Aptly-named Lac des Milles Lacs is one of the Northwest region’s most popular lakes, and for good reason. Lac des Milles Lacs is large enough to accommodate the considerable fishing pressure, and still retains some good sized fish.

One of the many nice things about fishing Lac des Milles Lacs is that there are many spots that are sheltered, making this large lake a good time even if your boat is small.

Kevin Green, from Romppais Outdoors, says that Lac des Mille Lacs has, “blossomed into a good smallmouth bass fishery.”

Lac des Mille Lacs is not crystal-clear. The stained colour makes it easier for walleye to see their prey, making it more likely that they will be active, even during daylight.

All sorts of techniques work well in the lakes of Northwestern Ontario, and Lac des Mille Lacs is no exception. Green says that most anglers use live bait (generally minnows and worms), crankbaits, spinners, spoons and jigs. One untraditional method for pike involves using Senkos and Sluggers, which are large, plastic baits.

In the early part of the year, walleye are more likely to be in small groups or even solitary. However, in the summer, they tend to stay in schools, and where you find one, you’ll likely find lots more. Spring fishing may require more movement (or more patience), but in the summer, anglers who hook into a school of walleye can be set for hours.

Some of the best walleye spots are around the Savanne River. Also try Rock Bay and Sand Point. Green reminds anglers to be aware of the regulations and slot sizes for walleye.

For pike, who are generally solitary creatures, there is a lot of traditional pike habitat: shallower, weedy areas. However, sometimes it’s worthwhile to shake things up a bit and try targetting pike in a walleye zone. It has been said that a tube jig let down in a rocky drop off, will cause a pike strike.

Make sure your gear is up to the challenge if you’re going after pike. Their razor-sharp teeth are apt to bite through light lines.

Kevin Green notes that ice fishing on Lac des Mille Lacs is spectacular. Both pike and walleye are easily caught through the ice. There are rental companies that will rent ice huts, even for overnight accommodations.

LAKE ACCESS

Lac Des Mille Lacs is about 160 km northwest of Thunder Bay along Hwy 17.

Access to the lake is via the Savanne River and by various gravel roads wich branch off south of HWY. 17 to tourist outfitters and public access points. Most of these roads are posted along HWY 17. Upsula is located about 10 miles west of the Savanne River.

There are many lodges and camps around Lac des Mille Lacs. Most offer boat rentals and launches.

Kevin Green, from Romppais Outdoors, cautions boaters that because the lake is so large, and with so many channels, boaters should use a GPS if navigating any distance from a boat launch. He also reminds anglers that there are many rock hazards in the lake.

There are several public boat launches around the lake. Stop by Romppais Outdoors in Thunder Bay and talk with the helpful staff for locations of public access points.