Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

2020 Mille Lacs Lake Fishing Reports


Rick

Recommended Posts

Had another amazing night last night. Fishing solo I got 25 in the boat and probably lost 15 or more. Caught fish everywhere from 4 ft on flat raps to 17 feet on big shad raps.

Speed was key for me. The wind kicked up out of the west, which made it impossible for me to get a bite trolling into the wind--the fish did NOT like the surge from the boat flopping onto the waves (sometimes they seem to prefer that, but not last night). When I figured that out, I just trolled downwind with two anchors and the trolling motor down so I could keep the speed below 2.0.

Hot colors were clown when the moon was out and gold/black when it was behind the clouds.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fished for two hours getting my butt kicked by the wind (where did that come from last night?). Got 8 fish, missed two. One on inside weedline, one on outside weedline, and the rest over scatted weeds and rock.

Headed in early because the boat was filling up with water and I couldn't get the bilge pump to work. eek

Link to comment
Share on other sites

hey carmike, sounds like you've had some good fishing. I am heading out tonight, probably be fishing from 6pm to 1am. Im headed to the north side, is that where you were at?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Generally, yes. I'll be somewhere between the casino access and Red Door. If the wind is at all bad out of the east, I'll probably head over to the east side. Rogues have been far and away the best bait for me, though I others are getting them on shad raps, too. Wherever I've found sparse weeds and rock, I've found fish, so that's where I'd go. wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was out last night for three hours with my dad....ended up catching seven fish, though we missed eight or nine. Very frustrating, actually...and I'm not all that sure what to do to fix the problem. The hooks are sharp, drag is set right, long and limber rod....fish just seem to be nipping at the back treble hook or trying to hit it with their heads or something (I did hook a few fish outside of their mouths).

I tried bigger lures, smaller lures, brighter lures, darker lures, lures with a tighter wobble, lures with a wobblier wobble, lures pulled at 1.0 mph, lures pulled at 2.0 mph, Husky Jerks, Rogues, thundersticks, rebel minnows, shad raps, flat raps, original floaters, and I even threw a few curse words at them. The only bites came on the rogues (once again) and around 1.6 mph.

Still, it was better than sitting inside watching stupid political TV commercials all night. smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

Was out last night for three hours with my dad....ended up catching seven fish, though we missed eight or nine. Very frustrating, actually...and I'm not all that sure what to do to fix the problem. The hooks are sharp, drag is set right, long and limber rod....fish just seem to be nipping at the back treble hook or trying to hit it with their heads or something (I did hook a few fish outside of their mouths).

I tried bigger lures, smaller lures, brighter lures, darker lures, lures with a tighter wobble, lures with a wobblier wobble, lures pulled at 1.0 mph, lures pulled at 2.0 mph, Husky Jerks, Rogues, thundersticks, rebel minnows, shad raps, flat raps, original floaters, and I even threw a few curse words at them. The only bites came on the rogues (once again) and around 1.6 mph.

Still, it was better than sitting inside watching stupid political TV commercials all night. smile

At times opening up the gap on the trebles will up your hook up rate. This especially helps when the fish a slapping the bait rather than biting it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You need the SureSet hooks from VMC. They are amazing. It is tricky to find the right size though, but its size 6. Check them out.

Openning a hook a bit may help sometimes, but after switching out the back hook on 75% of my cranks to sureset hooks I have noticed a tremendous increase in hooking percentage.

You still miss fish, but not nearly as many. Miss fish vs lose fish. With traditional trebles I would have both, misses and lost fish.

You will probably have to buy them online OR stop in at the Reeds in Onamia as i have bought some there before.

Make sure the large hook is pointing upward when you put it on though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out last night between 8 pm and 1 am. Fishing for me was pretty slow, though I did catch one sumo pike and 12 walleyes (including an elusive keeper!!).

Four of the walleyes came in the last thirty minutes, so before that flurry, it was eight fish in just under five hours. sleep

The pattern that I found a few weeks ago now appears to be over. And for what it's worth, I didn't miss a single fish last night. smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out for the last night of the year yesterday, and ended up putting a few fish in the boat. My dad and I were a bit disheartened to hear before we headed out that two boats had already come in without catching a single fish. Crazy that we are, we still headed out.

It took us a while to find the fish, but after we did we had a steady bite of a fish every 20-30 minutes or so. The east wind picked up and made it difficult to keep a consistent speed on the troll, and that seemed important, as we'd not catch fish if the boat was surging.

We ended up going in with 10 fish in four hours. Rattlin' Rogues were again the baits. Now it's time to get the ice fishing stuff ready to go. smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tell ya what last two fishing expeditions of the year could not have been more different. I drove down 53S feeling like a hell of a fishermen after leaving Rainy early October. 3 28's in 3 days. Numerous in between. 15 inchers for lunch every day.

Leaving Mille Lacs however last Sunday I was a shell of a that proud fishermen. We only fished Saturday. But one fish all day. An 18 incher night trolling on a SSR. Fished all day at numerous depths. Worked 3-4 different rock reefs from 8 to 25 feet. Worked a sharp break/weed line by Malone Island for an hour. Eventually agreed with my buddy we were going to keep lines out of the water until we marked em. Spent an hour and half cruising reefs at 3.5 - 4.0 mph and saw zero fish. None. I looked at my buddy and said it's very possible we will continue driving until dark because there appear to be no fish in this lake.

Made me feel a little better that 2 other walleye boats had similar results. There were two unhappy boats at hunters point bar around 5:40 p.m., both comiserating about Mille lacs. These were not cold front conditions either.

Anyway no point to this really just an observation that I believe the article out of the strib a couple weeks back that Mille Lacs is down for walleye. Unless you're that Carmike dude that is.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Went out for the last night of the year yesterday, and ended up putting a few fish in the boat. My dad and I were a bit disheartened to hear before we headed out that two boats had already come in without catching a single fish. Crazy that we are, we still headed out.

It took us a while to find the fish, but after we did we had a steady bite of a fish every 20-30 minutes or so. The east wind picked up and made it difficult to keep a consistent speed on the troll, and that seemed important, as we'd not catch fish if the boat was surging.

We ended up going in with 10 fish in four hours. Rattlin' Rogues were again the baits. Now it's time to get the ice fishing stuff ready to go. smile

I'm glad to hear the Rogues are still paying off!! I plan to get out as long as I don't need a coast guard cutter leading the way. Curious as to where you're launching and the conditions there... Water level, temp, dock... No specifics, just the usual. Shoot me a PM if you'd be so kind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Had a VERY bad night last night...didn't fish for all that long, but after 2.5 hours with three missed fish and none to the boat, we figured it was time to head in. Worst night of the year by far. frown

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thought I had a bad night Thursday, 2 fish in 5 hours, then loaded the boat west side by casino. Talked with a guy who had his side window busted in in on his truck and had some tools stolen. Turned out wasn't as bad as it could have been.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love trying new things - why not put a single hook on the back of the rogue? Or attaching a stinger hook? That might be similar to what you would see using a sure set hook. There's still time to try it out LOL.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Had a VERY bad night last night...didn't fish for all that long, but after 2.5 hours with three missed fish and none to the boat, we figured it was time to head in. Worst night of the year by far. frown
Sureset hooks!! Trust me, you will miss fewer fish. Size 6 for most cranks.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sureset hooks!! Trust me, you will miss fewer fish. Size 6 for most cranks.

Fine, fine, fine....I'll buy some. smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fine, fine, fine....I'll buy some. smile

LOL I can be very persuasive.

swing by my house, I will give you a couple to try. They are hard to find.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Had another slow night last night...only got one fish in the net, and missed one, too. Whatever mojo I had working in September and October is now gone. I think I'm done until it ices up. Unless I change my mind around the upcoming full moon. smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Had another slow night last night...only got one fish in the net, and missed one, too. Whatever mojo I had working in September and October is now gone. I think I'm done until it ices up. Unless I change my mind around the upcoming full moon. smile

Wow... What a 180 from my experience! I was out Tuesday with my G.F. and Wednesday with my neighbor... We nailed'em!! In a cold water context, ya know. Over two days, we totaled 61 caught. 56 in the slot, 4 in the box and 1 very health 30.5" that was a bit over 10! All but 2 were returned to fight another day.

Tuesday we fished until dark. She was a bit chilly and bribed me with a good dinner. Wednesday my neighbor and I stayed out until 7:00 before going in due to his work schedule.

A GLORIOUS way to end the open water season on The Pond!! No you guys can have your ice! grin

Sorry I didn't get in touch. Was that you on the north side break?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was out Tuesday night....another slow one. Only got one fish, missed one as well.

We didn't get out until well after dark. Must've missed a good day bite. frown

And we're done for good for the rest of the open water season. Put the gear away today, in fact. Bring on the ice! smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are most of the small lakes frozen over? I want to get out spearing (preferably Bulldog) and just wondering how much ice there is for this coming weekend.

Any info wold be great.

Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are most of the small lakes frozen over? I want to get out spearing (preferably Bulldog) and just wondering how much ice there is for this coming weekend.

Any info wold be great.

Thanks

I checked a few local lakes a two days ago, most had 1-2 inches and some still had open water. Maybe by the weekend but it will be sketchy... if it's even posible.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • The title was changed to 2020 Mille Lacs Lake Fishing Reports

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Kettle
      Walked today and yesterday, flushed 9, shot at two and got two. Hopefully next year I'll have a dog to hunt with. Still warm up here, skim of ice on ponds. Weather has been nice. Hopefully walk a bit more the next few weeks. Been pretty cautious walking for birds to not interfere with deer hunters. There sure are not the deer hunters there used to be 
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.