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.

*Its gettin old guys*


Guest

Recommended Posts

Alright, so people say that the the bite for eyes on mille lacs is the best its been in like 12 years or something. Its a lot of fun but its gets old throwing back fish after fish after fish. The slot should be lengthened to 16.5 inches, Then I would go home with a limit everytime. It seems all people care about are those walleyes just cause they taste the best. So why not hit up some other fish that are equally challenging but yet a bit more exciting. I was up there today and had a blast catching them. A 18 inch small mouth fights harder than a 26 inch walleye. Anybody been after them this year?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great post!! I have been thinking about trying to catch some smallies, but I really don't have any idea on where to start. I have only fished for them on the Mississippi. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

The Southeast side of Mille lacs from Big Point to Cove contain many great smallie areas. If it has rocks and sand/rubble nearby, it very likely contains smallies. Don't be afraid to explore sand/rubble areas for rocks.

Depths can be from 1' to 8' of water. The 5" mega Tube jig in Pumpkin Seed can be very effective. You can find many in the 20" plus class in this area of the lake and they are a blast to catch.

Don't be afraid to run Lil' Rascal cranks past them as well as other soft plastics (Fish Candy) and Fingerlings.

To see more about this highly effective line-up Click here

Have fun going after those huge smallies, I know I have.

PS. As the water warms look for them a bit deeper in the same general areas and don't be afraid to toss Spinner Baits and Ghost Shad cranks.

PPS. These fish love to feed on the abundant rusty crayfish population.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was up there last week for the wave wackers. I talked to a kid that has a cabin on the south end. He said he'd been out for the smallies and really pounded them in the shallow rocks on tube jigs. Many nice ones.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am a proponent of the slot limit for this reason: The few ruin it for the many. For those of us that drive in for the day from the cities it becomes an expensive trip and taking some fish home to eat would be nice (even thought it then runs about $100 per pound).

Unfortunately, there are many people (not all) that either live on the lake, or are retired and fish daily, that can easily take advantage of the rules. How many times have you heard of a cabin owner on the lake catching their limit, dropping it off at the cabin, and going out for more? Too many.

Result: Supply of fish goes down again and we stop driving to Mille Lacs because the fishing sucks!!

If I could make one change I would say that the 1 over 28" should be reduced to 1 over 24". I have yet to go out this year and not catch at least a 24" walleye. Put one of those with a couple slots and you will have a meal. That's all anyone needs.

I feel for the resorts if they are hurting. But many people, including myself, are going to Mille Lacs more than ever. So is it true they are losing busines?? Dunno.

Finally, FISHING IS A SPORT, NOT A MEANS OF SURVIVAL. Walleye at the supermarket is a hell of a lot cheaper.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

nothin is a secret on mille lacs, so I'll tell my story. I went out isle, and headed north going in and out of the bays. My buddy and I were using great big salt tubes. He used craw and I used white. The white out did craw 2:1,(maybe it was technique tongue.gif) We did very well. We tried some beetle spins and road runners but didn't do as well. I noticed that they were mainly in light rush, or on the bottom of small drops in the shallow water. Don't be afraid to go inside the buoys. Sorry it takes me so long to post lately. Work is really slowing me down.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • redlabguy
      These ads are irritating. I’ve been delayed getting to our island; but health issues with my wife, my mother and my dog ( I hope that’s in the right order) but I hit the lake tomorrow. I’ll fish the next day and I promise temps and any tips ( I’ll be using rainbows) I can offer.  RLG 
    • Rick
      Riders with an all-terrain vehicle registered for private or agricultural use won’t need to pay the registration fee to ride the state’s public ATV trails June 10-11. This is the 10th year that Minnesota is providing ATV riders with free access to more than 3,000 miles of state forest and grant-in-aid trails during an annual no registration weekend.Discuss below - to view set the hook here.
    • geniejamess
      I have complete confidence in their expertise, and I'm certain that our cabin and fish cleaning house will soon have a brand new roof that not only meets our needs but exceeds our expectations. It's such a relief to have found a trustworthy contractor after previously having negative experiences. I'm incredibly grateful for the recommendations I received, and I'm excited to move forward with this reputable roofing contractor. If anyone is in need of a reliable and fair contractor in the area, I'd be more than happy to share their contact information
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...  A great week of walleye and sauger fishing on Lake of the Woods.  Lots of limits.  Good numbers of fish being caught, which includes eaters, slots and some trophy walleyes to make things interesting!    Most anglers are jigging with a frozen emerald shiner or live minnow.  Jig colors to consider are gold with a bright color such as gold / pink, gold / glow white and even gold with some tinsel.     Some reports of spinners starting to work well tipped with a minnow or crawler.  A great technique is drifting with a 2 ounce bottom bouncer and spinner rig. Fish being caught around the lake.  Trust your electronics and watch for fish.  In addition to the south shore where various schools of walleyes and saugers are living, consider the Garden Island area, Knight / Bridges Island area, and Twin Islands where good fish are being caught.   Most walleyes in that 18 - 24 foot depth.    Good pike reports.  Back bays are still holding good eaters and a few big females.  Some of the larger fish have made their way to the lake.   On the Rainy River...   Walleye anglers are finding some nice eater walleyes in the River.  There is always a number of walleyes that stay in the river all year.  Whether you like the beauty and secluded feel of the river, have a small boat or simply want to get out of the wind, the river is a great summer spot with little traffic.  Anchored up or slowly moving upstream with a jig and minnow, trolling spinners / crawlers or trolling crankbaits are all effective right now.     Smallmouth bass are plentiful in the Rainy River.  Whether you are a bass angler or simply want to mix up species, target feeder rivers, bridges, and areas with rocks.   The sturgeon season will re-open again July 1st. Up at the NW Angle...  Excellent walleye fishing this past week.  The jig and minnow is the goto bait.  Anglers using spinners with crawlers or minnows and crankbaits are catching lots of fish as well.     Structure around the many islands holding walleyes.  Shallow flats areas with current are also heating up.     Great fishing reports from both sides of the border.  NW Angle anglers boating into Canada to fish cannot possess or transport any bait, alive or dead.  Most are using jigs / plastics, artificial crawlers on spinners and crankbaits with great success.  If desired, live bait is available and can be purchased for the day just over the border via boat in Canada, check with your resort for details. This entire area is great for multispecies action.  In addition to walleyes, big pike, smallmouth bass, jumbo perch, crappies,and muskies are also being caught on a regular basis.  
    • Rivergroup
      We are heading up a week from Friday if anyone has walleye thoughts on the West end. Thanks!
    • delta dude
      Fishing for Walleyes slow. Panfish are going good however.  Lots of junk floating around the lake be careful. Pontooners give the fishing boats a wide birth.
    • Feathers Rainin
      Thanks to all that have shared reports.   Please post water temps and general area of the lake from the weekend and throughout this week.  I am heading up this weekend and water temp will play a role in our tactics.  Thanks!
    • Rick
      A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.Discuss below - to view set the hook here.
    • Rick
      DNR now leading egg take effort in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Red Lake and White Earth nations.Discuss below - to view set the hook here.
    • Rick
      The state park herds usually grow by 25-30 calves each spring.Discuss below - to view set the hook here.
×
×
  • 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.