Fishing
Mille Lacs Lake is a body of water that is commonly visited by fishermen from all across Minnesota and the entire Midwest. There is a high abundance of both small game fish and large trophy fish that allow for an excellent fishing experience for anglers ranging from young beginners to seasoned veterans. The major species of Mille Lacs Lake include northern pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, largemouth bass, and black crappie. For bass fishermen, both varieties of bass can be found in large abundance throughout the lake. Largemouth bass can be found near drop offs, weed beds, and the deep waters of the lake. The waters near the island in the center of the lake is a great place to begin searching for largemouth bass. This area provides the perfect waters for feeding throughout the Summer and Fall. During mid to late Spring, largemouth bass reside in the shallow waters of Mille Lacs Lake for spawning. Some of the best tackle options for largemouth bass in Mille Lacs Lake include diving crankbaits, spinnerbaits, imitation shad, and tube jigs. Experimentation with new tackle choices may also prove effective. Smallmouth bass can be found in large populations throughout the shallow waters of Mille Lacs Lake. This species prefers sheltered areas near weed beds, pilings, large boulders, timber, and other obstructions. Because of this, it is recommended that fishermen target areas such as coves. These areas provide protection from predators and turbulent waters while allowing smallmouth bass populations to flourish. Topwater lures, jigs, and fly rods are all effective options. Baits such as nightcrawlers and brightly colored artificial worms can also be used successfully. During the cold months of winter, Mille Lacs Lake will freeze over in certain locations. This opens an excellent window of opportunity for ice fishing. Black crappie and walleye are the primary species that can be caught using this method. During the warmer months, crappie can be caught along the shoreline and from the various piers. Fishermen should use light tackle or fly rods. This species also makes a tasty meal. The walleye is a fish that is frequently caught in the deep waters of Mille Lacs Lake. It can be targeted with crankbaits and jigs. This fish commonly weighs in above 7 pounds, so it may be necessary to use a strong line and exhaust the target before reeling it in. For trophy fishermen , muskie and northern pike present an interesting challenge. Both of these species can be caught using trolling methods. Speeds of 2 to 5 miles per hour are ideal at Mille Lacs Lake. Large spoons or spinnerbaits are the best options for tackle. Muskie can be caught late spring, summer and fall, but they are most frequently caught between August and October. Aside from trolling, muskie have also been caught through casting large lures. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and some heavy tackle setups have all proven effective. Northern pike can be a tricky fish to catch, as their preference of bait and tackle varies; fishermen should experiment different spoons to determine what is working on a given day. The slapping method is also effective when fishing near weed beds; anglers should jerk the spoon out of the water so that the tackle slaps the water. This gives the illusion of a jumping fish that pike will often strike.
Facilities
Mille Lacs Lake offers several facilities such as marinas, piers, tackle shops, fueling stations, lodging, boat rentals, and boat landings.
The Lake
This is one of Minnesota's largest body of water. Mille Lacs Lake has a total area of 207 square miles and a maximum depth of 42 feet.

Mille Lacs Lake is an excellent fishing location for both adrenaline seekers and casual weekend anglers.

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