Fishing at Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota
132,516-acre natural lake · Mille Lacs County · 1,250 ft elevation · 5 species stocked
Mille Lacs Lake sits at 1,250 feet in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, covering 132,516 acres of natural lake water. The state stocked the lake most recently on April 21, 2026, with 935 muskellunge averaging 4.1 inches. It's been an active stocking water since at least 1985, and the recent records below tell you what's been planted and when.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 9 stocking events on record for Mille Lacs Lake:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 21, 2026 | 🐉 Muskellunge | 935 | 4.1″ |
| Apr 4, 2026 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 11,389 | 8.3″ |
| Dec 26, 2025 | 🐉 Muskellunge | 1,805 | 2.6″ |
| Nov 11, 2025 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 3,117 | 7.2″ |
| Oct 29, 2025 | 🐉 Northern Pike | 2,399 | 6.9″ |
| Mar 29, 2025 | 🐟 Walleye | 121,415 | 11.4″ |
| Mar 6, 2025 | 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | 1,297 | 12.1″ |
| Feb 20, 2024 | 🐉 Muskellunge | 1,874 | 7.0″ |
| Jan 17, 2024 | 🐟 Yellow Perch | 32,106 | 3.9″ |
Species You Can Catch
- 🐉 Muskellunge — best in fall
- 🐉 Northern Pike — best in spring, fall
- 🐟 Walleye — best in spring, fall
- 🐟 Smallmouth Bass — best in late spring, summer, fall
- 🐟 Yellow Perch — best in winter, spring
Where to Catch Muskellunge in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Mille Lacs Lake, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Muskellunge lakes in Minnesota
- Top Northern Pike lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
- Top Smallmouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
- Top Yellow Perch lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Mille Lacs Lake
For muskellunge, the best fishing on Mille Lacs Lake is typically in fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 60–72°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with natural lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Gear Recommendations
Curated picks for the species stocked in Mille Lacs Lake. Links go to Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- rod: Heavy 8'6" musky rod
- reel: Heavy baitcasting reel
- rod: Medium-heavy 7' rod
- lure: Daredevil spoons
- rod: Medium-light 7' spinning rod (sensitive tip)
- lure: Jig heads 1/8 - 1/4 oz
- rod: Medium 7' spinning rod
- lure: Tube baits
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Mille Lacs Lake:
- Gull Lake — 37.2 mi (9,418 ac)
- Leech Lake — 72.0 mi (102,948 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Mille Lacs Lake. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Mille Lacs Lake?
Mille Lacs Lake has been stocked with Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch.
When was Mille Lacs Lake last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Apr 21, 2026, when 935 muskellunge were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Mille Lacs Lake?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.