If these regulations change, they will be posted at public accesses, in the newspapers, and on the DNR web site. Printed and electronic copies of these regulations are available from the DNR Information Center by emailing info.dnr@state.mn.us (link sends email) or by calling 1-888-646-6367
This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Unless specified below, all general regulations, season dates, limits, possession, transportation and border water regulations apply.
- Burbot (Eelpout): All burbot must be immediately released.
- Northern Pike: Beginning May 15, 2021 through March 31, 2022, all northern pike greater than 30 inches must be immediately released. Limit of three. Same regulations for spearing, which concludes Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022.
- Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass:
- Beginning May 15, 2021 through May 28, 2021, all bass must be immediately released.
- Beginning May 29, 2021, all bass greater than 17 inches must be immediately released. Limit of three in combination.
- Smallmouth harvest ends Sunday, Sept. 12. Largemouth harvest ends Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022.
- Walleye: For the 2021 open water season,
- May 15 - May 31: possession limit is one walleye between 21-23 inches or one fish longer than 28 inches. All other walleye must be immediately released.
- June 1 - June 30: all walleye must be immediately released.
- July 1 - July 15: walleye fishing is closed and walleye may not be targeted.
- July 16 - September 15: all walleye must be immediately released.
- September 16 - November 30: possession limit is one walleye between 21-23 inches or one fish longer than 28 inches. All other walleye must be immediately released.
- Bait Restriction: Beginning July 1, 2021 through July 15, 2021, anglers targeting northern pike or muskellunge can use sucker minnows longer than 8 inches. Anglers targeting all other fish species may not use live, dead, preserved or parts of minnows, night crawlers, worms, leeches or crayfish.
- Night Closure:
- May 17 - June 4: No fishing for any species from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- June 5 - September 15: No fishing from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. except for below exemptions:
- September 16 - November 30: No fishing from Midnight (12 a.m.) to 6 a.m. except for below exemptions:
- Beginning June 5: muskellunge and northern pike may be targeted with artificial lures longer than 8 inches or sucker minnows longer than 8 inches. While fishing during the night closure, you may not possess or target any species other than muskellunge or northern pike.
- Bowfishing is allowed but you may not possess angling equipment while bowfishing, and only on-game fish may be in possession.
- No culling or live-well sorting: Fish taken into possession are considered part of an angler's bag limit and cannot be exchanged with another fish. However, when the season for bass is open, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass may be culled following statewide culling rules.
Tagged Fish: Please record tag number, species, fish length, date & place caught, angler type (e.g. boat, launch, shore, ice, etc.), and whether released (leave tag attached) or kept (send tag). Postcards are available at public accesses & businesses on Mille Lacs Lake. Fish can be reported by:
- Contacting or mailing Minnesota DNR-Fisheries, 1200 Minnesota Ave. S, Aitkin, MN, 56431
- Sending an e-mail to fish.tags@state.mn.us
- Online
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