07/21/24 Lake Vermilion Fishing Report:

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.

Patriot Guide Service

Patriot Guide Service

man in sunglasses and white ball cap holding a fishing with a lake behind him

06/02/26 Lake Vermilion Fishing Report

The bite continues to improve on Lake Vermilion! While the bite isn’t easy yet, Justin and Bill are putting in the work to put you on quality fish!  EAST END...
Older man in sunglasses and a white baseball cap holding a fish up to the camera. A younger man with a fishing line is in the background smiling, with a lake and tress in the background.

05/26/26 Lake Vermilion Fishing Report

The bite was definitely up and down this week, but the theme was gradual improvement. With the warmer weather that we are experiencing now, the bite will continue to improve...
Older man in sunglasses and hat holding a fish close to the camera in this Lake Vermilion Walleye Fishing Report.

05/19/26 Lake Vermilion Fishing Report:

It’s been a slow start to the 2026 guide season as cool weather has caused the fish to be tight lipped! The good news: warm weather is on the way,...
man in a blue hat and sunglasses holding up a fish close to the camera with clouds and a lake in the background

05/05/26 Lake Vermilion Fishing Opener Prep

We are almost there for Minnesota Walleye Opener! Just 4 more short days! Below is an overview to help you increase your odds to put fish in the boat on...