Mille Lacs Opener Expectancy?

[skillz]

I am thinking of hitting Mille Lacs this opener. As this will only be the 2nd time on that lake, what can I expect for # of boaters/fishermen and landing availability? Do I need to get there at 1200 pm the night before? Etc??

skz

The best time to go fishing is whenever you can...

[Eyecrosser]

I would expect quite a wait at the landing. But you never know. The bite was pretty slow all winter so that might make a few people make other plans. I know I'll be in line somewhere.

[Big Guy]

Here is my two cents: Be prepared for a mass of people of boats. We often joke that on the opener you can walk the circumfrance of the lake simpley by stepping from boat to boat. Get to your resort or motel early and realize that there will be a long backup at all the put in points, both private and public. You may want to skip the midnight start if the season and plan on putting in early in the morning to avoid some teeth nashing. Good luck!

[Schnauzer]

You will get on the lake and although there will be a lot of people out there, 132,000 acres has a way of accomidating a lot of fisherman. You may have a little wait at the boat launch and you may have to park your rig in the ditch about a block away from the ramp, but overall it shouldn't be too bad.

The predictions of a slow bite this year(a valid prediction, in my opinion)will scare some people off but on the other hand there will probably be plenty of people there willing to fish the memories of last year's torrid bite. All in all I'm guessing those factors will balance to create a "normal" opener - numbers wise. I started on Mille Lacs at midnight last year. The weather was decent that night and I didn't have any problems at the ramp. It wasn't backed up at all.

You'll be fine.

[skillz]

Thanks to all who responded. The planning and preparing have already begun. "Practice" at Red Wing is just a month or two away. I can't wait for soft water again!!!:)

skz


The best time to go fishing is whenever you can...