Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, near Garrison. DNR lake ID 48000200.
Mille Lacs Lake is a 128,250-acre lake in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, near Garrison. Its deepest point reaches 42 ft, and about 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny waterflea, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 48000200 |
|---|---|
| County | Mille Lacs County, near Garrison |
| Surface area | 128,250 acres |
| Maximum depth | 42 ft |
| Mean depth | 28.5 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 26% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.7 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny waterflea, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 13 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 10.7 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Mille Lacs Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Mille Lacs Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 14.67 | 3.3 to 14.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.15 | 0.9 to 4.3 |
| Northern pike | trap | 6.12 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 67.15 | 9.9 to 57.1 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.15 | 0.1 to 0.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.1 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.08 | 0.0 to 0.1 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.25 | n/a |
| Smallmouth bass | gill | 2.0 | 0.0 to 0.2 |
| Muskellunge | trap | 0.03 | n/a |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 8.25 | 4.9 to 17.6 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.98 | 0.1 to 1.1 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.02 | n/a |
| Burbot | gill | 0.04 | 0.0 to 0.2 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2022), Northern pike 42.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 20.0 in (2022), Largemouth bass 19.0 in (2022), Muskellunge 43.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Burbot, Bowfin, Common carp, Shorthead redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed). Smallmouth bass limit one, 21 in or longer. Tullibee limit 10. Night fishing closure for part of spring. Walleye limits are set each season by the DNR. (Minnesota Rules 6264.0400, April 2026)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 1999), spiny waterflea (listed 2009), zebra mussel (listed 2006).
Public boat access
- Reddy Creek: carry-in or shore access. 7 miles north of Garrison on US Hwy 169, then 4.5 miles east on MN 18 Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Pike Point, Garrison: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 35 trailer spaces. 0.5 mile South of Garrison at 8906 US Hwy. 169. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Malmo: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. 0.5 mile West of MN Hwy. 47 on MN Hwy. 18. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Wealthwood: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 16 trailer spaces. 7 miles North of Garrison on US Hwy. 169, then 2 miles East on MN Hwy. 18. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Wahkon: 1 gravel launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. In Wahkon, just southwest of Mn Highway #27 and CSAH 17, on the southeast end of Mille Lacs Lake. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Cove Bay: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 40 trailer spaces. Cove Bay PWA. In Cove, on MN Hwy. 27, 1.25 miles East of US Hwy. 169. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Father Hennepin SPK (E): 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock. In Father Hennepin State Park, 1 mi W of Isle, on SE shore. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Cedar Creek: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 45 trailer spaces. Cedar Creek PWA. 4 miles North of Isle on MN Hwy. 47. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Shah-bush-kung: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 57 trailer spaces. Shah-Bush-Kung PWA. 8 miles South of Garrison on US Hwy. 169. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Father Hennepin SPK (W): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 16 trailer spaces. In Father Hennepin State Park, 1 mi W of Isle, on SE shore. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Liberty Beach: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 2 docks, 40 trailer spaces. 7 miles north of Isle on Hwy 47 Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, Co Hwy 37: 1 natural launch ramp. 1.5 miles south of Cutler on old Highway #18 roadbed, on the northwest shore of Mille Lacs Lake. Directions
- Mille Lacs Lake, North Garrison Bay: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 22 trailer spaces. 4 mi North of Garrison on US Hwy. 169. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Around the lake
Waterfront dining: The Launch Bar & Grill at Eddy’s Resort, lake-view dining with an outdoor patio and fire pit on the west shore; Twin Pines Resort, restaurant and bar with lakeside patio seating on St. Alban’s Bay near Garrison.
Nearby lakes
- Black Bass Lake 8.2 mi, Mille Lacs County
- Whitefish Lake 8.6 mi, Crow Wing County
- Ogechie Lake 8.9 mi, Mille Lacs County
- Holt Lake 9.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Gregg Lake 9.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Shakopee Lake 9.7 mi, Mille Lacs County
- Round Lake 10.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Smith Lake 10.1 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Mille Lacs Lake
How deep is Mille Lacs Lake?
Mille Lacs Lake reaches a maximum depth of 42 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 26% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Mille Lacs Lake?
Mille Lacs Lake covers about 128,250 acres in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota.
How clear is Mille Lacs Lake?
Summer water clarity on Mille Lacs Lake averages 10.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Mille Lacs Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Mille Lacs Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny waterflea, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Mille Lacs Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish in Mille Lacs Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
Where is the public boat access on Mille Lacs Lake?
Mille Lacs Lake has 13 public water access sites on DNR record: Reddy Creek; Mille Lacs Lake, Pike Point, Garrison; Mille Lacs Lake, Malmo; Mille Lacs Lake, Wealthwood; Mille Lacs Lake, Wahkon; Mille Lacs Lake, Cove Bay; Mille Lacs Lake, Father Hennepin SPK (E); Mille Lacs Lake, Cedar Creek; Mille Lacs Lake, Shah-bush-kung; Mille Lacs Lake, Father Hennepin SPK (W); Mille Lacs Lake, Liberty Beach; Mille Lacs Lake, Co Hwy 37; Mille Lacs Lake, North Garrison Bay.
How is the walleye population on Mille Lacs Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 2015 to 2022, walleye numbers on Mille Lacs Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Mille Lacs Lake?
Homes on Mille Lacs Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Mille Lacs Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Mille Lacs Lake?
Big water with room for long boat rides and wake sports, about 26% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Mille Lacs Lake?
Yes. Northern pike 24 to 36 in must be released (one over 36 allowed). Smallmouth bass limit one, 21 in or longer. Tullibee limit 10. Night fishing closure for part of spring. Walleye limits are set each season by the DNR.
Ask us about Mille Lacs Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Mille Lacs County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2022), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.