MILLE LACS

[TAHOEJ]

We usually take a trip for hard water to Mille Lacs. We are from Ohio so its about 15 hour trip for us! Go out with Scenic Bay Resorts. All this talk about the problems on the lake we are wondering if its going to be worth the drive! We were out last year and did pretty good for our 1st time on the lake. We were out for 4 days and caught about 10 Eyes, 60-70 Eel Pout(fish that dont count for us Ohioans), reel nice Northern bout 41", and 30-40 perch. We usually try to get out on our Lake Erie just no safe ice usually. Of course we are after Hawgs, but realize probably wont be able to top my 13lbr from Mille Lacs. We really just want to catch some fish, and drink some beers, and get away from the old ladys for few days! Should we look at another lake, or is everyone just complaining a little to much????

[Beckman]

The complaining and "problems" you're hearing about are not about bad fishing on the lake, it's about fishing that is too good. Some are saying high numbers of big fish are decimating the forage, which are causing fish to be skinny and starve... the debate goes on. Bottom line is this: if you want to catch fish go to Mille Lacs.

[Schnauzer]

Yes, there is a lot of complaining. But, if you review the complaining, you'll probably note no one is complaining they aren't catching fish. The slot is small but there is no reason to think you won't do as well or better than you did on your last trip.

[tahoej]

Well sound like thats the place to go!! Skinny fish fat fish they all eat the same in our eyes!!!

[Dave in Mpls]

If you want to EAT fish, DO NOT go to Mille Lacs!

You'll more than likely catch a lot of nice fish, but they will go back in the drink!

Regards

[tahoej]

Why will they go back in the drink? We can keep fish there as long as there within the slot! We can also keep the perch we catch and eat them!! Is ther consumption advisories on lake Mille Lacs?

[Beckman]

The slot this summer is 14-16" this means you can only keep 4 fish that fall between 14-16"... it's pretty tough to get the keepers. Most of the fish caught are bigger fish from 20-25". The winter slot will likely be expanded like it was last year.

[whitetips]

14-16" slot or 1 per person over 28", odds are better in the lottery
or Las Vegas most will go back fish hard and you never know. I fished in late July all day 2 slot and 1 28" 5 lb fish, 4 is the limit too.
I did have someone in my boat almost get four in one day, Packer fan of course and never fished Mille Lacs. Try near weedbeds for slots.

[Bad Finger]

There are discussions taking place right now talking about ways to REDUCE the current harvest. I highly doubt there will be an expansion in the slot for ice fishing this year. Us "white man" fishermen have already taken more than the court mandated alowable harvest and the indians are demanding a stop to this overharvest. (Can't say I don't blame them for being a little P.O.ed since I'd be pissed if they overharvested when they were netting and spearing this spring....works both ways I guess)

As far as perch fishing goes, there are none left. Good luck catching one.

[Jig Master]

I'm also planning a trip to Mille Lacs this winter. Was thinking about renting a sleeper shack. Are they nice, or would I be better off getting a motel room? What resorts should I be looking at? Any information would be appreciated.

[whitetips]

Depends on whether you want to be catered or do it yourself.
The rocks and deep drops from 22-30 are the place to be.
So the northwsest has some, the southwest has alot. The south is the deepest area. And the the entire east side is all rock, motels are limited to the east , but they have plenty of houses. If it was me Motel and find some good info on who has the hot action. Usually Good fishing starts mid December for Walleye. Fellegy can help with the northeast places to stay.
Gluck

[tahoej]

We use scenic bay in Isle. We get a sleeper shack and motel room. Its a ball


PERCH: Unless they all died this year i cant see not catching them! With the underwater camera we saw schools of them! Not only in one place every where we drilled holes!! We were fishing in Isle Bay area and the perch were all over the place. This was just what we saw on the underwater camera. We didnt keep any under 8".