Our Mission
The Alliance is dedicated to rebuilding, preserving and maintaining Mille Lacs as a world class trophy smallmouth bass fishery.
Our work will include: educating fishermen, local businesses and visitors to the lake about the benefits of catch and release and advocating with conservation officials about sound fish management practices.
We believe a healthy trophy smallmouth bass fishery contributes to the economic vitality of the Mille Lacs Lake area through tourism and overall property values and a robust community.
Our Why
"The Alliance was created to give a unified voice to bass anglers across the country. Recognized as a world class smallmouth bass fishery, Mille Lacs needs to be respected. Ranked as the #1 Bass lake in the US by BASSMaster Magazine in 2017, if managed correctly it will stay an incredible fishery for generations to come."
- Jim DaRosa, Past President
Our Motto:
FREE THE FIGHTER!
The Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization, recognized under IRC 401(a).
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2025 Board of Directors
Jason Bahr: President -- Owner at Tutts Bait And Tackle and area homeowner.
Mike Anselmo: Vice President -- Freelancer marketer and owner of Untamed Tackle.
Linda Dahlen: Treasurer -- Avid outdoors woman and past Isle Chamber Board President.
George Liddle, Jr.: Liddlefishing and Vexus Boats, tournament angler and fishing/boating industry executive and is a Mille Lacs area homeowner.
Scott Bonnema: Tournament angler and guide, Bonnema is a generous philanthropic member of the Mille Lacs community.
Mark Olson: Owner of Norseman Guide Service and local homeowner. Lifelong tournament bass angler and committed conservationist.
Josh Douglas: Professional angler and freelance marketer.
Brad Hawthorne: Owner at Hawthorne's Guide Service, Ice Camp Outfitters and area homeowner.
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. -Mark Zona
Minnesota unquestionably has some of North America’s finest smallmouth bass fishing. Mille Lacs Lake is one of the crown jewels of the state because of it’s size, habitat, forage base and growth potential of giant smallmouth bass. - James Lindner, Award Winning Outdoor Photographer
This fishery is something we have to take care of -- these big fish are 20 year-old fish. Let's protect this place. - Seth Feider, B.A.S.S. Elite Angler and Winner of AOY tournament on Mille Lacs in 2016
Terry Mcquoid: Lifelong resident of the Mille Lacs area and fishing guide and tournament angler.
Minnesota unquestionably has some of North American’s finest smallmouth bass fishing. Mille Lacs Lake is one of the crown jewels of the state because of it’s size, habitat, forage base and growth potential of giant smallmouth bass. - Ron Lindner, Celebrity Angler
Smallmouth bass are my favorite species of fish to target and Mille Lacs is, bar none, one of my favorite lakes to fish them. Bass fishing is big business and Mille Lacs is the type of fishery that can draw anglers from around the country. - Al Lindner, Fishing Celebrity
Tony Roach: Famous for his guide service on Mille Lacs as well as tournaments and television shows across the upper Midwest, Roach is also an area homeowner.
