New Slot In Effect Today

Mille Lacs lake fishing folks will have a little more to choose from, starting today as the DNR relaxes the three-year old 18 inch walleye slot by two inches to 20.  That means anglers can keep four fish up to but not exceeding 20 inches or three under 20 and one over 28 inches.

In years past, slot limits have varied on the big pond.  In 2004, the slot started at 20 inches and was relaxed to 22 inches to allow anglers to take home more fish and to increase the harvest. As of June 30th, anglers were unable to reach even half the allowable harvest of 411,000 lbs of walleye.

Increasing the slot tends to bring more fishermen to the area and you will see more boats on the water.  It should have an impact on the amount of fish being caught and kept, helping sportsmen get to their quota, which they haven't hit for several years.  It should be good for area resorts and businesses.

Water Level on Lake

According to a Cove Bay water measurement point, Mille Lacs Lake is at an identical level -- 10.86 -- as it was on ice-off this year.  An abundant rainfall this season has meant that most landings adaquate to launch boats and the area harbor channels are open to most boat traffic. In 2007, lake levels were over a foot lower, forcing many anglers to use private launch sites and stopping bigger boats from entering shallow harbors.

Rising Water Temperatures Means Muskie time

With water temps on the main lake at 74.5, the Muskie bite should start heating up. Mille Lacs' s Mille Lacs' muskies  are "huge," averaging 40 to 42 inches, with many pushing the tape to 50 inches and beyond. Recent Muskie fishermen have boasted about two "state-record" fish that were caught and released. Neither was verified via scale, but both catches have photos that seem to verify the tale.

Start with the weeds. Cove Bay, Wahk?on Bay, Isle Bay and Vineland Bay are trimmed with muskie-infested cabbage. Fr?om those? acclaimed lairs, ??g?o? ?r?o?c?k???????????????????????????????????? ??a?n?d? h??????it?? Hawksbill Reef, Shaw's Reef, Spirit Island, Anderson's Reef, Indian Point and Rocky Reef. And those, friends, are just some of the possibilities.

???????On the north shore from Garrison east to Malmo are literally miles of fishable weeds? ?a?n?d? ?s?a?n?d.? ?In as little as 2 to 8 feet? of water,  you can nail huge Muskie.  Just ask legendary guide Gene Miller, who runs his rig out of Castaways on the northeast shore.?