If you’re an angler who loves the more poetic side of casting a line, you’ll be taken in by what Lake Vermilion fishing has to offer. Named after the reddish tint of the water when the evening sun shines, this lake spans more than 39,000 acres across the heart of Minnseota’s Arrowhead Region. (See what we mean when we said it was poetic?!)
Unsurprisingly, the fishing opportunities in the “Big V” are also seriously huge. Go fishing on Lake Vermilion and you could tangle lines with a giant Musky, pack the cooler full of tasty Crappie and other Panfish, or even come face-to-gills with Walleye… All as the evening sun turns the water that famous red color. Poetic again, right? Let’s dive in and discover the best species to target, and the when, where, and how to hook ’em…
Best Fish to Target in Lake Vermilion
Part of Lake Vermilion’s reputation as an excellent fishery lies in the sheer variety of species it holds. Oh, and the fact that something is always biting year-round. Whether you’re looking for a shorter trip to fill your boots with plenty of tasty table fare, or want to spend more time on the water battling it out against some of freshwater fishing’s hardest fighters, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Let’s check them out!
Musky
It only seems right to start off our list with one of the Big V’s biggest draws. Year after year, anglers return to Lake Vermilion to test their skills and wits against this fearsome freshwater fish. Musky, officially known as Muskellunge, are infamous for the hard fight they give at the end of a line. They love to lurk around rocky structure, making Lake Vermilion’s crevices and coves the perfect home for them.
When it comes to fishing for Muskies, patience is key. These elusive fish love to follow lures before they strike. Even better, you can cast or troll for them, depending on when you choose to go fishing. Head out during summer and you’ll be able to hit shallower waters, perfect for casting with flashy lures. Prefer trolling for your catch? Fall sees these fish head to the lake’s deeper waters. When it comes to live bait, suckers are a Musky favorite. No matter which technique you prefer, we recommend a sturdy rod, strong braided line (80 pounds or more), and a fluorocarbon or steel leader.
Walleye
Lake Vermilion is known as a premier Walleye fishing destination for a reason. You can fish for this species in any part of the lake and will usually come up trumps. Add to that the healthy numbers of this fish filling up the lake, and you’re onto a winner. You’ll find plenty of good eating Walleye here, but those of you looking to hook your personal best will be pleased to know that the state’s catch-and-release record was set on this lake. To this day, it’s not uncommon to reel in varieties measuring 26 inches and above on a single trip!
A big part of ensuring a successful Walleye fishing session on Lake Vermilion is being able to follow the fish. The season opens during spring, usually in early May. During this time, you’ll find them on the west side of the lake, which is home to an extensive shallow-water habitat with plenty of weed beds. On a lake like Vermilion, casting in the weeds for Walleye in the summer months is a must. As the water temperatures cool, you’ll find them heading to the deeper, rockier sections of the lake, where trolling usually produces the best results.
Bass
Bass enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that both Largemouth and Smallmouth varieties can be found in Lake Vermilion. Largemouth Bass, while usually not the primary target of anglers who come here, are particularly abundant on the western side of the lake. The many bays and areas with good weed growth are the best places to cast a line. The Smallmouth Bass in this lake, on the other hand, regularly draw in anglers, and are known for the intensity of their fights. It’s often said that a 2 lb fish here feels at least double its size when battle commences!
Bass are most active in these waters during the early morning and late evening hours, so make sure you plan your trip around these times. When it comes to fishing, both varieties of this species react well to jigs, as well as worms and crankbaits. Equipment used to catch other species, such as a 6′ spinning rod and reel combination with 6–10 lb monofilament line, is a good starting point when it comes to Bass fishing on Lake Vermilion.
Crappie
If you’re looking to fill the cooler (and then the frying pan!), Crappie fishing on Lake Vermilion can’t be missed. This tasty Panfish fills up the lake in droves throughout the year. This all-rounder is the perfect target fish for newbies and families looking to get plenty of bites at the end of their lines. But they’ll also provide plenty of fun for the more experienced angler who wants to take home plenty of good old-fashioned eating fish.
This species can’t resist warm waters! You’ll find Crappie frolicking in the lake’s shallow bays, and they’re especially common in areas with rising water temperatures and depths between 4 and 8 feet. Local anglers rely on small jigs, especially hair jigs and plastics under a bobber, to reel in this tasty fish. Early May to mid-June are the peak months for this fish, but you’ll find them inhabiting the lake year-round.
How to Go Fishing on Lake Vermilion
This all depends on which species you plan on targeting. If you’re not sure which technique works best for your target catch, or are newer to the world of freshwater angling, going fishing with an experienced guide is your best bet. They’ll know exactly which technique to use to put you on fish, and will be able to show you the ropes, no matter your skill level.
Part of Lake Vermilion’s charm is that fishing here is pretty simple. In the summer months, when the fish congregate in the warmer shallow waters, you’ll likely be casting for your catch. Depending on the species you’re going after, you’ll use a variety of flashy lures or live bait, usually suckers.
In the fall and winter, when the waters cool and the fish head to the deeper waters, you’ll be trolling and jigging around underwater structure and weed beds. There’s also the opportunity to try something completely new and go ice fishing. Winter Walleye are joined by Perch, Crappie, and Bluegill. Nothing quite beats the solitude you’ll get when fishing in this way.
Where to Go Fishing on Lake Vermilion
When fishing on Lake Vermilion, take into consideration which species you really want to focus your attention on. The lake holds many hotspots, and each one shines for different species. Your guide will know the best nooks and crannies to explore depending on your chosen target, but we’ve outlined specific areas of Lake Vermillion you shouldn’t miss out on below:
- Pencil Island. Located smack-bang in the heart of the lake, this hidden gem is a Smallmouth Bass fishing paradise. These fish simply can’t resist the rocky structure and clear waters that Pencil Island offers up. On top of that, it’s one of the most serene sections of the lake, making it a beautiful and relaxing environment for all types of anglers.
- Oak Narrows. Separating the two main sections of the lake (locally known as Cook End to the west and Tower End to the east), Oak Narrows makes for one of the most picturesque sections of this body of water. It’s also a must-visit for Walleye fanatics, and you’ll find this fish hanging around here throughout the year.
- Black Bay. If you’re into dock fishing, Black Bay is the spot for you. Locals and visitors alike have plenty of luck when casting around the docks here, especially when it comes to Walleye and Panfish. You’ll also find scenic lodges dotting the area, and can even go kayaking on this section of the lake.
- Stuntz Bay. Located in the lake’s Tower End basin, this bay offers up the best of what Lake Vermilion has to offer. Walleye, Pike, Panfish, and Bass can all be found here at different times of the year. Stuntz Bay is also located close to Lake Vermilion National Park, so you can explore what this area has to offer on land too.
- Wakemup Bay. This charmingly-named section of the lake is located at its westernmost end. It’s a great starting point for Walleye fishing, especially during the spring and summer months. Even better, the Wakemup campground is located just a stone’s throw away, so you can combine your fishing trip with sleeping under the stars.
When to Go Fishing on Lake Vermilion
As you should have guessed by now, there’s something biting year-round in Lake Vermilion.
Come in spring to load up on Crappie in the shallows, before oversized Walleye show up hot on their heels. Things only get better in summer, as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass fill the lake in droves alongside Walleye in deeper waters and Crappie around docks and weed beds.
Even as the waters of Lake Vermilion start to cool down in fall, the fishing remains hot, with Walleye remaining an especially popular target. You’ll find them heading out to deeper areas of the lake, hanging out around underwater timber and structure. However, winter adds even more intrigue to the lake, with the chance to go ice fishing. Walleye are still the stars of the show, while Perch and Pike join the other Panfish to give you a shot at a warming meal.
Lake Vermilion Fishing Regulations
Minnesota’s regular fishing regulations apply when fishing Lake Vermilion, which means anglers aged 16 and over need to carry a license when fishing this body of water. You can purchase your license online, in person at a local Walmart, DNR office, or licensed retailer, or by phone.
On top of that, there are some specific requirements when it comes to two of the top fish species you’ll encounter here:
- Walleye. The possession limit is four per angler, with only one measuring over 26 inches. You also have to immediately return any fish measuring between 20 and 26 inches.
- Musky. You can keep one fish per angler, and the fish must measure over 54 inches for you to keep it.
Lake Vermilion Fishing FAQs
Lake Vermilion: Red Water and Red-Hot Fishing
Ready to experience the poetic beauty and endless fishing opportunities of Lake Vermilion for yourself? Grab your rod, pick your spot, and cast away. The Big V is waiting to show you just how magical a Minnesota fishing adventure can be!
Have you ever been fishing in Lake Vermilion? What did you catch? Any tips and tricks you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
The post Lake Vermilion Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2025 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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