Mille Lacs Fishing Report, (Opener 2025 Smallmouth Bass and Walleye)
- Ryan Kelly
- May 16
- 2 min read
This weeks Mille Lacs Fishing Report covers current locations and techniques for catching smallmouth bass and walleye. Other topics include water temps and current lake conditions.
Current Lake Conditions
What an incredibly warm stretch we've had! This past weeks warm spell has raised water temps considerably. In the south end bays I have been seeing water temps ranging from the low to mid 60's. Main lake water temps are a little lower as normal. Average main lake temps this past few days have been anywhere from 57 to 63 degrees. This is definitely a couple of weeks ahead of schedule however, cooler temps in the forecast should help to bring conditions a little closer to normal for memorial day weekend.
Water levels are low on Mille Lacs, I would say somewhere around a foot below normal for spring.
Walleye Opener Fishing Report
This years opener walleye fishing is down some from last year. Last years opener saw some incredible action with many good reports on a variety of techniques. This season the walleyes have a lot of forage options to choose from. Big hatches of spottail shiners, tullibee, and perch; have provided the Mille Lacs walleye population with an abundance of food.
The bite is a little bit better than many had been expecting. A couple of techniques that are working this season involve casting on the shallow rocks. Jigs and spottail shiners, and paddle tail swimbaits have been producing keeper walleyes in about 8'-18'. Bobbers and leeches have also been producing on rock to sand transitions, as well as an evening bite on the tops of rock reefs.
For fisherman who prefer rigging, the lindy rig spottail combination is a classic way to catch walleyes in early spring on Mille Lacs.
Smallmouth Bass Opener Fishing Report
Fishing has been excellent so far this season. Many fisherman reported big fish and fast acion this past weekend. My boat has seen consecutive days of peak bass action on Mille Lacs. This has definetly been an opener to remember.
This opener's unseasonably warm temps have provided us with to different fishing opportunities. Pre-spawn and bed fishing are both in full swing, and we,ve been fishing both patterns based on the conditions. When visibility is good, we use drop shots and ned rigs in 3'-6' of water targeting smallmouth beds. When conditions are overcast and windy, we move to dropoffs near spawning areas and fish jerkbaits or swimbaits for fat pre-spawn smallmouth.
Its been an excellent start to the season! Good Luck Fishing!
Ryan Kelly
Lagoona Guide Service
@fishlagoona
651-769-3142
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