What time to book Mille Lacs

[Monkster]

A friend of mine and I bid on a two night, three day ice fishing trip out of Hunter Winfields resort. We fish locally (Twin Cities), but hardly ever Mille Lacs. We need to use it this year. Depending on ice conditions, is there any better time than another to take a couple of teenagers to Mille Lacs for walleye? These boys are regular fisherman, so they have no problem sitting over a hole!

[Mid-Lake Rock]

I fish Mille Lacs a lot. On a typical year, the walleye fishing is good through January and might slow a bit in February. Last year, with the mild temps and limited snow, we had excellent walleye fishing all the way to the close of the season. I fished there every weekend in January and February it never seemed to slow.

I think it is really tough to beat first ice or the time around Christmas and New Years. Another benefit of going early is that travel might be easier with less snow. Some years it gets difficult to drive off road in February if we get consistent snow.

One other thing that isn't talked about much is the late ice perch bite. Can be some of the best and funnest ice fishing of the year.

[Stick in Mud]

The earlier, the better. As MLR said, last year was kind of freaky...the bite was excellent all the way through February. Usually, the later in the year you go, the slower the fishing will get (at least for me). I'd say get out as soon as it's safe.

[frostbite]

i got to agree with mike, that first (safe) ice can be some of the greatest fishing

[Monkster]

Thanks guys! We are going to try and get out as early as possible. I guess try and book it now and play it by ear as far as ice goes.

[DLD24]

I just booked a room the day after christmas at appledoorn's, so the GF can sit in the jacuzzi while I'm out cattching dinner (hopefully). How much ice is normally on the big pond at christmas time?? and when is the ice normally safe to go out??

[BartmanMN]

2 years ago at that time there was around 14 inches or so. Last year was weird.

[BrdHunter01]

I would cancel the winter trip and book it for next spring

The winter walleye bite on Mille Lacs is typically VERY VERY slow. Last year may have been a "fluke" due to weather and bait fish conditions

[DLD24]

lol if I had a boat maybe I would...I hear at first ice is good so I'm hoping thats true...My buddy says he goes every year and limits out by noon so he better not be lying ha...Personally I have been to mille lacs twice and no walleye, but that was before I really got into this awesome sport