Mille Lacs Lake-------Launch vs. Our Own Boats

[Willy]

We Have a group of 10 of us wanting to try Mille Lacs Lake this fall.
A few of us have our own boats. None of us have experience fishing Walleye on Mille Lacs. Does anyone have any input on "Launch" fishing?? Any recommendations??

You will catch fish on a launch...but, it may bore you. Because of the numbers of people on the launch, they typically anchor and slip bobber fish. So if you want to be flexible, then you may want to bring a boat. If you just want to see the lake and catch some fish (or pound beers!), then a launch is perfect.

Do other know-are there still pontoons that take people out? I know that there were guides or launches that would speed troll from pontoons for musky. They would probably take out some walleye fishermen too if you have a group.

[NC]

Willy,
Just fished the lake for the first time 2 weeks ago for 4 days. Took my brother's 1800 Pro-V but you could easily use smaller boats on the water if you use your head. I would not personally go on the launch because I think they would be a big pain in the butt. You will catch fish on your own, it just depends on how long it takes you to find them. If you have the boats for the water, go on your own. You will find it much more enjoyable in my opinion.
Good luck!
NC

One thing to consider in making your choice: how big is your boat? Also, are you a good navigator? That is a shallow lake that can come up on you pretty quick, I wouldn't want to get caught out in a 14 ft. jon boat, fer sure. You should use GPS or a good map. You can follow the launches out and back too. You may wish to hire a guide for the first day, McQuoids did real good for us last year. m

[get the net]

Just take your own boat and look for the launches if you can't find fish.... There are a lot of people it seems that just follow around the launches since they are so obvious to spot...

You don't need a big boat if you play the wind.... Just launch on the least windy side if it is blowing hard and you'll be fine... You'll need a good size boat and/or a calmer day to get out to the flats, but fish can be caught all year on the rocks or gravel as well.... The southside of the lake is good if you can't get out to the flats in the middle...