Fishing at Mille Lacs, Minnesota
128,250-acre lake · Mille Lacs County · 2 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Mille Lacs is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Mille Lacs County. At 128,250 acres, it offers big-water fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Mille Lacs:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 3,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 3,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 575 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 425 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 3,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Walleye | 10,000,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 600,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 9,550,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Walleye | 10,000,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Muskellunge | 2,107 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Muskellunge in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Mille Lacs, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish Mille Lacs
For muskellunge, the best fishing on Mille Lacs is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with 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.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Mille Lacs:
- Mille Lacs Lake — 3.2 mi (127,968 ac)
- Ogechie — 8.9 mi (409 ac)
- Ogechie Lake — 9.0 mi (403 ac)
- Holt — 9.3 mi (164 ac)
- Holt Lake — 9.3 mi (168 ac)
- Shakopee Lake — 9.7 mi (624 ac)
- Shakopee — 9.8 mi (584 ac)
- Big Pine — 10.2 mi (638 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Mille Lacs. 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?
Mille Lacs has been stocked with Muskellunge, Walleye.
When was Mille Lacs last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 3,000 muskellunge were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Mille Lacs?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.