Mille Lacs muskie first timer- in need of help

[Muskiemanzan13]

Hey guys!

Alright so we're going to take (or two) a trip up to Mille Lacs for muskie. Now I'm not asking for secret spots but I can keep a secret if someone were to PM me. I'm looking to get a bigger fish vs. a number of fish.

I would prefer casting over trolling but if trolling is the way to go, then I'll give it a shot.

Also if I were to cast what lures should I use? I have some bigger crankbaits and some BullDawgs but Thorne Bros. is quite close to my house.

Thank you for any tips/info!

-Zander

[CaptainMusky]

When are you going? The next couple weeks is historically the best time for a giant out there.

Bulldawgs, medussas, double 10s. Find the rocks. And follow the peak times for activity. It will take long days and you may not see a thing but if you do it could be a giant.

[Muskiemanzan13]

What depth should I fish? But it would be within the next few weeks. (1-3 weeks)

So rockpiles but is there any other areas? Also what size Bulldawgs and Medussas? I'm thinking the regular sized medussa and the pounder 'dawgs..?

Thanks a lot,

-Zander

[CaptainMusky]

Focus on rocks that top out around 10 feet. There are enough of these on the se and sw side to keep you busy for days. The bigger the better.

[RumRiverRat]

Mag Double Dawgs in Lemon Tails.

[Muskiemanzan13]

Any other spots/depths worth a shot? Or any other lures that seem to be "preferred" as there's no magic lure..?

Thanks for the info fellas!

-Zander

[Jeff13]

Garrison Reef has lots of rocks and its a huge structure to fish all day. The rocks are no secret this time of year. Hennepin island can keep you busy as well. You may fish days out there for nothing but the reward can be a lifetime memory.

[Muskiemanzan13]

Thanks guys! Any other lures that you guys have had success with?

Thanks,

-Zander

[Muskiemanzan13]

Alright so I'm heading to Thorne Bros. Friday to pick up a few baits...looking at the mag. double dawg TB custom "Lemon Ends", Mag. double dawg "walleye", and a chaos medussa regular sized but I haven't decided on the color I want yet.

Also just curious, is there any other areas and/or ways I could catch a nice 'skie out there? Or at least have a chance...

Thanks,

Zander

[RumRiverRat]

18 to 30 inch Sucker Minnow trolled around reefs.

[Muskiemanzan13]

What depth?

[CaptainMusky]

Start deep and work your way in. When you contact fish apply to other similar spots. There is no magic formula for boating muskies if there was everyone would do it. Spend time on the water and fish many spots to increase your chances. Mille lacs you have about the best chance at a giant in the state but it isn't going to be easy.

Jason hammernick is probably on the lake 24 hrs a day. If you see him take notes. He has the fall slobs dialed in. Everything you've been told here are tactics that work.

[Muskiemanzan13]

Thanks a lot fellas.

Now just one more question...weed beds. If there's still plenty of green weeds, are fish going to be hanging around the deep weeds?

-Zander

[CaptainMusky]

Yes. Dont be afraid to go in the inside of the weed edges too. My biggest musky to date was caught late September on the inside edge of weeds.

Depending on water temp would be my determining factor as to whether I focussed on weed-related fish or just rocks.

Once it gets to 40 degrees the tullibees will be about to spawn and I would just be targeting the rocky areas because the muskies will not be far away.

Not sure what the temps are now on the big lake, but if your trip isnt for a little bit of time yet it could be real close to 40 by then depending what the weather does.

[FowlSki]

I would not go with Mags. Fall is pounder time on Mille Lacs. Spots have pretty much been covered. I wouldn't be fishing much weeds once the water temp is 50 or lower.

[spst23]

Thanks for offering up all the tips. What are all your thoughts on trolling this time of year? is it more casting and live bait time or would trolling points or around the same rock structures be productive. what depth do you look for when trolling in the fall? Thanks

[fish_hunt_guy]

I have heard that trolling can be effective in the fall. Thats usually the time of the year that most guys troll for muskies if they do at all i believe. Ive heard big slow wobbling crank baits can be good. Could you slowly troll a large sucker minnow tied to a bobber to keep it up? Anyone else have any insight?

[MuskieKen83]

Absolutely. A slip bobber is a great way to control the depth of your bait if you are working deep weedlines.

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[MuskieFever]

How was your trip?

[Muskiemanzan13]

Well I ended up not going on account of the snow we got. I was going to go the weekend after we got snow so we just ended up winterizing the boat. I'll hit Mille Lacs for 'skies at some point next year.

Good luck,

-Zander