While the recent 4-plus inches of snow may delay you from getting out on the main lake for a few more days, mark your calendars for the following dates: Three Mille Lacs annual events that draw thousands to the Big Pond and this year are finally on different weekends!

The 16th Annual Arctic Blast  is here February 12-13 with its blast points projected to be the same as of this writing.  This is a Minnesota Vikings Children's Fund Charity event that usually brings a whole bunch of retired players, a couple current ones.  

The Ducks Unlimited Fishing Contest will be held February 19, 2011 at noon in Garrison.  The link is to the event Facebook page.

The Perch Extravaganza held at Nitti's Hunter's Point is scheduled for February 26, 2011 from 8-2 pm.

Area resident Judi Deziel has recently launched a new and interesting niche business called Seasons on Mille Lacs.  In her words: "Living on Mille Lacs provides an everchanging view of the lake, the wildlife, the beautiful scenery in the area, and, of course, the spectacular sunsets.  For the past few years, I've tried to capture what I see to preserve it and to share it with others.  Seasons Of Mille Lacs is made up of outdoor scenes, photos of birds, photos of summer flowers, and many sunsets.  I have matted and framed prints for sale and also use Shutterfly to sell prints ready for framing.  Click Seasons of Mille Lacs to visit our website. Contact SeasonsOfMilleLacs@hotmail.com if you're interested in a framed print." Judi and her husband live on the south shore. The Seasons of Mille Lacs facebook page was recently launched. Here is a recent photo from Judi as ice is forming...

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The countdown is on for Mille Lacs Ice fishing.  In many years, some of the bays have been fishable with walk outs over Thanksgiving.  The main lake typically freezes enough for houses and vehicles to be out between Christmas and New Year's but there have been many cases where lighter houses with wheelers and sleds are out on the big pond the first few weeks of December.  Always check with local resorters and DNR reports before venturing out on the ice.

Here are some recommended Ice Fishing Operations you should check out (They work with MIML).  Click on the link and you'll get to the business web page.  Many of the local operations are now using social media so you can track their daily fishing reports, specials, and key events.

Starting from the NE Side of Mille Lacs and working to the SW,  Castaways has a good rental selection, large storage area, a massive food menu,  great ice roads and a big bar atmosphere; Fishermen's Wharf has literally everything, including lodging and the now-famous Toucan's Bar; An institution on Mille Lacs is McQuoid's Resort and Inn, featuring great lodging, guide servies and house options; Hunter Winfield's to me is the most nostalgic, yet modern of all the operations and located right in Isle close to all amenities; Lyback's Ice Fishing has great daily ice and fishing reports and a great house selection and is the oldest operation of these; Nobody misses the purple houses of Jerry Brandt which are situated from 1 1/4 mile to sloppys to 7 mile gravel and he features a huge fish house storage area. Dotting the western shore are KJ'c Ice Fishing bring you nice, huge rentals which feature newer with full service; Rocky Reef Resort  features the new foam houses and a fleet of others on the west end with a fun bar and restaruant.  Sure, there's more on Mille lacs, but all these businesses will treat you great and make you want to come back again!