along deeper edges
Fall	Muskie	Ciscoes gathering for fall spawn	Yellow Perch schooling near rock structure
Winter	Walleye	Perch - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Ciscoes - secondary forage especially in deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch concentrating in schools near structural elements	Larger baitfish suspended near points and transitions
Winter	Muskie	Ciscoes congregating for late fall/winter spawning activities	Whitefish schools in deeper water
Ice	Walleye	Minnows - primary forage during ice season	Perch - particularly around rocky structure
Ice	Northern Pike	Perch congregating around points and structure	Large sucker minnows

Bait Colors by Season for Mille Lacs Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals