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.

How crazy is Mille Lacs opener?


toughguy

Recommended Posts

I have been going to Mille Lacs opener for 5 years now and it is crazy. We go to the launch at around 11:30 on Friday, on the North side. Not too bad, sometimes there is no parking, but that is O.K. we just go park trailers at my buddies cabin and go pick up driver at the dock. There has been many good stories posted, but I have another one.

North side public access, very shallow, I am sure most people know which one I am talking about. It is so shallow if you have a bunk trailer, do not even think about launching there. Sometimes it takes a good 2 times of backing down and slambing on the brakes to get a boat on a roller trailer off. Anyways, at the launch 2 years ago a couple of guys trying to launch a 20' Ranger. Had their truck backed in to the water so the water is at the doors dang near. They were wading in the water still trying to get this boat off. They had the motor in reverse giving it all it had, while pushing on the bow. Did not budge. One jumped back in truck to move it and the truck was now stuck in the sand 20 yards from shore it seemed like. They were stuck the entire time we waited in line and lauched on the opposite side ramp, because they were jambing that side. We got are boats in and went fishing. Never knew how they got out, but when we got back in at around 3:00 A.M. they were gone.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will tell you the ONE thing I hate about Mille Lacs on the opner. No matter how early I get there it seems that there is always someone parked in my slip! The big sign that says "Reserved"" obviously means nothing to these people. mad.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Untie it and push that boat out to sea. That's what I would do. I have no patience for that kind of crap. If its not yours, then you run the risk of being fined or loosing your boat all together in my opinion.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree wtih trophy eyes. At our resort, riff raff tries to come launch their boat without paying the launch fee. Your $10 there probably saves you a total hour in launch and retrieve. It's funny how I pay for a place to park my rig and trailer and the spot is being taken up by some jack-pine savage who thinks he has a right to be there without even paying. I hate that and it is the worst on the opener.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Trophyeyes hit the nail on the head, although I am not certain I would bother with unhooking ropes from the slip. I would tie my rope around their bow-mounted trolling motor (or similar) - yank them out of your spot - then drag them out to sea. The guy who parked in your spot won't do it again next year, I guarantee it. Inconsiderate people ruin everything nowadays.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

opener is A fun time to just sit and laugh at what other people have to say. I mean the is a boat usually Within 30yrds of you at all time's so you can always here them loud and clear. Last year there was a guy who the whole time we were out there he pissed off cause the lady at the store gave him the wrong kind of cigarettes so that was why he wasn't catching and fish. Last year I helped A gut land a muskie he kept saying it was the biggest northern he had ever seen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love opener on Mille Lacs. It's a great time, and you get to see a lot of different things. People are commenting on a lot of things assoiciated with opener on Mille Lacs here and it's great to read.

I was thinking we should start to mention what to do or avoid on opener to help out those who might be going up for the first time. One thing I do every year is to assure that I have a good way to get on/off the lake without offending anyone...or very few people at the least(there will always be a few never satisfied). Get a boat slip reserved at a resort ASAP so there are no worries about using someone else's...if that's the way you like to get on/off the lake.

Does anyone have any helpful hints, as far as landing/docking, boat control, etc. that can help those who might be heading to Mille Lacs for the first time? The fishing part is up to them! grin.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Put your boat in the water for a test run once maybe twice before you go... If opener in the dark is your first outing of the year, your looking for hassle. And make a nice indepth checklist.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ditto what youngie22 stated. Get your boat out prior to the opener and make practice runs at the landing before 'showtime'. If you can't make it to the water, practice backing up in your driveway, empty parking lot, or whatever is close by. Everyone can attest to how nice it is at the landing to see a vehicle/boat pull-up, back down the ramp, load or unload and get out of the in 45-60 seconds.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would say if possible get your boat in on friday night. Also

if your gonna fish in the dark make sure your electronics work good because let me tell you it's not fun changing a prop in the dark. so basically know where the shallow water is and stay a safe distance from the buys, they are there for a reason

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i'm thinking about making some money this year at the opener out of malmo.. bring my waders and get paid to help load boats..it is funny watching the people walk down the trailer and splash in they go..$10.00 for the help. make them get in andf out faster.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bring an extra set of keys too. I once saw a guy go to load his boat on the trailer.. got that done, went back to his car... doors locked (must have hit the lock with his knee)... keys inside... its 10pm (with the 10 pm night ban, boats lined up to get out).. Solution: Rock, back window.. Funny now.. but it wasnt for "me" then.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I always have one window down while I'm at the boat launch for that very reason.

With all the jumping in and out of the vehicle (especially when launching all by myself), it's just too easy to inadvertently hit the automatic door locks.

I don't even have to think about it anymore, it has actually become a habit; pull up to the ramp, roll down the window.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:

I always have one window down while I'm at the boat launch for that very reason.

With all the jumping in and out of the vehicle (especially when launching all by myself), it's just
too
easy to inadvertently hit the automatic door locks.

I don't even have to think about it anymore, it has actually become a habit; pull up to the ramp, roll down the window.


I do this with everything...boats, snowmobiles, hunting, camping, etc. Pretty much a habit now every time I know I will be near the truck and shutting the door.

I also leave the rear slider window of my truck closed just enough to not lock...but so nobody would notice. I have a topper so for them to actually check it they would need to climb in...which I don't worry about too much. Last resort I can push the slider open and hit the lock buttons with a stick or something instead of breaking a window.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Saloon

YOu will make ca$h. A few years ago over opener weekend, we stayed at the casino. Had to launch and land daily. A young man (16-17yo) made a few hundred a day. It was windy and he stayed in the water helping boat after boat. Didn't ask for a dime and got 5-20 from every boat he helped. ALL were very appreciative. Had to admire the kids initiative.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Anchored off Half Moon island about 3 years ago opening day night around 11pm and a boat came zipping accross the lake about 40mph and hit the island without slowing down. Didn't even see it coming. Big boulders. Big bang.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I have been on winnie for opener for the last 7 or 8 years. I can tell you it is just as funny there. I'll be on the pond to whitness it this year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am going to start this year over on Pelican and then swing down to Mille Lacs Sunday late afternoon. I was putting my dock and boat in on Pelican this weekend and realized that the DNR hadn't put out all the buoys. I think they hadn't because the water was still so low and some of the rocks are exposed. It will be funny to watch the (Contact Us Please) without GPS units flying right into the shallows. It will be something fun to watch (hope no one gets hurt). Does anyone know why they haven't put all the buoys in? Are they all in on Mille Lacs?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

TrophyEyes!!!

Glad to hear you'll get out on the Pond after all cool.gif

Don't forget to get a hold of me with those GPS coordinates later on this year. I gave you my e-mail on another post. Good luck this weekend, and I'm sure I'll read your post Mon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got it rodmaker. I will let you know where they are. I will be a passenger on Monday's trip (father in-law), not really worth it to tell him where to go when it is his boat and his organized trip.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It doesn't hurt to try. make a bet friendly bet with him. Bet him that you would catch more Walleyes on your spots than his. Fish his spots and then your spots equal time. Most fish caught wins!!!~!

Hope all is well with the new addition coming this Summer grin.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just a warning to all boaters after dark!!!

Please keep your lights on at all times after dark and make sure you have a spotlight. I have been fishing the opener on Mille Lacs for many years and have heard and then saw two accidents personally. It happens every year!

And if your are driving after dark take extra pre-cautions.

For the safety of all of us! Thank You!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The spot light is the last thing on my shopping list yet this week.

Thanks for the heads up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i learned my lesson on having a spot light. Was out on the SW side late one night fishing, headed back to the SE. Went out some to avoid spirit island... well I thought I was out enough, headed East, all the sudden i hear birds.. i shut down the motor and just to my right (about 30 yards) is spirit island.. needed a new change of shorts..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • 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.