Mille Lacs Lake — Attraction in Aitkin

The DNR doesn't understand that their walleye population exploitation rates are far too low. This is due to them being created from data obtained prior to the lake changing forever in 2011, when zebra mussels exploded covering 35% of the substrate, and spiny water fleas exploding at the same time.

The presence of spiny water fleas has resulted in a 40%-60% reduction of zooplankton in every lake they establish themselves. Zebra mussels feed on zooplankton as well as phytoplankton (both animal and plant species of plankton), and the DNR estimated that there was two billion pounds of zebra mussels in the lake in 2012. Those two billion pounds weren't created out of nothing. Those two billion pounds of zebes accounted for two billion pounds of something that used to be there...or would have been there if zebra mussels weren't there.

Those two billion pounds of zebra mussels were made from two billion pounds of plankton they took out of the lake, consuming it in order to exist and grown from their starting point of a microscopic velleger.

The DNR uses a science based model for managing the wildlife populations the general public that collectively owns those resources trust them to manage. The problem this approach can have is that it puts academics in charge.

Things like having work peer reviewed and using empirical data sets and empirical citing previois research in creating and validating new research are typically positive things. They create standards and ways to make objective comparisons and reach conclusions based on logic and reason more so than emotion....

....but these methods are absolutely not flawless and we need to remind ourselves of that. Science based management is the best option we have, but it is far from perfect, and is absolutely capable of producing results opposite of the intentions for why it is used.

The academics in charge of managing Mille Lacs have lost the forest through the trees. They act as if their science is the same as a that of a molecular physicists's working at CERN, where their lab and thus experiments can be controlled at the atomic level.

The people in charge of managing Mille Lacs's walleye populations have failed, and the reason for their failure and why they'll continue to fail is because they...

I love this place but then I've lived here for 60 years! Lol. I have to talk fishing! The professional smallmouth fishermen from the southern U.S. are calling Mille Lacs the smallmouth capital of the world! The size of these fish is no joke. 5 to 6 pounds plus shouldn't be surprising. If you want that catch of a lifetime, fish the south end. This part of the lake is full of rock reefs and a good starting point. If your looking for bigger fish, you can't beat the muskie fishing! The state record was caught and released and fish over 50" are common. I like fishing the north end but it can be crowded on weekends so again, I stick to the south end. Start in Isle bay. There's a weed line at 9' that drops into 30'! No matter if you cast or pull baits, this is a good place to hook up with a whopper for sure. Walleyes are abundant or at least they were for me this winter. My friend and I fished 29 days and ended up with 21 keepers which is pretty good for a 1 fish limit within a slot of 21 to 23 inches. We had many walleyes 25 to 27 and 16 to 20 inches which had to be released so if you want action, the walleyes will give you that. We even had a 25" walleye stuck at the bottom of the hole for so long that I got a photo of that too! I was fishing on "Ottos Reef" on the south end and if you look at a map, you'll find some excellent structure there. The best time is to be on the ice and set up before daylight. Do that and you'll have your limit in time to step outside to get a photo of the...

The Smallmouth fishing is fantastic small plastic baits are a must year round. Early Summer and early Fall morning top water fishing time window is often not long lasting, however when the fish are on your wrist and arm will he wanting a rest. My advice don’t overlook the not spoken much about Largemouth they’re in there and a tournament limit can easily score you winning cash at the weigh-in any tournament day. My best two-man team tournament weight for eight fish was 41 LBS. all Largemouth caught on a black and chartreuse 1/2 OZ. Buzz Bait working threw the tallest of needle grass to the first rock piles just off the shore in a moderate offshore wind. Because of her size try Fishing this lake if you can for at least 3-4 days in early to mid September. When you leave your arm will be in a sling ( LOL ). I retired at age 40 and live in the Great state of Maine. So now my tournament partner and I with our 2022 Ford Super Duty’s and 2022 Horizons camper and 2022 Ranger 521 V Bass-boat in tow travel every September to this lake and the lakes region around her. It’s absolutely fantastic Largemouth and especially Smallmouth Bass fishing. It’s absolutely a fishing trip you’ll never forget as long as you live. Minnesota Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass fishing put it on your bucket list and go with your best...