Mille Lacs Smallmouth Reports

Good Morning-

I know that the big target of Mille Lacs over the past week has been walleye, but has anybody been out fishing smallies during the catch and release season? If so, has anybody had much success?

Thanks.

Jeff

Friday Saturday and Sunday we had GREAT luck with smallies. They are moving up to the beds. Did best in 6′ or less.

I wish I could report the same. We were out there yesterday and really struggled putting anything in the boat. We managed a few but nothing like we had hoped. We saw qyite a few fish in the depths you said but couldn’t trigger the strikes. If you dont mind, what were you using and what methods?

Found this 5 pound smallie on Mille Lacs Saturday laying on the bottom of the lake. It wasn’t quite dead yet, so I grabbed it to take a closer look at it. Any ideas on what would cause this kind of damage to it? I’m guessing spear?

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Cam smallies be caught on the N end by the Wealthwood landing? I’ve fished the S end a few yrs ago. Kind of a hike for me now. They got to be all over the lake if you find some rocks right? Thanks for the input.

skyblaster wrote:

I wish I could report the same. We were out there yesterday and really struggled putting anything in the boat. We managed a few but nothing like we had hoped. We saw qyite a few fish in the depths you said but couldn’t trigger the strikes. If you dont mind, what were you using and what methods?

Black tube with red fleck pitched to the nest. Anything that looks like a leech…or maybe even a leech

sticker wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>skyblaster wrote:</div>
I wish I could report the same. We were out there yesterday and really struggled putting anything in the boat. We managed a few but nothing like we had hoped. We saw qyite a few fish in the depths you said but couldn’t trigger the strikes. If you dont mind, what were you using and what methods?

Black tube with red fleck pitched to the nest. Anything that looks like a leech…or maybe even a leech

These walleye guys….let me tell you…

skyblaster wrote:

I wish I could report the same. We were out there yesterday and really struggled putting anything in the boat. We managed a few but nothing like we had hoped. We saw qyite a few fish in the depths you said but couldn’t trigger the strikes. If you dont mind, what were you using and what methods?

You’re not alone. I was on the north side late morning/early afternoon and saw tons of fish in shallow water, of various sizes, but they seemed much more interested in doing their thing than biting anything we presented them. Plenty of other people out there too, and didn’t see too many fish caught either. Frustrating is an understatement.

Pretty good success for me this last Saturday.
4 inch Senko is what got most of my fish.
good luck. Jack

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Another 21 inch Smallie on Senko.
Jack

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Those are beauties, Jack! What color senko?

Jack Naylor wrote:

Another 21 inch Smallie on Senko.
Jack

Agree, great looking fish. Sure saw a handful of toads but couldn’t pull it off with the equipment we had. Either way, was a beautiful day on the water.

Gregg,
Watermelon- 4 inch. 2/0 EWG, texas rig, texposed.
1/16 small worm weight nailed rubber core for
casting control.

I literally had 15 Smallmouth measured from 19 inches
to 21 1/2 inches. Had 2 that were 21’s.

Conditions Saturday, just doesn’t get any better.
It NEVER gets old.
Good Luck.
Jack

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