Fishing Lake Vermilion

AKA: Vermilion Lake

Popular Fish Species
Lake Vermilion Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
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Lake Vermilion, MN

Popular Fish Species Lake Vermilion, MN

Lake Vermilion Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Lake Vermilion. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskellunge in Lake Vermilion could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.

Lake Vermilion Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Vermilion is a popular bass tournament lake. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at times, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can also be caught while ice fishing. A history of careful fisheries management by the Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Division has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Lake Vermilion in Minnesota.

Lake Vermilion Fishing Video

Abundant big fish, and a beautiful setting, make Lake Vermilion a highly desired location for fishing enthusiasts. This 40,500-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, is known for big walleye, muskie and northern pike.

Lake Vermilion, located in northeastern Minnesota, is a fishing paradise that offers anglers a wide range of fishing opportunities and a stunning natural backdrop. Spanning over 40,000 acres, this picturesque lake is renowned for its diverse fish species and excellent angling experiences.

Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are popular targets for anglers on Lake Vermilion. With its varied shoreline, rocky structures, and abundant weed beds, the lake provides ideal habitats for bass. Anglers can use a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, soft plastics, or crankbaits to entice these aggressive fish. Whether you prefer the acrobatics of smallmouth or the brute strength of largemouth, Lake Vermilion offers exciting bass fishing opportunities.

Walleye fishing is a major draw on Lake Vermilion, with its healthy walleye population and consistent catches. Anglers can target walleye using various methods such as trolling with crankbaits, jigging, or rigging with live bait. The lake's extensive structure, including points, reefs, and drop-offs, provides numerous hotspots for walleye fishing. Lake Vermilion is known for producing both quantity and quality-sized walleye.

Muskie, the "fish of 10,000 casts," is a highly sought-after species on Lake Vermilion. The lake is renowned for its trophy muskie fishery, attracting anglers from across the country. With its deep weed beds, rock structures, and expansive open water, Lake Vermilion provides excellent habitat for these apex predators. Anglers can use large bucktails, jerkbaits, or topwater lures to entice these elusive giants.

Northern pike are abundant in Lake Vermilion and provide thrilling angling experiences. These aggressive fish can be found near weed beds, rocky points, and shallow bays. Anglers can target pike using a variety of presentations such as spoons, spinners, or large swimbaits. Lake Vermilion's pike population offers exciting action and the chance to land some impressive-sized fish.

Yellow perch, black crappie, and bluegill are popular panfish species in Lake Vermilion. These fish can be found near weed edges, submerged structures, or along the lake's shallows. Anglers can enjoy targeting panfish using small jigs, live bait, or fly fishing techniques. Lake Vermilion's panfish population provides ample opportunities for anglers to enjoy a day of angling and reel in some tasty fillets.

With its diverse range of popular fish species, exceptional fishing opportunities, and breathtaking scenery, Lake Vermilion stands as one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations. Whether you're targeting bass, walleye, muskie, pike, perch, panfish, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Lake Vermilion offers a memorable fishing experience in a tranquil and picturesque setting.

Over 1,000 miles of shoreline create untold opportunities to wet a line in search of your favorite species. While a significant portion of the lake requires a boat for access, there are still plenty of areas available for fishing from the bank - primarily on the southern shores. In winter, the quality schools of fish are available via ice fishing, which is quite popular. Five dedicated boat launch ramps are available to the public during the warm season. Marinas, campgrounds, RV parks, stores, restaurants, cabins, lodging and rental boats are all available at the lake or very close by.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Vermilion

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Vermilion Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Vermilion, with several public access points and marinas available for anglers to launch their boats. The lake's vastness and scenic beauty make it ideal for leisurely cruises, exploring its numerous islands, and finding secluded fishing spots. Camping facilities near the lake offer opportunities for anglers to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Birch Point Marine
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 753-4404

Everett Bay Lodge
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 753-5115

Gruben's Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats
218 753-5000

Moccasin Point Marine
Rentals: Fishing boats and canoes
218 753-3319

Spring Bay Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 666-5607

Timbuktu Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218 666-2434

White Eagle Resort
Rentals: Fishing boats, bass boats and pontoon boats
218-750-2071

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Fortune Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Gold Mine Spur Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Hoodoo Point Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Hoodoo Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Moccasin Point State Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Moccasin Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Soudan Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, south side, off Stuntz Bay Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Aronson Boat Works Marina
6143 Pike Bay Dr
Tower, MN 55790
218 753-4190

Birch Point Marine
2147 Birch Point Road
Tower, MN 55790
218 753-4404

Gruben's Marina
4296 Arrowhead Point Road
Lake Vermilion Tower, MN 55790
218 753-5000

Timbuktu Marina
7401 Oak Narrows Road
Cook, MN 55723
218 666-2434