Minnesota fish

What Minnesota Fish are in Lake Mille Lacs?

It’s no secret that Minnesota is home to some of the best fishing in the Midwest. Lake Mille Lacs has an array of species and offers incredible fishing opportunities for all levels of anglers. Ever wonder what kind of Minnesota fish you’ll pull out of Mille Lacs? Well, let’s dive into some of the most popular catches!

Minnesota fishMinnesota State Fish: Walleye

The first fish on our roster has earned this spot time and time again. The walleye is the Minnesota state fish and continuously lives up to the hype. MN walleye season is always popular because these fish are fun to catch and taste amazing. In years past, the state’s natural resource experts were concerned about their dwindling numbers and restricted limits on lakes like Mille Lacs. However, over the years, the efforts have been doing wonders and the populations are once again on the rise. The walleye state record Minnesota catch was 35.8 inches, and the average walleye caught in Minnesota is about 21.4 inches in length. 

Smallmouth Bass

Minnesota fishMinnesota may be known for walleye, but Lake Mille Lacs has become an extremely popular destination for smallmouth bass. Several Minnesota fish have been headliners in other lakes, but the prime fishing for smallmouth bass has quickly taken the spotlight on Mille Lacs. Multiple angler news and outdoor enthusiast media outlets have recognized and featured Lake Mille Lacs for their smallmouth bass fishing, and it has been the hub for several fishing tournaments in the last decade.

Northern Pike

Minnesota fishNorthern Pike are another popular catch that anglers love to target and even eat. This predatory fish hunts by ambushing prey, so many anglers have fun looking for weedy areas and drop-offs to hang their lures and coax pikes into snagging their bait. The average northern pike in lake mille lakes measures at about 20 to 26 inches but larger sizes have been caught. 

Muskellunge (Muskie)

Muskies are a fish that aren’t talked about nearly as much as other trophy fish, but don’t let it fool you, they’re out there. The average muskellunge is between 30-40 inches long and weighs in at 10-20 pounds. They are an apex predator of freshwater and definitely look every bit the part. Muskie are known for their athleticism and can be a real challenge to catch, making them the perfect fish for avid anglers to test their skills. 

Panfish 

Though panfish may not be everyone’s favorite because of their small size, they are every bit exciting when one lands on your hook. They make fantastic entrees too! You will likely reel in bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, black crappie, and green sunfish. These are great fish for challenging your crew at who can get the most bites or watch eyes light up when young anglers get their first fish on a line.

No Shortage of Minnesota Fish

Seasons for open fishing vary, but you can find these and many other species in Lake Mille Lacs. With a variety of terrains, you can try your hand at each of these incredible fish without ever needing to pull your boat out of the water. So, if you are ready to try your hand at reeling in any of these Minnesota fish and seeing what else frequents these waters, take a trip to Lake Mille Lacs! The Red Door Resort is located right on the banks of the lake and has easy access to the water right outside your accommodations. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to cast your lines on the gorgeous Lake Mille Lacs.

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