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Vermilion Lake

Boat Ramps
21
Access Points
21
Species
14

Lake Vermilion is one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations, stretching across 40,000 acres with over 1,200 miles of shoreline and more than 365 islands dotting its surface. As the fifth-largest lake in Minnesota, it consistently ranks among the top fishing spots in North America. This Canadian Shield lake features tannic-stained water dominated by sand, gravel, and rock shorelines that extend to transition zones where the bottom turns muddy, creating diverse habitats that support an abundance of game fish. With its countless bays, points, channels, offshore structures, and secluded fishing spots, Lake Vermilion offers anglers of all skill levels an unparalleled fishing experience in the heart of Minnesota's Arrowhead Region.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Walleye7,500,000 fish · Fry2025
  • Muskellunge3,007 fish · Fingerlings2025
  • Muskellunge754 fish · Fingerlings2025
  • Walleye9,100,000 fish · Fry2024
  • Muskellunge3,017 fish · Fingerlings2024

Source

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Vermilion Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Vermilion Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Minnesota licenses and regulations

Minnesota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Minnesota Fishing License

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

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Minnesota Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Minnesota Stream Access Laws

A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.

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Take Vermilion Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Vermilion Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Vermilion Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Vermilion Lake and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.

Vermilion Lake fishing guides

Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.

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