Mulling over Mille Lacs

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A lot will go down this week at the 2016 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota. The 47th B.A.S.S. AOY winner will be crowned, there will be more than $1 million in payouts, and berths to the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro are on the line for 50 of the world’s best bass anglers. <br><br><i>All Captions: Mike Suchan</i>
A lot will go down this week at the 2016 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota. The 47th B.A.S.S. AOY winner will be crowned, there will be more than $1 million in payouts, and berths to the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro are on the line for 50 of the world’s best bass anglers.

All Captions: Mike Suchan

At 132,516 acres, Mille Lacs Lake is Minnesota’s second-largest lake, ranging from 20 to 38 feet in depth with a maximum of 42 feet. Rock bars and gravel cover the southern half and the northern half contains most of the lake’s mud flats. The lake is roughly 100 miles north of Minneapolis and is known for its trophy walleye and smallmouth bass.
At 132,516 acres, Mille Lacs Lake is Minnesota’s second-largest lake, ranging from 20 to 38 feet in depth with a maximum of 42 feet. Rock bars and gravel cover the southern half and the northern half contains most of the lake’s mud flats. The lake is roughly 100 miles north of Minneapolis and is known for its trophy walleye and smallmouth bass.
The Top 50 anglers in the Toyota Angler of the Year standings will fish the three-day AOY Championship. The launch site is Eddy’s Resort, 41334 Shakopee Lake Rd. Onamia, Minn. 56359. The anglers will launch there Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 6:40 a.m. CT. Fans are invited to come watch. There is never an admission charge to any B.A.S.S. venue.
The Top 50 anglers in the Toyota Angler of the Year standings will fish the three-day AOY Championship. The launch site is Eddy’s Resort, 41334 Shakopee Lake Rd. Onamia, Minn. 56359. The anglers will launch there Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 6:40 a.m. CT. Fans are invited to come watch. There is never an admission charge to any B.A.S.S. venue.
The anglers will check in at Eddy’s each afternoon as well, but the weigh-ins are up the road at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs, 777 Grand Ave., Onamia, Minn. 56359. The weigh-ins are scheduled for 3:45 p.m. CT each day of competition.
The anglers will check in at Eddy’s each afternoon as well, but the weigh-ins are up the road at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs, 777 Grand Ave., Onamia, Minn. 56359. The weigh-ins are scheduled for 3:45 p.m. CT each day of competition.
The largest casino/hotel in Lake Country with 494 rooms, Grand Casino Mille Lacs also has gaming, four restaurants, a movie theater and retail shopping. There appears to be plenty of parking, so come on down.
The largest casino/hotel in Lake Country with 494 rooms, Grand Casino Mille Lacs also has gaming, four restaurants, a movie theater and retail shopping. There appears to be plenty of parking, so come on down.
There will be no fishing on Saturday, but it’s probably the best chance to meet anglers. All 50 competitors, and maybe even a few more, will be at the Grand Casino for Bassmaster University and Military and First Responders Appreciation Day. The pros and B.A.S.S. will hold seminars, meet-and-greets, offer fishing advice as well as discussions on products and services from local vendors and sponsors.
There will be no fishing on Saturday, but it’s probably the best chance to meet anglers. All 50 competitors, and maybe even a few more, will be at the Grand Casino for Bassmaster University and Military and First Responders Appreciation Day. The pros and B.A.S.S. will hold seminars, meet-and-greets, offer fishing advice as well as discussions on products and services from local vendors and sponsors.
The big story of the weekend will be the crowning of the Toyota Angler of the Year. Gerald Swindle of Warrior, Ala., heads into the final three days of the 2016 season with a 43-point lead over second-place Keith Combs. Swindle just needs to stay 43 places ahead of Combs to earn a bookend AOY to his 2004 crown and the $100,000 first-place prize.
The big story of the weekend will be the crowning of the Toyota Angler of the Year. Gerald Swindle of Warrior, Ala., heads into the final three days of the 2016 season with a 43-point lead over second-place Keith Combs. Swindle just needs to stay 43 places ahead of Combs to earn a bookend AOY to his 2004 crown and the $100,000 first-place prize.
Also, anglers like Randy Howell will be hoping to climb in the standings and secure a spot in the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro. As of now, the top 39 anglers in the standings will receive berths, and Howell needs to do well as he sits 42nd. Howell needed an 11-place finish in La Crosse to rise in the standings and advance to Mille Lacs.
Also, anglers like Randy Howell will be hoping to climb in the standings and secure a spot in the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro. As of now, the top 39 anglers in the standings will receive berths, and Howell needs to do well as he sits 42nd. Howell needed an 11-place finish in La Crosse to rise in the standings and advance to Mille Lacs.
The smallmouth fishing is said to be spectacular on Mille Lacs, which also has largemouth bass. Mike Iaconelli showed what the lake has during Monday’s practice; his first fish was a 6.8-pound smallmouth.
The smallmouth fishing is said to be spectacular on Mille Lacs, which also has largemouth bass. Mike Iaconelli showed what the lake has during Monday’s practice; his first fish was a 6.8-pound smallmouth.
Mille Lacs ranked 10th in Bassmaster’s “100 Best Bass Lakes of 2015,” and was voted best smallmouth fishing in Minnesota by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. It’s a world-class fishery, as evidenced by a 2015 catch that weighed 7-14, just two ounces off the state record. And if Samantha here can catch an overinflated football like this, the Elites should really put on a show.
Mille Lacs ranked 10th in Bassmaster’s “100 Best Bass Lakes of 2015,” and was voted best smallmouth fishing in Minnesota by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. It’s a world-class fishery, as evidenced by a 2015 catch that weighed 7-14, just two ounces off the state record. And if Samantha here can catch an overinflated football like this, the Elites should really put on a show.
Seth Feider, who finished second last week on the Mississippi River out of La Crosse, gets another home-state fishery and one he calls his favorite. Here he and John Figi (left) show several trophy class smallmouth they caught on Mille Lacs. Feider, of Bloomington, Minn., said he believes it might take 26 pounds a day to win this week.
Seth Feider, who finished second last week on the Mississippi River out of La Crosse, gets another home-state fishery and one he calls his favorite. Here he and John Figi (left) show several trophy class smallmouth they caught on Mille Lacs. Feider, of Bloomington, Minn., said he believes it might take 26 pounds a day to win this week.
Feider is among a contingent of anglers who are honorary board members of the Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to rebuilding, preserving and maintaining the lake as a top-flight smallmouth fishery. Celebrity angler Al Lindner is also involved in helping educate anglers, local businesses and visitors about the benefits of catch and release and advocating sound fish management.
Feider is among a contingent of anglers who are honorary board members of the Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to rebuilding, preserving and maintaining the lake as a top-flight smallmouth fishery. Celebrity angler Al Lindner is also involved in helping educate anglers, local businesses and visitors about the benefits of catch and release and advocating sound fish management.
Concern arose when anglers were given what they believed was too generous of a daily limit of smallmouth. This came after a crash in the walleye population and angling restrictions, which many blamed on smallmouth competition. Bassmaster host Mark Zona is on the MLSA board, and he said, “I've fished the best smallmouth lakes and Mille Lacs is at the top of the list. This resource needs to be taken care of for generations.”
Concern arose when anglers were given what they believed was too generous of a daily limit of smallmouth. This came after a crash in the walleye population and angling restrictions, which many blamed on smallmouth competition. Bassmaster host Mark Zona is on the MLSA board, and he said, “I’ve fished the best smallmouth lakes and Mille Lacs is at the top of the list. This resource needs to be taken care of for generations.”
The Land of 10,000 Lakes (it’s actually closer to 12,000), Minnesota is also the land of big fish, like this 22-pound northern pike that was caught and released on a guide trip out of Chapman's Resort. The state has generous limits, although walleye season on Mille Lacs is catch-and-release only through November.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes (it’s actually closer to 12,000), Minnesota is also the land of big fish, like this 22-pound northern pike that was caught and released on a guide trip out of Chapman’s Resort. The state has generous limits, although walleye season on Mille Lacs is catch-and-release only through November.
Robert Hawkins has a load with this huge muskie he caught fly fishing in Nov., 2015 on Mille Lacs. The 57-incher would have potentially eclipsed the previous fly mark if Hawkins had submitted documentation. He released it to fight another day, but it shows Mille Lacs and its surrounds is the land of big fish.
Robert Hawkins has a load with this huge muskie he caught fly fishing in Nov., 2015 on Mille Lacs. The 57-incher would have potentially eclipsed the previous fly mark if Hawkins had submitted documentation. He released it to fight another day, but it shows Mille Lacs and its surrounds is the land of big fish.
It’s also known as the land of big statues, like this giant walleye in Garrison, known as the Walleye Capital of the World. This 15-foot long fiberglass replica was first used in parades then permanently installed at Garrison Concourse Wayside Park. It was refreshed recently with reflective paint for a fishy sheen.
It’s also known as the land of big statues, like this giant walleye in Garrison, known as the Walleye Capital of the World. This 15-foot long fiberglass replica was first used in parades then permanently installed at Garrison Concourse Wayside Park. It was refreshed recently with reflective paint for a fishy sheen.
Here’s an angry looking fish statue, probably mad because it was left out in the cold. This is definitely the land of giant statues. Not far away in Brainerd is a huge Paul Bunyan statue. Visitors can sit in the kneeling giant’s extended hand.
Here’s an angry looking fish statue, probably mad because it was left out in the cold. This is definitely the land of giant statues. Not far away in Brainerd is a huge Paul Bunyan statue. Visitors can sit in the kneeling giant’s extended hand.
Always a great photo opp, big fish also can be found around Mille Lacs in Isle at 1st Natl. Bank of Milaca and this one, north of Isle at Johnsons Portside.
Always a great photo opp, big fish also can be found around Mille Lacs in Isle at 1st Natl. Bank of Milaca and this one, north of Isle at Johnsons Portside.
Speaking of photo opps, there is a herd of breeding albino deer in Father Hennepen State Park near Isle at the southeast corner of the lake. Google the park name, albino and images and see the magic. It’s believed a number of factors have allowed for the albino deer to survive there.
Speaking of photo opps, there is a herd of breeding albino deer in Father Hennepen State Park near Isle at the southeast corner of the lake. Google the park name, albino and images and see the magic. It’s believed a number of factors have allowed for the albino deer to survive there.
If you go, you might get close enough to get some unbelievable shots of these marvels of nature.
If you go, you might get close enough to get some unbelievable shots of these marvels of nature.
Another marvel in this part of Minnesota is the chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. You can’t know when they’ll show, but September to March on cool, moonless nights are best. Before heading away from city lights to better view, check an auroral forecast site.
Another marvel in this part of Minnesota is the chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. You can’t know when they’ll show, but September to March on cool, moonless nights are best. Before heading away from city lights to better view, check an auroral forecast site.
You know what Minnesotans do more than fishing? Find creative ways to get to their fishing spots. Just kidding. This scene is from the 10th Annual Lake Mille Lacs Kite Crossing in Garrison Bay in March of 2014 … and those folks are racing to their ice fishing shanties.
You know what Minnesotans do more than fishing? Find creative ways to get to their fishing spots. Just kidding. This scene is from the 10th Annual Lake Mille Lacs Kite Crossing in Garrison Bay in March of 2014 … and those folks are racing to their ice fishing shanties.
Here’s the great winter pastime in Minnesota. A fishing shanty set up to provide some comfort while temps dip into some forsaken frigidity. Sometimes there’s entire towns set up out on the ice, and you can even get a pizza delivered to your shanty.
Here’s the great winter pastime in Minnesota. A fishing shanty set up to provide some comfort while temps dip into some forsaken frigidity. Sometimes there’s entire towns set up out on the ice, and you can even get a pizza delivered to your shanty.
Fishing is a major driver of the economy around the towns on Mille Lacs. There’s access in many places along the highways that ring the lake’s 100 miles of shoreline. And they don’t just have tackle shops, they have tackle castles, where you can even get your paperwork notarized. Awesome.
Fishing is a major driver of the economy around the towns on Mille Lacs. There’s access in many places along the highways that ring the lake’s 100 miles of shoreline. And they don’t just have tackle shops, they have tackle castles, where you can even get your paperwork notarized. Awesome.
Mille Lacs Island Resort is an example of how the lake has places to draw a good number of visitors. This resort offers cabins as well as RV pads, has an inland marina, beaches, heated pool, playground and planned activities. The lake is a favorite fishing spot for many in the state.
Mille Lacs Island Resort is an example of how the lake has places to draw a good number of visitors. This resort offers cabins as well as RV pads, has an inland marina, beaches, heated pool, playground and planned activities. The lake is a favorite fishing spot for many in the state.
The Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council is working hard to make Bassmaster’s AOY Championship a successful event. Besides helping with B.A.S.S. on all the logistics of the tournaments, they’ve been working with local businesses in preparation of accommodating those coming to the area for the tournament.
The Mille Lacs Area Tourism Council is working hard to make Bassmaster’s AOY Championship a successful event. Besides helping with B.A.S.S. on all the logistics of the tournaments, they’ve been working with local businesses in preparation of accommodating those coming to the area for the tournament.