This weeks Mille Lacs Lake ice fishing report gives details on how to catch mid-winter perch and walleyes, ice conditions, as well as travel conditions.
Ice conditions are improving this week with many slush pockets starting to finally harden up. Ice thickness varies still but, recent cold weather has made some gains with most of what I'm checking measuring in the 20" - 23" range. Snow cover is packed, with much of the lake covered in 4" - 5". There are deeper drifts, typically around pressure ridges.
The walleye bite continues into the mid-winter, although not as active as it was in January. Mid-winter on Mille Lacs is typically a time of morning, evening, and overnight peak activity. If You're looking for a daytime walleye bite, I recommend fishing the edges of the mud flats in 28'-30'. Staying mobile is the key to finding and catching aggressive daytime walleyes. Big bright rattle spoons are best at this time. The evening walleye bite can be good on all three of Mille Lacs' main structures. Set lines with shiners will produce fish on the mud, gravel, and rocks at this time.
The perch bite is picking up on Mille Lacs this season. Rattle spoons with a minnow head, or tungsten jigs with bugs are both producing keepers and a few jumbo perch. Fish the deep edges of the mud flats in 30'-34'. A good underwater camera can help put more fish on the ice.
Good Luck!
Ryan
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