Quick answer: For the 2026 open water season on Mille Lacs Lake (opener: Saturday, May 9, 2026), state-licensed anglers can keep three walleye per day, all 17 inches or longer, with only one over 20 inches. The open-water walleye regulation is in place through November 30, 2026. Night fishing is closed from May 11 through August 31 (10 p.m.–6 a.m.), with exceptions for muskie, pike, and bowfishing. Full species-by-species regulations are below. Always verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR. SpeciesSeason Dates (2026)Size RulesDaily/Possession LimitWalleyeMay 9 – Nov. 30, 2026Keep 17″ or longer; only one over 20″3Smallmouth BassHarvest: May 23 [...]

Mille Lacs Lake Summer 2025 Fishing Regulations Released March 13, 2025 Today the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) released the 2025 summer open water fishing regulations for Mille Lacs Lake walleye.  Walleye regulations are relaxed and anglers will have the opportunity to be able to keep two walleye per angler per day.  Mille Lacs is also a world class bass, northern pike and muskie lake. Here is a summary of the open water regulations:Walleye:  Starting with the Minnesota Open Water Fishing Opener at 12:01am on Saturday, May 10, 2025 and continuing through Sunday, February 22, 2026, anglers can keep two walleyes over 17".  [...]

Mille Lacs Lake Summer 2024 Fishing Regulations Released March 13, 2024 Today the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) released the 2024 summer open water fishing regulations for Mille Lacs Lake walleye. Though anglers will have to throw back all walleye catches for most of the summer, the walleye bite should be fantastic and Mille Lacs is still a world class bass, northern pike and muskie lake. Here is a summary of the open water regulations:Walleye:  Starting with the Minnesota Open Water Fishing Opener at 12:01am on Saturday, May 11, 2024 and continuing through Thursday, August 15, 2024, walleye will be catch and release only.  [...]