Long heralded as one of the state's most prolific walleye fisheries, Lake Mille Lacs is now also home to some of the biggest smallmouth bass in the state — no small feat, considering many of these behemoths tip the scales at more than 5 pounds. Perhaps these fish represent the lake's natural evolution, or perhaps the DNR's protection of smallies in recent years has nurtured its population. Either way, the fish are there, and often they're only too willing to glom onto a skirted jig cast, especially along the lake's many break lines or atop its rock piles. mille­lacs.com