Early Ice, Fishing 'Census'

The early 2010 Mille Lacs Lake ice fishing census is in. Consensus among area anglers, resorters and local businesses is:  fishing is good and lake access is a breeze.

Jumbo perch, walleyes and northern are biting.  Ice conditions are fine.  Most importantly, many walleyes are  “in the slot”.  And it’s not even Christmas yet.

“Fishing is definitely above average,” said Steve Klonne,  avid Mille Lacs ice angler and part-time worker  at Brandt’s Ice Fishing  on the south shore.  He’s been at Brandt’s for more than six years and has fished the lake most of his life.  “I caught 20 jumbos (perch) the other day.  And we’re getting a lot of slot walleyes.”

“If you want to avoid the water coming up through your holes, then it’s definitely Mille Lacs,” said Klonne via phone Tuesday from Brewster’s Bar and Grill in Lonsdale.  Klonne owns the bar and was back to check in. His advice to patrons seeking  walleye, jumbo perch, easy lake access and plenty of options :  Mille Lacs.

Manager Dave Eckstrom of Hunter Winfield’s Resort on Mille Lacs’ Isle Bay agreed:  “we’re seeing the 12-inchers (jumbo perch) and lots of slot walleyes.” A pair of local fishermen, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they caught 12 walleyes in two hours after sunset – all in the slot.

To Mille Lacs’ area business owners, residents and vacationers this early ice fishing census has created a surge of optimism in this part of Minnesota.  Visit our ice fishing reports page that puts you in touch with the lake’s experts in their formats and in their words!  If you’d like to be added to our link list contact us.