09/01/24 Lake Vermilion Fishing Report

The Leadcore bite has slowed down a little bit, but it is still the best way to put big numbers of fish in the boat!

EAST END WALLEYES: Pulling Leadcore continues to be the best way to catch your limits of walleyes. Number 5 Shad Raps and Flicker Shads seem to be the best baits for numbers of fish, while Number 7’s will catch some bigger ones. Some fish can still be caught in 17-26’ on the main lake sand and gravel bars with a Lindy rig and a crawler, and some fish are showing up in the deep holes in 20-30’ with a jig and a minnow. These fish are not as numerous as the Leadcore fish, but the average size is bigger. 

WEST END WALLEYES: Big walleyes continue to relate to the 14-20’ mid-lake sand and gravel bars. Dragging a Lindy Rig and a minnow has been the best way to target these fish. There are some fish periodically showing up in the west side Leadcore areas, but they are hit or miss. There is not a consistent Leadcore pattern on the west end yet. 

SMALLMOUTH BASS: Bass fishing continues to be excellent! Working rocky shorelines and mid-lake rock piles in 6-15 feet will result in the best catches. Swimbaits, Ned Rigs, Creature Baits, and a slip-bobber with live bait are all great ways to put bass in the boat! 

It’s a great time to be at beautiful Lake Vermilion! Book a guided fishing trip with Patriot Guide Service and let a local expert put you on active walleye and bass. Meet our Lake Vermilion guides and see why anglers return year after year.

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...