Mille Lacs Walleye Fishing Reopens and Night Closure Relaxes
Fall has arrived. Summer guests have departed, the morning air is brisk and the leaves are beginning to show their colors. Though winter will be here before long and our ice fishing preparation is already underway, fall fishing on Lake Mille Lacs has also arrived and the experience shouldn’t be overlooked. The lake tends to have fewer anglers, the weather can still be pleasant, the scenery spectacular and the fish more active.
As you think about planning a fall fishing trip on Mille Lacs and getting some final use out of your boat for the open water season, remember that a second walleye opener of sorts is happening and the night closure is relaxing by two hours, now starting at midnight. As of tomorrow, Thursday, September 16, 2021 the following regulations will be in effect on the big pond:
- Walleye: Through Tuesday, November 30th, one walleye between 21-23 inches or longer than 28 inches may be kept. All other walleye must be immediately released
- Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass: All largemouth bass greater than 17 inches to be immediately released. All smallmouth bass must be immediately released (small mouth harvest closed on Sunday, September 12, 2021)
- Muskellunge: All muskie less than 54 inches must be immediately released
- Northern Pike: All pike greater than 30 inches must be immediately released and the daily limit is three
- Tullibee/ Cisco: Possession limit is 10 fish
- Night Closures: While pike and muskie fishing is allowed overnight, night closures – from midnight (12am) to 6am and – are in effect for other species on Mille Lacs. When fishing for pike or muskie overnight, only artificial lures than 8 inches or sucker minnows larger than 8 inches may be used; no other live bait is be allowed
The Mille Lacs Lake water level is at least two feet lower than last year, so be careful where you decide to launch your boat. The Red Door Resort launch – through our harbor – continues to be useable and access to the launch is included with any lodging reservation. Cabins and motel rooms are available this fall. Give us a call at 218-678-3686 or book your stay online here.
For a complete summary of this year’s fishing regulations, see our 2021 Mille Lacs Lake Open Water Fishing Regulations blog post or view the definitive Minnesota DNR information here.
