February 17, 2016 Mille Lacs Ice Fishing and Trail Report
Mille Lacs has a good consistent 20+ inches of ice. The fishing has been on fire. Good numbers of Walleye are being caught all around the lake. The Walleye in the 14″-16″ size range are abundant right now. We have also seen plenty of fish in the 26″-30″ range. Look for Walleye off the reefs in the basins. 30-34 feet of water has been productive with the best bite being during the low light hours and overcast days. Rattle spoons have been the popular lure of choice with a minnow head, or set lines with a rainbow or shiner. The action has been great for mid February due to the later start on this year’s ice season.
Perch can be found in the same areas. Deep basin water off rock edges and reefs on the south end of the lake. Small spoons tipped with larvae or wax worms have been effective. The schools have been active most of the daylight hours. You will have to move to stay on top of them. While we have been getting goods amounts of nice jumbo perch you will have to sort some smaller fish for keepers.