Mille Lacs Lake
About Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake is a 128,250-acre lake near Garrison in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 29 feet, and has roughly 105.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 21 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to burbot (eelpout), largemouth bass, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 11 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Pete's Retreat Campground & RV Park and Lakeview Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny waterflea, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 24, based on 106 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Mille Lacs Lake
- 128,250 acres, up to 42 feet deep, near Garrison
- 11 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Pete's Retreat Campground & RV Park and Lakeview Campground
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny waterflea, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 11 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 128,250 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Average depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 105.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 33,129 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 11 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Pete's Retreat Campground & RV Park, Lakeview Campground, and Maple Grove Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 21
- Game fish
- 12
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Burbot (Eelpout): All burbot must be immediately released.
- Largemouth Bass: The catch-and-release season for largemouth bass is continuous on Mille Lacs Lake but there is a specific period where bass may be harvested. Beginning May 23, 2026 through Feb. 28, 2027, largemouth bass under 17 inches may be kept. Limit of three in combination with smallmouth bass. The remainder of the year all largemouth bass must be immediately released.
- Northern Pike: Beginning May 9, 2026, through March 31, 2027, all northern pike greater than 30 inches must be immediately released. Limit of five. Same regulations for spearing, which concludes Sunday, Feb. 28, 2027.
- Smallmouth Bass: The catch-and-release season for smallmouth bass is continuous on Mille Lacs Lake but there is a specific period where bass may be harvested. Beginning May 23, 2026 through Sep. 13, 2026, smallmouth bass under 17 inches may be kept. Limit of three in combination with largemouth bass. The remainder of the year all smallmouth bass must be immediately released.
- Tullibee (Cisco): Possession limit is five.
- Walleye: Beginning May 9, 2026, and continuing through Feb. 28, 2027, the daily and possession limit for walleye is three fish, which must be greater than 17 inches in length and only one of which may be greater than 20 inches in length.
- Yellow Perch: Daily and possession limit 5.
- <b>No culling or live-well sorting:</b> 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.
- <strong>Night Closure:</strong> <ul> <li>May 11 - Aug. 31, 2026: No fishing for any species from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. except for below exemptions</li> <li>Exceptions: <ul><li> Beginning June 6, 2026, 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.</li> <li>Beginning June 1, 2026, bowfishing is allowed but you may not possess angling equipment while bowfishing, and only non-game fish may be in possession.</li></ul> </li><li>Sept. 1: All night restrictions removed.</li> </ul>
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 24
- Years of record
- 106
- Earliest
- March 16, 2024
- Latest
- May 16, 2013
- Most recent
- April 21, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Pete's Retreat Campground & RV Park, Lakeview Campground, Maple Grove Campground, and Father Hennepin State Park Campgrounds are mapped on or near Mille Lacs Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Mille Lacs Lake
Compare Mille Lacs Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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Holt Lake
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Shakopee Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreMille Lacs · Onamia584 acres
9.8 miles away
Round Lake
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Big Pine Lake
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10.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mille Lacs Lake?
Mille Lacs Lake is in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, near Garrison. It covers 128,250 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mille Lacs Lake?
Mille Lacs Lake covers 128,250 acres with about 105.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet and its average depth is about 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mille Lacs Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Mille Lacs Lake?
Yes. Mille Lacs Lake has 11 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mille Lacs Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Mille Lacs Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Mille Lacs Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Mille Lacs Lake?
Yes. All burbot must be immediately released. The catch-and-release season for largemouth bass is continuous on Mille Lacs Lake but there is a specific period where bass may be harvested. Beginning May 23, 2026 through Feb. 28, 2027, largemouth bass under 17 inches may be kept. Limit of three in combination with smallmouth bass. The remainder of the year all largemouth bass must be immediately released. Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on Mille Lacs Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 24, from 106 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2024 and the latest is May 16, 2013.
Can you camp at Mille Lacs Lake?
Yes. Pete's Retreat Campground & RV Park, Lakeview Campground, and Maple Grove Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Mille Lacs Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Mille Lacs Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny waterflea, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.