Fishing continues to improve on Lake Vermilion, with limits of walleyes on the east end becoming the norm!
EAST END WALLEYES: Fishing is now very good for walleyes. Keep driving around until you are on a big school of fish and drop Lindy-Rigs on them. The best bait has usually been a crawler, but leeches and minnows have been working as well. Sand and gravel humps in 17-26’ are where the majority of fish are at, although there are still some fish on the 10-15’ rock piles as well.
WEST END WALLEYES: Bite windows are still an important factor to consider while fishing the west end of the lake. 15-25 foot sand and gravel bars continue to hold the majority of the fish with the best bite window usually being in the morning before 9am. The best way to fish these bars is with a Lindy rig and a crawler, but don’t overlook reaction baits like jigging raps when the bite gets tough.
SMALLMOUTH BASS: Bass fishing continues to be excellent on Lake Vermilion, with lots of action to be had around the majority of the lake. Pitch Ned rigs, jigs, swimbaits, or jerkbaits at tapering rocky shorelines in 6-8 feet of water and you will catch fish. Another excellent way to catch bass is to throw a slip-bobber and a leech on a 6-15 foot rock pile and wait for them to bite.
Fish Lake Vermilion with guides who bring years of hands‑on experience to every trip.
Patriot Guide Service is led by seasoned local guides who understand summer patterns, structure, and fish behavior—providing guided fishing trips for all ages and skill levels that are educational, efficient, and fun.
Fall Cast and Blast Around Lake Vermilion
