Fishing is improving on the most beautiful lake in Minnesota—Lake Vermilion. With the bug hatches dying off, the bite is starting to get good again!
EAST END WALLEYES: The bite is really picking up. The best bite is on a Lindy Rig with a crawler or a minnow pulled along sand and gravel humps in 17-27 feet of water. Lots of fish are starting to show up in these areas and the bugs are disappearing from the water column. There are also some bigger fish being caught on some of the rock piles in 10-15 feet of water. Using a slip-bobber and a leech or a jig and a crawler is your best bet to catch these fish.
WEST END WALLEYES: There is still a lot of bait and bugs in the water on the west side of the lake, and taking advantage of the early morning bite window is still a major key to success. The best bite is Lindy Rigging sand to rock transitions in 20-28 feet of water with a crawler or a leech. There are also some walleyes in the weeds in 8-12 feet of water, but it can be difficult to get around the panfish.
SMALLMOUTH BASS: Bass fishing remains excellent around the lake. Cast Ned Rigs, Jigs, Swim baits, and Chatter baits at rocky shorelines, points, and humps in 6-10 feet of water and you will catch fish. They are mostly feeding on crawfish and bugs, so throwing baits that emulate their natural food source can help increase your catches.
Fish with guides who truly know Lake Vermilion.
Patriot Guide Service is led by experienced, professional guides who are passionate about fishing, teaching, and creating great days on the water. When you book a trip, you’re fishing with knowledgeable locals who take pride in providing safe, personalized, and memorable guided experiences for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
10/02/26 Lake Vermilion Fishing Report
