Angling regulations play a vital role in preserving the health of a fishery. The lake and its shores are patrolled on a regular basis in all seasons. Mille Lacs is a large body of water requiring the usual caution. Yet statistically it is one of the safest lakes around. More anglers and boaters operate on Mille Lacs than anywhere else in the Midwest.
Fatalities are often years apart.
That's because Mille Lacs anglers and guides respect and watch the weather. Cloud fronts usually appear in the north and west. Selective harvest is wise conservation that helps sustain a fishery. It maintains a tradition of harvesting some fish to eat. Keep fish only from the more numerous populations of smaller fish.