The walleye and perch bite has been good on Mille Lacs so far this season. Though fishing on the sand breaks is still productive, walleyes will be moving deeper, especially during the day. Fishing the mud flats or deeper transition areas will likely allow catching some nice, healthy fish.
The perch are also biting well now on deeper vegetation and on particular sand areas. Pods of perch all are over in varying depths. The perch are growing larger this year and anglers are starting to see more jumbos.
Northern Pike have also been biting really well in shallower areas out front of The Red Door Resort.
The Red Door Resort fish house rentals have reported success catching nice walleyes, pike, perch, and even the occasional burbot. Individuals hole hopping or fishing in portables have also reported good success (see picture above).
The best recommended techniques for walleyes are on 1/16 – 1/4 ounce clam small spoons tipped with a minnow head. If the bite is tough go small. The best jigging spoon colors are UV high vis colors, especially during cloudy / low light hours or after dark. On high pressure sunny days try more natural colors and go smaller. Dead sticking with a simple 1/4 ounce split shot, bobber, and chartreuse, purple, or red hook should help catch walleyes as well.
For perch use the same spoons with a minnow head or wax worm. The wax worms should help with catching if bite seems tough.
Shiners – if you can find them – are a good option for walleyes, pike, and perch alike. That said, shiners can be difficult to find right now. Fatheads are a good alternative for walleyes and perch. Pike can be caught on suckers or shiners.
This fishing report is from Mark Schutz Guide Service. The Red Door Resort highly recommends Mark for winter, or summer, guide trips. Mark can be reached at 763-486-7508 and his Facebook page can be viewed here.
The Red Door Resort
(218) 678-3686
https://thereddoorresort.com