Vermilion Lake

Vermilion Lake is ranked as one of the state's premier fisheries with the focus on walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, perch and bluegill. The lake has received regional attention for its walleye and smallmouth bass fishery. Recently, the success of a muskie stocking program (Leech Lake strain) has added to the lake's reputation. However, Vermilion is not thought of as a popular ice fishing destination, due largely to the heavy annual snowfall and resulting slush conditions. The ice fishing that occurs is directed at walleye.The Vermilion Sportsmans Club has placed a number of red and green buoys to indicate a safe navigation channel. Flashing yellow lights have been strategically placed for night navigation.Hazard buoys are placed near shallow reefs and danger areas and are identified with a letter and number. The letter C indicates the Cook end of the lake and T the Tower end. By noticing the number of the hazard buoy and using a compass or GPS, navigation becomes a simple matter. Use caution when approaching hazard buoys because wind and wave action may have moved them from their original position.Two shore lunch facilities are maintained on Vermilion, sponsored by the Vermilion Sportsmans Club and the National Forest Service. Signs are posted on the shoreline.Lake Vermilion is in the Superior National Forest. In addition, the Kabetogama and Sturgeon River state forests border the west and south shores.The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources operates a spawn-taking station at the Pine River inlet. Eggs from this operation supply walleye for stocking in other Minnesota lakes with a percentage returned as fingerling to Lake Vermilion.A volunteer catch-and-release program is sponsored by the Vermilion Sportsmans Club and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The program encourages the release of walleye greater than 17 inches.

Cisco (tullibee), spottail shiner, juvenile bluegill, perch, fathead and bluntnose minnows are all common. Crayfish and mayfly larvae are also present. Rusty crayfish have been detected in the eastern basin and vegetation depletion has been observed.

There is a significant movement of walleye into Pike and Black bays during spring. A random migration of walleye occurs between East and West Vermilion throughout summer and early fall.