Mille Lacs Lake fishing regulations

If regulations change, they will be posted at public accesses and on this web page. Printed and electronic copies of these regulations are available from the DNR Information Center by emailing [email protected] or by calling 1-888-646-6367

  • Burbot (Eelpout): All burbot must be immediately released.
  • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Beginning May 10, 2025, through May 23, 2025, all bass must be immediately released. Beginning May 24, 2025, all bass greater than 17 inches must be immediately released. Limit of three in combination. Smallmouth harvest ends Sunday, Sept. 7. Largemouth harvest ends Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
  • Northern Pike: Beginning May 10, 2025, through March 31, 2026, all northern pike greater than 30 inches must be immediately released. Limit of three. Same regulations for spearing, which concludes Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
  • Tullibee (Cisco): Possession limit is five.
  • Walleye: Beginning May 10, 2025, through Aug. 22, 2026, the daily and possession limit for walleye is two fish, which must be greater than 17 inches in length and only one of which may be greater than 20 inches in length. Beginning Aug. 23 and continuing through Nov. 30, size limits remain in place but the daily and possession limit is three.
  • Yellow Perch: Daily and possession limit five.
  • Night Closure: May 12 - Aug. 31 there is no fishing for any species from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. except for:
    • Beginning June 7: 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.
    • Beginning June 1, 2025: Bowfishing is allowed but you may not possess angling equipment while bowfishing, and only non-game fish may be in possession.
  • Night Closure Removed: Sept. 1 restrictions removed. Night fishing allowed.
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 and 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 and businesses on Mille Lacs Lake. Fish can be reported by:

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